FULL ON ENTERTAINMENT ......

Rahul breaks Rakhi’s Record!

2009-10-23T17:53:00.001+05:30

NDTV Imagine’s Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega receives 40 % more entries than Rakhi Ka Swayamvar!

NDTV Imagine's upcoming sequel to Rakhi Ka Swayamwar based on Rahul Mahajan's search for his ideal girl, appropriately titled 'Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega', breaks the original show's record even before it's launched!

According to our source, "Rahul Dulhaniya Le Jayega has received 16755 entries in just 25 days! So that's an average of around 670 entries per day. The entries have arrived through phone, email, SMS and even personal deliveries to the NDTV Imagine office in Mumbai. The applicants are an eclectic group. The girls come from diverse fields such as medicine, teaching, engineering, art and some are even students!"

Adds the source, "New Delhi tops the list with 5063 entries whereas Mumbai stands second with 4188 entries. Entries have come in from various other cities including Kolkata, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Nagpur, and Ahmedabad. NRIs too are not far behind with numerous enties pouring in from Dubai, London and USA. The contestants mostly belong within the age group of 22 to 26 years."

Rahul is obviously taken aback but also elated with the response. He says, "I am happy with the response and I'm looking forward to finding my life partner with whom I can begin a new journey."

Dill Mill Gayye gets a time slot change; Ajnabee at 8.30 PM

2009-10-09T19:43:00.002+05:30

Cinevistaas' new show on Star One, Jaane Pehchane Se Yeh Ajnabee will launch on 19th October at the 8.30 PM slot, as a result of which Dill Mill Gayye will be shown at 8 PM...

Star One's new launch Jaane Pehchane Se Yeh Ajnabee, produced by Cinevistaas will launch on October 19th at the 8.30 PM slot. And this means, Dill Mill Gayye, which is also produced by Cinevistaa, which presently is aired at the same time, will be moved to a different time slot.

According to our source from the channel, "Dill Mill Gayye will be shifted to the time slot of 8 PM from October 19th, while the new show of the same production house will launch at the 8.30 PM time slot".

Amitabh Raina, Creative Head, Dill Mill Gayye confirmed the news and said, "Yes, Dill Mill Gayye will now shift to 8 PM from October 19th".

The new show Jaane Pehchane Se Yeh Ajnabee, as reported earlier has Siddharth Shukla of Babul Ka Aangann fame, new face Aditi Tailang and Ajay Balhara.

8th OCTOBER TRP'S (THURSDAY)

2009-10-09T19:41:00.001+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.8

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.2

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 7.9

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 8.2

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 5.9

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.8

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Meera = 3.8

Jyoti = 5.5

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.7

Basera = 4.1

Bandini = 4.9

Pati Patni Aur Woh = 6.5

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 5.2

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.4

Balika Vadhu = 8.9

Bairi Piya = 5.3

Big Boss 3 = 7.5

Uttaran = 7.8

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 7.2

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.5

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.2

Aapki Antara = 6.4

Pavitra Rishta = 8.4

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 8.6

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 5.9

Shree = 5.4

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classic Cases = 2.4

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.9

Ladies Special = 2.7

Bayttab Dil Ki Tamanna Hai = 4.3

Pyar Ka Bandhan = 3.2

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 1.1

Ganesh Leela = 1.2

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.5

Doli Saja Ke = 1.2

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.1

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.8

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 4.0

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.3

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 3.1

Big Boss 3 Contestant Claudia Ciesla in a Desi look

2009-10-07T13:12:00.002+05:30

Ranbir turns statue for 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani'

2009-10-07T13:11:00.003+05:30

Ranbir Kapoor had to pose like a statue in his forthcoming release 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani' and makeup man Vikram Gaikwad spent four hours to turn the actor into a sculpted figure.

Ranbir Kapoor had to poselike a statue in his forthcoming release 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani' and makeup man Vikram Gaikwad spent four hours to turn the actor into a sculpted figure.

In the film, Ranbir has the habit of talking to an icon that stands in the centre of the town and one day he realises it looks like him. And for that particular scene, he had needed the makeover.

'Once the make up was done, Ranbir would have to just stand till the shot was canned and that took hours. But it was a very tedious and tiring process but Ranbir did it very enthusiastically,' said a source.
After the shot Ranbir would want move around all the time. 'Standing like a stone, it made Ranbir realise the value of freedom,' said the source.

6th OCTOBER TRP'S (TUESDAY)

2009-10-07T13:09:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.9

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.1

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 7.8

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 7.5

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 5.9

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.5

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Meera = 3.6

Jyoti = 4.9

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.5

Basera = 4.2

Bandini = 4.8

Pati Patni Aur Woh = 6.2

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.8

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.3

Balika Vadhu = 8.8

Bairi Piya = 4.9

Big Boss 3 = 6.5

Uttaran = 7.6

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 7.5

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.2

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.2

Aapki Antara = 6.1

Pavitra Rishta = 7.6

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 8.1

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 5.8

Shree = 5.1

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

10 Ka Dum = 2.9

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.4

CID Classic Cases = 3.7

Bayttab Dil Ki Tamanna Hai = 2.9

Pyar Ka Bandhan = 2.7

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.9

Ganesh Leela = 1.1

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.6

Doli Saja Ke = 1.3

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.4

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.9

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 4.1

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.2

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.9

'I was the Sone ki ande dene wali murgi for my mom' - Rakhi Sawant

2009-10-07T13:06:00.001+05:30

Rakhi Sawant on her mother Jaya Sawant's entry into the Bigg Boss house...

Rakhi Sawant, who has just got back after shooting for NDTV Imagine's Pati Patni aur Woh is pretty much shocked to see her mother Jaya Sawant in the Bigg Boss house.

Admitting to the problems that the daughter and mother had earlier, Rakhi states, "Yes, it is true that my mother and I had some problems. But here we have a third party taking advantage of the whole situation. I was extremely shocked to see my mother in the Bigg Boss house. I never knew she is going to be seen there".

Rakhi however, is glad that her mother will now know her real value. "She will now understand how I have struggled in reality shows like Bigg Boss to earn all the money I did. It's not easy to live in the house where one day is equal to living one year. Bigg Boss literally takes the life out of you and tortures you mentally. One will not be allowed to sleep, laugh or even cry", expresses Rakhi.

Ask her whether she has seen her mother cry in the house praying for her daughter's well being, Rakhi says, "This is not new to me. I have grown up seeing her cry for every small thing. Having said this, I appeal to the junta not to judge anyone based on his/her tears. Before coming to a judgment, please do hear what I have to say about the whole thing. Which daughter would want to live away from her family and spend a life all alone? I have struggled all my life and have gone thro' all hardships. I have sacrificed a lot for my mother, sister, brother, bhabhi and their kids all my life. I moved away from them only when I was tired living my life for them. Tell me, why will my mother not cry? For her, I am a 'Sone ka ande dene wali murgi'. She was the reason why Abhishek and I parted ways. She did not want anyone to be close with me; she just wanted to use me to the fullest. I make a plea to the junta not to go by my fashion, bold look, but see my heart which is pure".

Rakhi goes on. "I am concerned about my mother's health. She has a lot of health problems; she has this diabetes problem, has low BP and gets headache quite frequently. She has to sleep for at least two hours in the afternoon so that she is fresh. She needs injections and medications whenever ill. Above all, I fear that being in the Bigg Boss house she might open up and say many things against me which will eventually hurt me. But I know I am on the right path, and have been forgiven by Jesus for the sins I have committed earlier. I have proven to be a good daughter, and I was a good mother too in the show Pati Patni aur Woh".

Rakhi Sawant had a message for Big B too. "Being the host of the show means that, you have taken a big responsibility on your shoulders. The manner in which Big B welcomed all the guests, with so much humility even after being the Superstar was nice to watch. I have never seen an anchor like this before. I even remember the incident when my mother's mother was admitted in Breach Candy Hospital years back, and was in need of 2 Lakhs ofr a surgery, and Amitabh ji had given us the money then. I again seek his help to take care of my mother in the house. She needs his help for survival in the house; I request him to take care of her health. She does not even know to talk English. She has gathered all the confidence and gone there. I don't know whether her real motive in going there is to talk ill of me, or it is to make money. Whatever be the motive, I am very proud of my mother. I love her, and I would request my fans and public to give her all the support and votes that they have showered on me from time to time".

Lastly, talking about the best people who are suited to be in the house, Rakhi states "Every minister of our country should be caught and thrown into the house, so that he/she calms down and gets better. This way our country will also improve".

I don't believe in caste system, says Rahul....

2009-10-07T12:58:00.001+05:30

Brushing aside opposition's criticism that his visits to dalit households was a political stunt, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he doesn't believe in the caste system and his purpose was to reach out to the poor people.

"I personally don't believe in caste system...I go to a human being's house and not a dalit's house," he told mediapersons in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said it was the media which saw his trips to rural households as visits to dalit houses.

"The frame of dalit is your frame, not mine...I ask my office to arrange for my visit to a poor person's home in the poorest village. You see him as a dalit, I see him as a poor person," he said.

He said he meets a tea vendor and a university student on the same lines. "I don't ask him (tea stall vendor) whether he is a dalit...the difference is in the opportunities. They are as intelligent and as smart as you, but had no opportunity to go to a university-- that is the only difference," he said.

Replying to a question, he said his learning process will end the day 'I die.'

"The day I die I will stop learning. I hope I will continue to learn till the day I die," he said, adding, "learning is action and action is learning."

To a poser on the reaction of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on his visits to poor households, he said he would continue with his programme despite protests by the Bahujan Samaj Party chief.

Sophie Chaudhary Sizzles on Maxim.....

2009-10-06T13:49:00.002+05:30

Mughda godse at the music release of Jail

2009-10-06T13:47:00.002+05:30

Priyanka chopra at the music launch of Jail...

2009-10-06T13:45:00.001+05:30

Genelia D’souza at Spinz perfume launch...

2009-10-06T13:29:00.001+05:30

Genelia D’souza graces the Spinz perfume launch at Lower Parel

5th OCTOBER TRP'S (MONDAY)

2009-10-06T13:27:00.001+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.7

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 4.4

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 6.9

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 7.5

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 4.8

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 2.8

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Meera = 2.5

Jyoti = 3.8

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 3.6

Basera = 3.1

Bandini = 3.9

Pati Patni Aur Woh = 4.9

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 3.4

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 2.2

Balika Vadhu = 7.6

Bairi Piya = 4.6

Big Boss 3 = 5.9

Uttaran = 7.5

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 7.1

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 7.4

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.3

Aapki Antara = 5.5

Pavitra Rishta = 7.2

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 7.1

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 5.2

Shree = 4.5

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 2.5

Palampur Express = 1.6

Bhaskar Bharti = 1.9

Ladies Special = 1.5

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 2.9

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.9

Ganesh Leela = 1.2

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.4

Doli Saja Ke = 1.1

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.2

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.3

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.1

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 2.7

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.5

A smile that didn't come easy....

2009-10-06T13:18:00.001+05:30

Thanks to Slumdog Millionaire's dominating performance at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony this February, 2009 will forever be remembered as the year India mesmerised hearts and minds at the Oscars.

But it's a lesser known India-focused 2009 Oscar winner -- a 40 minute documentary by US documentarian Megan Mylan on Smile Train's [an international charity that provides cleft lip and cleft palate surgery to children in need] operations -- that might be remembered as having had a greater impact.

Smile Pinki follows the journey of Pinki Sonkar, a young girl from Dabai village in rural Uttar Pradesh, as she is swept up by Smile Train professionals and quite literally given a new lease on life.

Like some 300,000 young impoverished children around the world before them, Pinki and her pal Ghutaru are both given free cleft palate surgeries at a hospital in Varanasi, by the selfless Dr Subodh Kumar Singh.

Mylan faithfully captures every aspect of the experience, in Bhojpuri and Hindi, with English subtitles.

Pinki's painfully ostracised by others in her village, who view her cleft as some sort of horrible, karma-driven affliction. A tender 7-year-old, she's not attending school and her parents seem to think her cross is one that must be bared permanently.

That's when Pankaj -- a social worker who does rounds in UP villages, preaching the Smile Train gospel -- shows up and offers Pinki's parents the offer of a lifetime.

Desperate India take on Windies, pray for a Pakistan win....

2009-09-30T10:59:00.002+05:30

Their survival hinging on a favourable result elsewhere, India take on West Indies in a must-win match at Johannesburg on Wednesday, hoping that arch-rivals Pakistan do them a favour by beating Australia in their final group A engagament of the Champions Trophy .

India approach Wednesday's game against the West Indies with a prayer on the lips that Pakistan would somehow prevail over Australia by a big margin in the day's first game in Centurion.

If it happens, India would need to up their net run-rate dramatically, besides winning the match, to stand a chance of making the last-four stage.

India presently has a net run-rate of -1.08 whereas Australia has a massive advantage of +1.00 in their favour.

Australia won their opening game against the West Indies by 50 runs and India lost theirs by 54 runs.

So if India is to go past Australia's net run-rate, they ought to cover the difference of 104 runs between the two teams.

For instance, if Australia lose their game by 25 runs, India needs to win theirs against the West Indies by 80 runs to prevail and go through to the semi-finals.

However, if Australia bat first and score 250 runs, India need to get their runs inside 40 overs for them to go through.

Clearly such complications don't bode good things for India.

West Indies, despite missing most of their key players due to the ongoing contracts dispute, are no pushovers.

In their first game against Pakistan, they had the latter on ropes after Younus Khan's team had set itself up for a small chase. Pakistan, at one stage were reeling at 76 for 5, chasing 134 to win, when Umar Akmal bailed them out with his sensible batting.

In their second game, West Indies first had Australia on the backfoot and later in the evening, they batted beyond their skins to give the world champions a true scare.

Their fast bowling unit is more than competent which has settled itself nicely at the Wanderers.

India's bowling worries would also ease at the Wanderers where the pitch has consistently afforded bounce even though the swing factor isn't on. They quickly need to adapt themselves.

India's bowling could go unchanged despite the fact that having a five-strong attack did little to stop the Aussie batting from notching up 234 runs in 42 over.

Ishant Sharma too seems very low on confidence and was hammered by Australian batsmen last night.

It would not come as a surprise if he is rested though the bounce at the Wanderers pitch might as well give the lanky pacer a shot in the arm.

Batting hasn't done too badly and the experienced line-up, despite missing the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag , shouldn't find it tough to negotiate what is esssentially a second-string attack.

Even with their fighting spirit, West Indies are a rag-tag side and it would be interesting to see how they keep themselves motivated in an inconsequential game for them as they are already out of semifinal contention after their losses to Australia and Pakistan.

Teams:

India: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (C), Rahul Dravid , Sachin Tendulkar , Gautam Gambhir , Harbhajan Singh , Dinesh Karthik , Virat Kohli , Praveen Kumar , Amit Mishra , Abhishek Nayar , Ashish Nehra , Yusuf Pathan , Suresh Raina , Ishant Sharma, RP Singh .

West Indies: Floyd Reifer (C), Darren Sammy, David Bernard, Tino Best, Royston Crandon, Travis Dowlin, Andre Fletcher, Kevin McClean, Nikita Miller, Kieran Powell, Dale Richards, Kemar Roach, Devon Smith , Gavin Tonge, Chadwick Walton, Daren Powell .

29th SEPTEMBER TRP'S ( TUESDAY )

2009-09-30T10:57:00.002+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.4

Aap Ki Kachehri = 3.5

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.2

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 7.1

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 7.9

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 5.6

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.2

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Meera = 3.2

Jyoti = 5.2

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.6

Basera = 4.1

Bandini = 4.9

Pati Patni Aur Woh = 6.4

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.4

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.1

Balika Vadhu = 7.9

Bairi Piya = 4.8

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 6.2

Uttaran = 7.2

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 7.1

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 7.5

Jhansi Ki Rani = 5.8

Aapki Antara = 5.9

Pavitra Rishta = 7.6

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 7.4

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 5.6

Shree = 4.6

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 2.4

Palampur Express = 1.6

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.1

Ladies Special = 1.8

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 2.5

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.8

Ganesh Leela = 1.3

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.5

Doli Saja Ke = 1.4

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.0

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 4.1

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.9

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.4

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 3.1

Dope tests conducted on Afridi, Malik....

2009-09-30T10:55:00.002+05:30

Pakistan all rounders Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik underwent regular dope tests in Johannesburg.

This was the second such test conducted on Malik in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy , The News reports.

Earlier, similar tests were also conducted on tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif .

It may be noted that Asif had tested positive for nandrolone twice before.

The Pakistani team is still undecided whether to give Asif a chance or not in the eight nation tournament.

While both coach Intikhab Alam and captain Younis Khan have already clarified that they are not expecting wonders from Asif, who was once even compared with Australian great Glenn McGrath, it would be interesting to see whether the team management risks playing a bowler coming out of a ban.

"He is coming back after one year and it's not an easy thing to do. We don't expect him to take five or six wickets the moment he plays international cricket, it's not fair," Khan had said before leaving for South Africa .

Asif was banned from international cricket for one year after failing a dope test. His career had plummeted after he failed a dope test during the Indian Premier League's (IPL) inaugural season.

He was also detained at the Dubai airport for 19 days for carrying an illegal substance (opium) while returning from India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had also slapped a fine of one million rupees on Asif for his Dubai 'misadventure'.

Chasing Julia Roberts in Pataudi...

2009-09-30T10:54:00.002+05:30

Matthew Schneeberger in Pataudi

"She's the star of Pretty Woman. She won an Oscar. She's very, very famous. Hurry! I have to see her today," I told Mishra, my inimitable Delhi-born taxi-wallah, as we sped down the National Highway 8, with the shimmering glass skyline of corporate Gurgaon, in Haryana, in the rear-view mirror and dusty, rural India in front of us.

"Pretty woman. Hmm. You want a pretty woman, sir? I can arrange this," he dutifully informed me. "Nepali, Indian, gori."

"No, Mishra! Never mind. To Pataudi!"

We presented quite the duo, the pair of us: I, the intrepid American-turned-desi journalist battling food poisoning and bad Hindi, and he, the 5'3 taxi-wallah with dubious English and remarkable driving skills.

We were on the trail of Julia Roberts, one of Hollywood's leading ladies, star of Pretty Woman and Erin Brockavich. For, if you don't know by now, the illustrious Ms Roberts is indeed in India.

The 41-year-old is here to shoot for the Hollywood film Eat, Pray, Love, the film adaptation of American Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir of the same name. In the film, Roberts plays the then 35-year-old Gilbert -- a soul-searching, NYC-based writer, who, in the wake of a bitter divorce undertakes a year-long sojourn to eat in Italy, pray in India and love in Indonesia.

Will Pakistan bat for India against Australia?

2009-09-30T10:53:00.002+05:30

A billion Indians, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, are hoping Pakistan will take their game against Australia seriously and not look to experiment.

The Australia-Pakistan Group A match in the ICC Champions Trophy on Wednesday assumes tremendous importance for India.

If Pakistan defeats Australia by a good margin and India also does the same against the West Indies, then both the neighbours will advance to the semi-finals.

However, Dhoni is worried that Pakistan may rest a few top players and give the bench strength a look in.

"Now that they have qualified, they could be looking to experiment with their bench strength. It depends on what they want to get out of tomorrow's game," Dhoni said.

"Unfortunately, not everything is in your hand. Lot of things need to happen: Pakistan to win, we to beat West Indies and net run-rate," he added.

Air India pilots call off strike

2009-09-30T10:52:00.002+05:30

Strike by Air India executive pilots was called off on Wednesday even as the airline cancelled over 30 flights across the country.

The government had earlier warned that the management was free to take any action against them.

The airline had cancelled 19 domestic and two international flights to Kabul and Kathmandu from Delhi besides some flights from Mumbai , Chennai and Kolkata .

The pilots' agitation, which entered the fifth day on Wednesday, had forced the airline to cancel over 240 flights in the last four day.

About 200 Air India pilots had reported "sick" since Saturday in protest against a 50 per cent cut in their productivity-linked incentives and payment of their due flying allowance of three months.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on Tuesday had appealed to the striking pilots to return to work.

Air India chairman and managing director Arvind Jadhav said that the PLI and allowance of July has been paid and it will reflect in the account of pilots by October 6 or 7.

Hema and Shatru get better with age!

2009-09-30T10:47:00.001+05:30

Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini prove that age has only made them better on the sets of Sony TV’s Dus Ka Dum.

If anybody thought passing years is a curse to mankind, Hema Malini and Shatrughan Sinha's behavior on the sets of Sony TV's 10 Ka Dum would come as a pleasant surprise.

Says our source, "Hema Malini and Shatrughan Sinha were so enthusiastic, it was infectious! During a segment similar to rapid fire rounds…both of them were as quick as school kids. Not just their energy, but their laughter and banter about the old days made the whole atmosphere charged with fun."

There was even a cool section of dialogue delivery. Says the source, "Hema Malini delighted the audience with her dialogues as Basanti from Sholay. It was breathtaking. She still had the same aura of mischief mixed with innocence."

Shatrughan Sinha on the other hand proved that his brains are just as sharp as good old days of youth. According to our source, "He raced through a long tongue-twister of a dialogue from a film he had done 30 years ago!"

Apparently Shatrughan also flaunted the attire he had worn for the evening. Our source says, "Shatru took pleasure in explaining the fact that his black suit with red scarf is his latest 'Jinnah' look."

We just hope that his 'Jinnah' look does not hurt his political career!

Kareena, Saif grace GQ Man of the Year Awards....

2009-09-29T16:38:00.000+05:30

28th SEPTEMBER TRP'S

2009-09-29T16:28:00.000+05:30

YESTERDAY DUSSHERA WAS CELEBRATED WORLDWIDE WHICH LEADS TO THE DECLINE IN THE TRP'S.......

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 1.9

Aap Ki Kachehri 2 = 2.4

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 3.8

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 5.8

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 6.5

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 4.1

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 2.1

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Meera = 2.7

Jyoti = 3.5

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 3.3

Basera = 3.2

Bandini = 3.8

Pati Patni Aur Woh = 4.5

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 2.8

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 2.1

Balika Vadhu = 6.6

Bairi Piya = 3.1

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 3.5

Uttaran = 4.8

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 4.9

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 5.4

Aapki Antara = 4.1

Pavitra Rishta = 5.5

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 5.1

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 4.2

Shree = 3.5

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 1.8

Palampur Express = 1.4

Bhaskar Bharti = 1.8

Ladies Special = 1.5

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 2.2

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.5

Ganesh Leela = 0.8

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.1

Doli Saja Ke = 0.7

Mata Ki Chowki = 0.5

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 2.2

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 2.5

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 1.7

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 1.4

Vodafone is the most admired mobile services brand...

2009-09-29T16:27:00.002+05:30

Vodafone has been recognised as the most admired mobile service brand online in India followed by Tata Indicom and Aircel, a survey said.

A pan-India survey conducted by Drizzlin Media, a Branding 2.0 consultancy that audited over 1,600 relevant conversations of the 7,000 conversations' sampled around India's top 10 telecom brands shows that Reliance Mobile emerged as the least admired brand.

The survey was conducted over ten telecom brands including Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular , Tata Indicom, Aircel, Reliance, BSNL, MTNL , Spice and Loop Mobile.

The conversations were spread over various online venues and included blogs, forums, micro blogs such as Twitter, social networks such as Facebook and Orkut, YouTube and Mouthshut.com, a consumer review site.

Each of the conversations was valued on its tonality-either positive or negative. The top telecom brands were then graded and ranked according to online popularity to derive 'The most admired mobile service brand online'.

BSNL mobile's products and services were the most admired online while Vodafone appeared at the bottom of the stack. Vodafone's advertisements and promotions were the most admired online and BSNL mobile services were the least admired, the survey said.

MTNL mobile services scored the highest in customer service rankings, while Vodafone was rated the worst with
netizens. Tata Indicom's network coverage was the most admired, while Loop Mobile's was the least admired, it said.

BSNL mobile was the most favoured when it came to tariffs and billing while Airtel scored the least. Tata Indicom ranked the highest in brand affinity whereas Aircel lagged behind, the survey said.

Most telecom companies have a limited engagement with their customers online. Telecom companies that do use social
networking sites use the mediums, more as a promotional tool rather than an engagement platform, it said.

"We chose to analyse the buzz around telecom companies in India as the first of our surveys since telecom is a
consumer intensive industry," Drizzlin's chief executive officer, Deepak Goel said.

"Since the industry is so competitive, it becomes essential for telecom companies in India to understand what their consumers say about them online as it directly impacts subscriber numbers, reputation and revenues," Goel said.

'Sensex to touch 19K in 2010'

2009-09-29T16:26:00.002+05:30

The BSE Sensex is poised to touch the 19000-mark in 2010 fuelled by global equities' rising growth premium, favourable demographics, diminished policy risks and inexpensive valuations of Indian stocks.

Prabhudas Lilladher, a leading equity research and brokerage firm for foreign institutional investors, said in its 'India Equity Strategy' report that Indian equities were on a long-term bull phase.

It said the Indian equity market was amongst the few markets around the world, which was poised to advance on a long-term bull phase over the next several years.

Besides the Sensex, the PL research report said the NSE Nifty would touch 5600 next year.

The report said one of the most important factors behind the bullish outlook was the huge proportion of Indian youth which had placed the country in a favourable demographic position vis-a-vis other countries.

This would result in a strong earnings growth outlook, the report said.

The real GDP growth would be in the vicinity of six to eight per cent over the next five years, with the prospective nominal GDP growth around 10 per cent, according to PL research estimates.

The PL research GDP growth forecast was based on the considerations that the average growth rate of labour force would be high, a strong potential for financial deepening, lower inflation and increased infrastructure spending.

The report, however, said the Indian market was not without risks.

It said the most notable risk was of policy slippages or policy mistakes.

The other risk factors, included uncontrolled rise in public debt, corruption, geopolitical tensions on the Indian sub-continent and water shortages.

Going forward, the PL research said real interest rates were expected to remain at modest levels on account of capital flows outlook, both FII and foreign direct investment, into the country.

The favoured long-term sectors, according to PL were those of infrastructure, media, retail, financial services and education.

Vijender becomes world number one....

2009-09-29T16:23:00.004+05:30

Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist Vijender Singh has achieved yet another first for Indian boxing by becoming the world's top-ranked pugilist in the middle weight (75kg) category.

The 23-year-old Bhiwani boxer, who won India's maiden World Championships medal in Milan earlier this month, has 200 points and is ranked higher than the reigning champion Abbos Atoev of Uzbekistan.

Atoev, to whom Vijender lost in the World Championship semifinals, is third in the list with 2100 points and Olympic silver medallist Emilio Correa Bayeux (2500) of Cuba occupies the second spot in the International Boxing Association's (AIBA) list updated after the Milan event.

"I am obviously elated at being ranked the highest in the world. It's a fantastic feeling and would motivate me to do better in future events," Vijender, who broke India's Olympic jinx with his bronze in the Beijing Olympics , told PTI.

Among the other Indians, former world youth champion Thokchom Nanao Singh has slipped three places to eighth with 1400 points in the light fly weight (48kg) category.

Nanao, a silver medallist in this year's Asian Championships in China, lost in the second round of the World Championships.

Olympian Akhil Kumar , whose World Championships campaign was cut short in the first round itself due to a wrist injury, has gone down a rung to 10th in feather weight (57kg) category with 1050 points.

Fellow Olympian Jitender Kumar (54kg) also lost some ground because of his first-round exit in Milan as he dropped a place to 14th with 838 points.

Suranjoy Singh was 17th in the fly weight (51kg) category rankings.

World Championship quarterfinalist Dinesh Kumar held on to his sixth spot with 1550 points in the light weight (81kg) category.

Big drama in COLORS' Bhagyavidhaata...

2009-09-29T16:23:00.002+05:30

There will be an unexpected twist in COLORS' Bhagyavidhaata, which is focusing on the twin marriages of Poonam and Rekha...

COLORS' Sabki Jodi Wahi Banaata..Bhagyavidhaata, produced by Shreya Creations is presently focusing on the twin marriages that are to happen in the Sinha family. While Vimlesh (Yash Sinha) is getting married to Bindiya's sister Poonam (Pooja Yadav), Tilori Bua's daughter Rekha's wedding is also fixed.

However, there is a major twist to be expected in the show during the wedding. For the uninitiated, the groom Ajit who has been brought in to marry Rekha has been abducted by Raja (Prakash Jais) under the guidance of Poonpoon wali bahu (Smita Singh) and Siddheshwar Sinha (Bharat Kapoor).

According to our source, "There is major drama to happen just before the wedding of Rekha and Poonam. Rekha's abducted groom and his family will run away at the last minute, which will come as a shock to Siddheshwar Sinha and Raja. This will give rise to a major twist where Akhilesh Sinha (Susheel Singh), the elder son of the Sinha family will then force Raja, Bindiya's brother to marry Rekha. He pressurizes him citing that the future of both his sisters, Bindiya and Poonam is in trouble".

"The viewers will be kept in dark, and it will be shown as though Poonam and Rekha's marriage happens smoothly. Only after the marriage will all get to know that the groom who has eventually married Rekha is Raja, and not Ajit", informs our source.

This revelation will bring in more turbulence, and viewers will be seeing big drama in the show. The ratings of Bhagyavidhaata has been on the rise for quite some time now, and the drama that lies ahead will surely do good for the ratings.

Watch out for some interesting twists in COLORS' Bhagyavidhaata..

I have been endowed this responsibility by Lord himself - Rakhi Sawant

2009-09-29T16:14:00.001+05:30

Rakhi Sawant now plans to make a story on Jesus Christ and is in talks with NDTV Imagine.. Here is the lady in conversation...

Trust Rakhi Sawant to always shock you!! After attempting to get married on National Television, this item girl is now turning holy and plans to make a TV show on Jesus Christ.

Here is Rakhi in conversation as she speaks about her new production house, her new show and much more..

Are you making a show on Jesus Christ?
Yes I feel that I have been endowed with this special responsibility by the Lord himself to tell his story. The world needs to understand that evil is on the rise and good is on the wane. And we should increase our bank balance of good, as on the day of reckoning all our wealth will not count and only our deeds will matter.

It is said that you might play Mother Mary, but will it gel with your image?
I might cast somebody else in such a situation. I am proud of my item girl image and will continue to follow the same even after the show. Also, I hope to find some good actor for essaying Lord Christ. My first bet would be Salman Khan but he is busy.

Have you approached any channel?
I am in talks with NDTV Imagine, they are my Maayka and I hope they will approve. Having said that I am not really bothered, as I believe that the Lord himself will make things happen. He will find an appropriate channel and caste. I am just a mere contractor who is doing the Lord's bidding.

Such shows often lead to controversy?
I will not attack any body. I will just attempt to portray the true message of Jesus which is love and compassion to all. And why single me out? Have not others made shows on mytho and religious figures?

You had claimed that Jesus has changed you, how?
I am now more balanced. I feel peace with myself. I do more social work and charity.

When will the show come on air?
I have just started talking to my production house. I have set up an office. My research team is in place. It will take time as I have to make sure there are no bloopers and for me this show is a subject of faith. It will take time but I am sure all will appreciate the final product.

Come clean about your equation with Elesh, is it off?
No comments.

How was the experience of doing Pati Patni Aur Woh?
It was the toughest show I have ever done. I am annoyed with the concept as well. I had to cut my hair for this show. Taking care of the children was hell as they would just not stop crying. The 19 year old daughter I was given was completely western in attitude. She seems a carbon copy of Elesh, once or twice I even wanted to clip her. I better not say much. Rather you watch the show and you will understand everything including the problems between Elesh and me as well.

Will you continue to do reality shows?
Yes. But I am now tired of couple concepts, I will prefer single stuff.

27th SEPTEMBER TRP'S

2009-09-28T10:08:00.001+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Baa Bahoo Aur Baby = 2.4

Tere Mere Beach Mein = 3.6

The Perfect Bride = 2.5

NDTV IMAGINE :-

RAMAYAN = 2.5

Deccan Chargers Inter-school Challenge = 1.2

BHOOTHNATH = 3.1

COLORS :-

Kahaniya Vikram Aur Betaal Ki = 1.7

Rocks India = 2.1

Rin Presents 100% - De Dhana Dhan = 3.1

KOI AANE KO HAI = 3.6

ZEE TV :-

MOVIE = 3.5

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham = 3.7

SAHARA ONE :-

MOVIE = 1.8

Mallika sherawat on the cover of Filmfare Canada....

2009-09-28T10:07:00.003+05:30

With her arms akimbo and her tresses curling down over her slender shoulders, Mallika Sherawat looks every bit a diva in the shimmering sky blue dress on the cover of the October-November edition of Canadian magazine ‘Bollywood Film-Fare Canada’.

Kajol and Rani Mukherjee at Durga Puja Festival....

2009-09-28T10:03:00.001+05:30

Salman's WANTED beats Aamir-Asin starrer GHAJINI!

2009-09-28T10:02:00.001+05:30

The much hyped Eid battle between Salman Khan's WANTED and the Shahid-Rani starrer, DIL BOLE HADIPPA, is turning out to be quite one-sided in favour of WANTED. In fact WANTED has now started smashing some of the records of the All Time Blockbuster, Aamir Khan's GHAJINI.

This Monday saw WANTED netting around 7.35 crore from India, which is more than the corresponding total of GHAJINI on its first Monday. Not only that, on Tuesday WANTED once again netted around 6 crores, which is just about the same as that of GHAJINI at the same juncture.

Of course the collections of GHAJINI were much higher than WANTED, during the first weekend, but what should be kept in mind is that GHAJINI had released during the Christmas festival and winter vacations, while WANTED released during the lean fasting period of Ramzaan and Navratra. So, the stats cannot be compared.

However one way or the other, we are sure that Aamir Khan will be very happy with his friend's scintillating comeback via WANTED.

As a Muslim I feel proud I did 'Kurbaan': Saif Ali Khan

2009-09-28T10:01:00.001+05:30

His 'Love Aaj Kal' has completed 50 days at the box office and has earned more than Rs.65 crores (Rs.650 million) just within India. Now actor-producer Saif Ali Khan is looking forward to 'Kurbaan' - a film he admits he is proud of having acted in being a Muslim.

'As a Muslim I feel proud of the fact that I have done this film. This is one of the most socially relevant films today. It is good that it is coming at just the time when our country needs cinema like this,' Saif told IANS in an interview.

Set in the US, 'Kurbaan' is a romantic thriller with terrorism as its backdrop. A Karan Johar production directed by debutant Rensil D'Silva, 'Kurbaan' also stars Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi, Dia Mirza, Kirron Kher and Om Puri. It is slated to release Nov 27.

Saif reveals that he now has a new career plan in place. 'I would now be working on two-three films a year and make sure that I cover a wide spectrum. While a couple of them would be big, nice commercial films, another would be a relatively smaller film that can be completed in 30 days flat.'

After 'Love Aaj Kal', his next production venture is 'Agent Vinod'. But shooting for the film is still a little distance away.

'Final touches on the script are being given and we have been looking at getting the best technicians on board. I guess by the end of this year, we should begin shooting.

'In any case I am in no tearing hurry to ready my next film. One should space things out, invest good time to publicise things and get the right preparation in place for the making of the film,' said Saif.

He is also careful that his personal life, especially his health, doesn't suffer due to his professional commitments.

'It is of paramount importance that one looks after the body as well as brain. I go to the gym regularly as well as spend some good time with family. As far as work is concerned, I have certainly become even more serious about production after 'Love Aaj Kal'.

'We have learnt quite some lessons after the release of our first film and the idea is to leverage from some mistakes that we may have made. My investment as a producer is bound to increase from here on.'

Meanwhile, the success of 'Love Aaj Kal' and 'Race' (2008) have made it closer for him to the top-five league. While Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Hrithik Roshan and Salman Khan are firmly placed in the top league, Saif too is not that far away.

'I don't know much about that. All such number placements are for other people to state, study and analyse. As for me, I know today that I'm in a position to make the film that I want to make. I am also confident that the film I would make will carry some meaning to people. My project should now carry certain amount of weight and direction and for that one has to be a bankable star.'

He continues to shrug away the entire numbers game.

'This number business is quite fluctuating actually; so one should not be worried about it. What you should worry about more is that now since people have higher expectations from you, you should deliver even better in your next assignments,' Saif said.

India face Australia in a do-or-die match....

2009-09-28T10:00:00.002+05:30

Centurion: After a dissapointing loss against Pakistan, India will take on defending champions Australia in a must-win ICC Champions Trophy Group A game at SuperSport Park on Monday.

India could have won the match against Pakistan but missed the presence of a part-time bowler. It is now time for India to regroup and come out with a better game plan against Australia.

But skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni has quite a few problems to sort out before his boys take the field on Monday. His frontline bowlers, too, had failed to click against Pakistan.

The Indians didn't bowl according to the set field and allowed the Pakistani batsmen to score freely on both sides of the wicket. They can't afford the same mistake against Australia.

So furious was Dhoni with their performance that he said his front line bowlers were reduced to just part-timers.

"It seemed we had three or four part-time bowlers. You cannot set a field for bad bowling," he maintained.

Given the slowness of the SuperSport Park track, Dhoni may opt for an extra spinner in leggie Amit Mishra in place of an unimpressive Rudra Pratap Singh. The India captain is also likely to go in with an extra batsman and all-rounder in Abhishek Nayar, who can be useful with his medium pace and may come in for Virat Kohli.

India also need to think about their batting. Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid and Suresh Raina all got starts but failed to convert them into big scores while chasing a 300-plus target.

Dhoni would also hope Dravid is fit for the game against Australia. Dravid injured himself while stretching to reach the crease during his run-out dismissal.

For Australia, it will be a tricky task to adjust to a slow SuperSport track from a pacy Wanderers strip. Australia are better placed than India, but their win against the West Indies was far from being impressive.

West Indies put up a spirited performance but the defending champions survived the scare. The Australian middle-order has been wobbly but the return of vice-captain Michael Clarke will strengthen the line-up.

The formidable Ausssie bowling attack, spearheaded by Brett Lee, will also be put to test against India. While Lee and Mitchell Johnson can be deadly with their swing, Peter Siddle can cause some damage with his raw pace.

Condoms are cool in the Capital....

2009-09-28T09:59:00.000+05:30

From desktop applications to "condom parties" - condoms have gone from the most embarassing six letter word to possibly the coolest word in town.

It started when a condom brand launched www.sendsomerubber.

com, a site that lets you send an application to friends which ensures that, whenever your friend chats about sex online or types out "sexy" words such as '69' or 'horny', a condom drops onto the screen with a message to promote safe sex. Peter McCann of Ansell Ltd, who is associated with the project, explains, "Sendsomerubber is an initiative to bring forth a message of safe sex.

" With 66,648 online rubbers already sent, the application seems to be a hit. On Facebook, an application named 'Send Your Friend A Condom' has over 30,000 users.

That's not all. Recently, a 'Cocktails and Kondoms' party was held at a popular nightspot in Delhi, with an aim to create awareness for safe sex among partygoers.

And, actor Ronit Roy, launched 'LOVE Condom', a campaign to promote AIDS awareness, in the Capital a few months ago. He said this generation is open about talking about sex and protection, "I've seen people go to chemists and ask for condoms in a hushed tone, but this generation is different".

Kaminey's Fatak song, which had actor Shahid Kapoor dressed up as a giant condom, has also been hailed for its message of safe sex.

Mobile phone to verify your Indian identity: Nilekani

2009-09-28T09:55:00.001+05:30

Move over passport and PAN card! Identity authentication at banks, gas connection centres or while providing rural jobs will just be an SMS away, Unique Identification Authority chief Nandan Nilekani said Saturday.

'Our project will provide a unique identification (UID) number, not a card. The authentication will be made by using mobile phones,' Nilekani said.

'Once the numbers are issued, we will go for online authentication. Lets say, you are asking for a job under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). The authorities will send your UID number to the designated points through mobile phone message. A message will be returned saying 'Yes' or 'No',' Nilekani said.

'The fingerprint of the person can be sent to the central database and receive the authentication within minutes. This will verify whether you are the person you are claiming to be,' the former Infosys managing director said, delivering the Foundation Day lecture of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

'This will not require much personal details to be divulged. It will help provide portability to our farmers, labourers. When they move from state to state, this UID will help them get employment without hassles.'

He said banks, mobile service providers, LPG gas connection counters and many more partner organisations can use this UID to verify their customer. 'With the growing mobile phone network, this will become an easy process for authorities to verify people.'

He said his team will roll out the first batch of UIDs in the next 12 to 18 months. 'In five years from now, we will issue at least 600 million UIDs,' he added.

'It will cut down the fake or duplicate records. This will enhance the efficiency of flagship programmes like NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) and other such projects,' Nilekani stressed.

He said later when banks or other such organisations seek to identify their possible customers, 'they will be charged to recover the cost'.

He said the Unique Identification Project (UIP) is a 'huge challenge'.

'Providing UID to 1.2 billion people is a huge challenge. There will be security issues too. I think this project is 10 times bigger than any such ongoing task in the world.'

A look at Microsoft's new tablet PC....

2009-09-28T09:42:00.002+05:30

Microsoft is developing a tablet personal computer Courier, a move that could put the software major in competition with the planned tablet from Apple.

A tablet personal computer generally refers to a laptop which has a touch screen for operating the device, in place of a keyboard or mouse.

"It feels like the whole world is holding its breath for the Apple tablet. But may be we've all been dreaming about the wrong device. This is Courier, Microsoft's astonishing take on the tablet," technology blog Gizmodo said on Tuesday.

According to the report, the device is in the "late prototype" stage of development.

"The dual 7-inch (or so) screens are multi touch, and designed for writing, flicking and drawing with a stylus, in addition to fingers.

They're connected by a hinge that holds a single iPhone-esque home button," the report noted.

Gizmodo said that until recently, the project was only known to the few engineers and executives working on it - Microsoft's brightest, like entertainment and devices technology chief and user-experience wizard J Allard, who is spearheading the project.

"Currently, Courier appears to be at a stage where Microsoft is developing the user experience and showing design concepts to outside agencies," the report added.

26th SEPTEMBER TRP'S

2009-09-28T09:33:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Baa Bahoo Aur Baby = 2.8

Tere Mere Beach Mein = 3.7

The Perfect Bride = 3.1

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Mahima Shani Dev Ki = 3.8

JAANE TU YA JAANE NA = 3.1

COLORS :-

Mahavir Hanuman = 2.2

Rin Presents 100% - De Dhana Dhan = 3.1

KOI AANE KO HAI = 3.6

ZEE TV :-

Welcome To Sajjanpur = 2.7

Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs = 5.2

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

IDEA Boogie Woogie = 2.8

10 Ka Dum = 4.7

Dekh India Dekh = 3.1

Rakhi Sawant sets 10 rules for reality show house....

2009-09-26T21:43:00.001+05:30

Bollywood item girl Rakhi Sawant has a list of 10 rules for anyone visiting her villa in Goa on the sets of the reality show 'Pati Patni Aur Woh', where she and her Canada-based fiance Elesh Parujanwala are experiencing the hardships of parenting.

At the entrance of Rakhi's villa in Candolim, which has been hired for the show, a visiting IANS correspondent noticed a board which read - 'Please remove your shoes'.

Further into her living room, Rakhi has put up a sheet of paper with various rules to be followed in the house by Elesh and herself.

These include - no pets allowed, no negative conversations, pray before morning and evening meals, respect each other, keep (the) house clean, make beds in the morning, house chores to be shared, respect guests in the house and no abusing, smoking or alcohol.

For NDTV Imagine's show 'Pati Patni Aur Woh', the duo, along with four other celebrity couples, have been relocated to five individual villas here and they have to take care of infants as well as adolescents in the course of the show that goes on air Sep 28.

Rakhi and Elesh got engaged in another reality show called 'Rakhi Ka Swayamvar', also on NDTV Imagine.

Ranbir Kapoor's love has various shades!!!!!

2009-09-26T21:41:00.001+05:30

Known as the 'eternal loverboy' of Bollywood, Rishi Kapoor, throughout his career span enchanted us with his lovey-dovey, romantic, sentimental antics. Now the proud son Ranbir Kapoor carries the legacy of playing the loverboy onscreen. But unlike the soft characters which his father portrayed over the years, newbie Ranbir's love has various shades which can be seen as follows:

SAAWARIYA - It's very rare to see a debutant beginning his career with a film, where he has to play a LOOSER IN LOVE. Despite of it, this handsome saawariya, without getting finicky, went ahead and played the role with utter sincerity and was accepted open-heartedly.

BACHNA AE HASEENO- It takes sheer courage to play a completely contrasting character in the very second film. But Ranbir proved it with elan that if he can be a looser in love, he can be a (Casanova) DISHONEST LOVER too wooing haseenas.

WAKE UP S!D - After portraying 2 loverboys as different as chalk and cheese in earlier films, Ranbir is all set to showcase an absolutely unique, a never-seen before kind of a character, LAZIEST, IRRESPONSIBLE LOVER in his upcoming film WAKE UP S!D (releasing 2nd October 2009).

AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI- Although this Rajkumar Santoshi film is an out-n-out laugh riot packed with lots of humour, but Ranbir plays a DEPRESSED LOVER BOY WHO IS MADLY IN LOVE WITH THE BEAUTIFUL Katrina Kaif. And will cross all limits to make her fall in love. The film is tagged as the craziest, wackiest love story.

ROCKET SINGH: SALESMAN OF THE YEAR - This upcoming young romance from YRF starring Ranbir Kapoor will see him in an altogether different avatar. Donning the get-up of a Sikh, Ranbir plays a bright, intelligent and mature salesman in the film, who falls in love with young and juvenile Shazahn Padamsee. ROCKET SINGH, a light hearted coming of age film set in the new Indian economy, is slotted for a December 2009 release.

RAJNEETI - Filmmaker Prakash Jha's much in news RAJNEETI stars Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif in lead. It's being said that Ranbir plays NRI in the film. And he will portray the character of notable political figure, Rajiv Gandhi, who falls in love with Katrina Kaif. Katrina's character in the film is said to be inspired by Sonia Gandhi. The love story is set against the backdrop of politics.

Health Risks of Drinking Soda....

2009-09-26T21:39:00.001+05:30

At a picnic this weekend, I listened as an extended family member nagged at kids to stay away from the cola and other types of soda pop being served. “They rot your teeth,” one grandmother admonished her grandkids. But she herself was drinking a big glass of Diet Pepsi, and didn’t seem aware of the irony of her pronouncement: It’s actually older women who are most at risk of health problems from drinking cola and other fizzy soft drinks.

Every six months or so, it seems, a new warning comes out about the dangers of drinking too much soda. And you may feel you’ve heard it all. But a couple of new studies have led experts to begin calling for a public health campaign to warn women about cola consumption.

Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis, or bone thinning, as they get older. Most of us already know that. But many people don’t realize that drinking a lot of cola and other soft drinks increases osteoporosis risk — or causes the disease to progress faster. The phosphoric acid that makes fizzy drinks fizz actually eats away at bone, making it more porous.

This news, while worrying, has been known for a while. But now scientists are sounding the alarm that soft drinks weaken muscles as well as bones. According to a new study, drinking large amounts of cola (the study focused on people who drank two quarts or more a day) causes potassium levels in the blood to fall, which can lead to a severe deficiency. And potassium deficiency, as athletes know, makes you feel weak and dizzy, and causes muscles to atrophy.

Researchers aren’t sure yet exactly how soft drinks are causing the potassium deficiency; they theorize that flooding the kidneys with caffeine and sugar causes them to filter out too much potassium from cells. This is a dangerous double whammy for older women, who have a higher risk of falling and hip fracture than men do.

Of course, the real message health and nutrition experts are trying to convey is that we need more calcium and other bone- and muscle-building nutrients in our bodies, and fewer empty calories.

So what to do when soda’s out but you’re thirsty and milk just won’t cut it? Try water, lemonade, or iced tea.

Rahul, Priyanka, Hrithik are youth icons.....

2009-09-26T21:38:00.001+05:30

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi was named Icon of the Year, while actors Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan bagged the youth icon awards in the entertainment field at a glittering award ceremony.

Priyanka beat Katrina Kaif to the top spot and Hrithik left behind actor-director Farhan Akhtar at the inaugural edition of the India Youth Icon Awards organised jointly by Wizcraft Entertainment and electronics major Videocon at the Leela Kempinski Hotel here Friday night.

Rahul Gandhi, however, was not present to receive his award. Priyanka, who walked the red carpet, said being a youth icon meant a lot.

"Youth icon is a huge word. Today's generation, my generation is a very impatient one. It wants everything fast and mediocrity doesn't work for this generation. They are quick to dismiss something that doesn't work for them. So to be a youth icon for this generation, which has very high standards, feels great," said Priyanka before the awards were announced.

The awards are aimed to recognise and reward individual excellence and exemplary achievement in the genres of business, sports, entertainment, media, social welfare and justice and technology.

In other categories, the winners included shooter Abhinav Bindra (sports), author Chetan Bhagat (the arts) and actor Rahul Bose (social justice and welfare).

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was graced with the Global Face of the Year award, while Deepika Padukone was named the Fashion Icon of the Year.

25th SEPTEMBER TRP'S ( FRIDAY )

2009-09-26T21:25:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.1

Aap Ki Kachehri = 3.2

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.2

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 8.1

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 8.4

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 6.7

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.3

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.9

Meera = 3.4

Jyoti = 4.6

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.3

Basera = 4.2

Bandini = 4.4

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 5.5

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.1

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 2.8

Balika Vadhu = 7.9

Bairi Piya = 4.6

Khatron Ke Khiladi Undekha Action = 5.1

KOI AANE KO HAI = 3.9

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.2

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.8

Aapki Antara = 7.1

Pavitra Rishta = 8.1

Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs = 8.8

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

IDEA Boogie Woogie = 3.1

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.5

CID = 3.4

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.9

Ganesh Leela = 1.2

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.4

Doli Saja Ke = 1.2

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.3

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.7

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.8

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.2

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.6

Kareena goes topless in Kurbaan....

2009-09-26T21:23:00.002+05:30

We stumbled upon a poster of Karan Johar's new production Kurbaan starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor , on the Mumbai daily Mid-Day.

Directed by debutant director Rensil D'Silva (who co-wrote Rang De Basanti ), the film is a romantic story against the backdrop of terrorism. Om Puri plays a terrorist, and the film also stars Vivek Oberoi .

Our sources say the film has some steamy lovemaking scenes. And, we must say, the poster looks very bold!

Kurbaan, shot in Philadelphia, Delhi [ Images ] and Mumbai, is scheduled to release on November 27.

Moon water may be 'harvested' for Mars missions

2009-09-26T21:21:00.001+05:30

With an instrument on board India's lunar mission Chandryaan discovering water molecules on the Moon , scientists are now confident of harvesting water from the lunar surface in the future, which could help sustain lunar astronauts and even propel missions to Mars .

Three spacecraft -- India's Chandrayaan-1 and National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Cassini and Deep Impact probes -- have detected the absorption of infrared light at a wavelength that indicates the presence of either water or hydroxyl, a molecule made up of a hydrogen and an oxygen atom.

All found the signature to be stronger at the poles than at lower latitudes. Some of these molecules may be created continuously when solar wind protons -- hydrogen ions -- bind to oxygen atoms in the lunar soil.

Comet impacts may also have brought water to the moon. Water delivered by comets or generated by the solar wind could randomly diffuse over time into permanently shadowed craters at the lunar poles, which were recently measured to be colder than Pluto.

"Once it gets in there, it's not going to come out," said Carle Pieters of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, lead scientist for the NASA-built instrument that made the Chandrayaan-1 measurements.

So far, the water does not appear to be very abundant -- a baseball-field-sized swathe of lunar soil might yield only 'a nice glass of water', Pieters told New Scientist.

But, if it could be harvested, lunar astronauts could use it as drinking water and split it into oxygen and hydrogen to make rocket fuel for their return journeys.

That would slash launch costs, since it would reduce the amount of fuel they would need to lug with them from Earth.

Rocket fuel produced on the moon might even help mount a human mission to Mars.

Because of the moon's weaker gravity, it would take less energy to loft fuel into space for a Mars mission from the lunar surface than it would from Earth.

"It completely changes the spaceflight paradigm," said Paul Spudis of the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, Texas. "It's like building a transcontinental railroad to space," he added.

As to how to extract water that is likely locked up as small concentrations of ice in the lunar soil, Edwin Ethridge of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and William Kaukler of the University of Alabama said that microwaves could provide the key.

Karan Wahi himself a fan of DMG!!!!!

2009-09-26T21:20:00.001+05:30

Karan Wahi, one of the new entrants in Dill Mil Gayye as Dr. Siddhant Modi, is himself an ardent fan of DMG!

Karan Wahi is ecstatic about being a part of the show that he himself loves! He plays Dr. Siddhant Modi aka Sid in the new season of Star One's Dill Mill Gayye.

This is what the charming actor had to say- " DMG is a kickass show. The fan following in unbelievable. Karan Singh Grover has reached where he is right now probably because of DMG and I know he is very big!"

Karan adds, "Thanks to the many repeats in Star One, I did get to follow the show very closely."

Talking about his character, Karan says, "Sid is mad and is the epitome of laziness. He does not want to work but is forced to join Sanjeevani as he comes from a family of doctors. He is the brother of Dr. Abhimanyu Modi. He does everything to get kicked out of Sanjeevani but to his misery nothing ever works out!"

He also clears the Karan Vs Karan dispute. He says, "Many people have commented to me that one Karan is replacing another Karan. Will Karan Wahi be able to attract as many fans as Karan Singh Grover… and so on. So let me clear this fact that I'm not replacing Karan Grover although my character is very similar to his when it comes to having fun. But Armaan is still there in the show and I am entering as Sid." He adorably adds, "I just hope that people also love me (smiles)."

Karan talks about the negative feedback coming from the ardent fans of Dill Mill Gayye on the entry of the news interns. "I got very nervous when I read all the comments on India-Forums. But I would like to request the fans of DMG out there that- Guys, trust us and give us time," he signs off.

PM, Sonia, Rahul to campaign in Haryana

2009-09-26T21:18:00.001+05:30

Giving impetus to Congress' election campaign in Haryana ahead of next month's assembly polls, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , party chief Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Rahul Gandhi will address public rallies in various parts of the state.

"The date and venues for rallies of the Prime Minister, Soniaji and Rahul are being finalised," Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman, Ved Prakash Vidrohi, said on Saturday.

"The party's massive election campaign" for the October 13 assembly polls will be launched from the first of next month, he said.

The Haryana assembly was dissolved on August 21 seven months ahead of its term following a recommendation by the state cabinet, paving the way for early polls as ruling Congress looked to capitalize on its success in the Lok Sabha polls, in which retained nine out of ten seats in the state.

Congress had enjoyed an overwhelming majority in the dissolved 90-member House.

Meanwhile, Vidrohi informed that the party has called a meeting of all its 90 candidates fighting the upcoming polls in Chandigarh on Sunday.

"The meeting will be held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupender Singh Hooda when the party candidates will be apprised on the issues to be taken up during the election campaign as well the material to be distributed," he said.

The spokesman said the campaign schedule of Hooda, who has decided not to campaign in his home district Rohtak so as to devote more time in other constituencies, will also be finalised on Sunday.

24th SEPTEMBER TRP'S (THURSDAY)

2009-09-26T21:17:00.001+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.3

Aap Ki Kachehri = 3.2

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.4

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 8.3

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 8.8

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 7.1

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.1

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.5

Meera = 3.8

Jyoti = 4.7

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.5

Basera = 4.3

Bandini = 4.6

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 4.2

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.2

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.2

Balika Vadhu = 9.3

Bairi Piya = 4.6

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 6.8

Uttaran = 7.9

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 8.1

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.5

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.7

Aapki Antara = 6.9

Pavitra Rishta = 8.6

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 8.7

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 6.1

Shree = 5.6

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 2.9

Palampur Express = 2.2

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.1

Ladies Special = 2.2

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.2

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 1.1

Ganesh Leela = 1.4

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.6

Doli Saja Ke = 1.4

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.3

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.7

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.6

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.1

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.7

Salman Khan goes topless on 10 Ka Dum.....

2009-09-24T16:07:00.001+05:30

Govinda, Riteish Deshmukh & David Dhawan got together on Sony's 10 Ka Dum, and practically ripped off Salman Khan’s shirt!!!!!!

23rd SEPTEMBER TRP'S ( WEDNESDAY )

2009-09-24T16:05:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.2

Aap Ki Kachehri = 3.1

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.4

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 9.3

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 9.1

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 7.4

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.2

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.4

Meera = 3.9

Jyoti = 4.8

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.7

Basera = 4.2

Bandini = 4.5

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 4.1

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.4

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.1

Balika Vadhu = 9.8

Bairi Piya = 4.2

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 7.1

Uttaran = 8.1

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 8.4

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.9

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.9

Aapki Antara = 7.1

Pavitra Rishta = 8.7

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 9.2

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 6.2

Shree = 5.4

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 2.7

Palampur Express = 2.1

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.3

Ladies Special = 2.1

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.4

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 1.0

Ganesh Leela = 1.4

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.5

Doli Saja Ke = 1.3

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.1

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.8

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.8

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.2

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.8

Sarvopari Swaminarayan now on NDTV Imagine...

2009-09-24T16:03:00.001+05:30

Sarvopari Swaminarayan, which launched on COLORS will now be seen on NDTV Imagine from October 4th...

Sarvopari Swaminarayan, the weekly Sagar Pictures production on the life of the above well known spiritual figure which till now was being telecasted on Sunday mornings on COLORS will shift to NDTV Imagine from the 4th of October.

Vinay Rohira better known as Ranbir of Ranbir Rano who plays the lead role confirmed the news saying, "Yes we will shift channel from the 4th October. Earlier when we aired on COLORS, there was a problem with the time slot. But now we have been given a confirmed time slot of 9AM.

Moti Sagar of Sagar Pictures too confirmed this development. "Yes we have shifted channel and we will air fresh episodes on NDTV Imagine from the first Sunday of next month. It was a business decision. COLORS and we mutually agreed to part ways".

Readers will remember that Swaminarayan and Kahaaniyan Vikram Betaal Ki of Sagar Arts, heralded the entry of the COLORS weekend morning band from 17th May.

Vinay said, "The decision of switching came as welcome news, for at first we had heard that the show was not doing well and hence might be taken off."

Meenakshi Sagar of Sagar Pictures however tells us that, "The contract with COLORS ended, and we wanted to go ahead with the story of Swaminarayan as the best phase is yet to come. Hence we decided to switch channels. All the actors will remain the same, we will just be moving ahead with the second part of the story".

Besides Vinay, this show does not have any other well known face and is a compilation of weekly episodic stories on the life of the Swami Narayan

We sent a text message to Shailja Kejriwal and to the COLORS officials, but did not get any response till filing of this story.

Rocking new DMG retains old favorites!

2009-09-23T13:30:00.001+05:30

Star One’s Dil Mill Gaye fans need not worry as their favorite telestars are not goin’ anywhere!

Star One's Dil Mill Gayye will be welcoming four new interns – Karan Wahi, Moulshree Sachdeva, Neha Jhulka and Sehban Azim, keeping in line with the storyline that is taking a six month leap. But fans of the original star cast can now afford to breathe a sigh of relief as the news about them being rooted in the show has been confirmed.

Yesterday's episode indeed left us guessing the existence of Armaan (Karan Singh Grover) and Riddhima(Jennifer Winget) in the show. On one hand Riddhima gets shot by a bullet and on the other hand Armaan falls over a glass table. And going by the Ghajini style climax … it sort of gave us an idea that one of them is going to be no more.

But our source clears the air and says, "Armaan's injuries are not very serious. He will recover soon. It is Riddhima whose condition is critical. So she will be required to be taken to a hospital with more specialized facilities. Armaan will naturally accompany Riddhima along with Dr.Anjali (Sunaina Gulia). It will be during the duration of Riddhima's treatment that Karan, Jennifer and Sunaina will be absent from the show. And this period will be just around 5-10 episodes."

Also Dr. Atul (Pankit Thakkar) is given a strong lesson to mend his kiddish ways. Our source says, "All the interns will graduate to become resident doctors except Dr.Atul. He fails! This sadly leaves him traumatized and the result is an extremely mature Dr. Atul. Now we won't be able to laugh at his stupid questions or silly suggestions."

The leap also shows a propserous marriage for Dr. Kirti (Sonia Singh). According to our source, "Dr. Kirti will be shown six months pregnant. So watch out for that bump in her belly!"

Another interesting turn after DMG's leap is Jia's (Preeti Amin) comeback into Dr. Abhimanyu's (Amit Tandon) life. The last episode itself gave a glimpse into Jia's maniac mind as she is shown with a slit wrist. Our source tells us, "Jia is simply not ready to sign Abhimanyu's divorce papers. This will deeply disturb Nikki (Shweta Gulati) and because of this, Abhimanyu and Nikki's relationship suffers. How they tackle this dilemma and overcome this situation is definitely something to watch out for."

Now that we know our old favorites are still there, we will definitely watch out for the show!

Mallaika arora rocks Lakme Fashion Week.....

2009-09-23T13:20:00.001+05:30

Model-actress Malaika Arora walks for the ramp for designer Mandira Wirk

Amrita arora is five months pregnant....

2009-09-23T13:15:00.002+05:30

'Opening the innings was the turning point for me'....

2009-09-23T13:10:00.001+05:30

Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan , who scored a brisk 106 against South Africa , said opening the innings for his team has proved to be a big turning point in his career.

"I am in good form for last six month or one years and I want to deliver in this tournament also," Dilshan said.

"I have changed my batting order. I think this is the turning point for me. I open the innings which gives me opportunity to play my stoke and take my chances during the powerplays so that is the turmning point I feel," he added.

Dilshan was dropped from the ODI side in September last year after his average slipped to 25.87 in 21 matches.

When he returned in early this year, he was promoted to open in ODIs and he produced sparkling form in all forms of the game.

Dilshan got the Player-of-the-Series award after amassing 317 runs at an average of 52.83 in the Twenty20 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara has asked his team to capitalise on the victory and get better as the tournament progresses.

"This game is gone. Whatever have happened its gone. So we have to go back to square one, back to the drawing book and see how we can improve and get better as the tournament goes on. We have got a good start but if we don't capitalise on it, this match will be worthless," Sangakkara said.

Sri Lanka registered a 55-run victory over South Africa via Duckworth Lewis method in the rain-interrupted first one-day of the Champions Trophy .

Ajantha Mendis claimed three crucial wickets to help his team and Sangakkara said the right-arm spinner was one of the few bowlers which batsmen can never get enough of.

"One good thing about Ajantha is that even if you see him on and off in a couple of games but still it is a big challenge playing him," Sangakkara said.

The Lankan skipper believes his side has match-winners in Ajantha, Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga , whom he considers not a mystery but a little orthodox.

"Especially with him (Ajantha) and with Murali and Lasith in our side, there is a lot of unorthodox, mystery not as much, but unorthodox match-winners. So we have our bowling attack in place as long as we can back that up with good fielding and minimise extras," he said.

Sangakkara said it was a big challenge to build up a defendable score against the South African.

"It was going to be a challenge trying to build a defendable total. History says that batting first or second is not of a difference here so it was a case of doing our basics right and getting the partnership going.

South African skipper Graeme Smith said they didn't get their basic rights and failed to implement their game-plan but hoped to come back strongly against New Zealand on Thursday.

"We can't make a excuse. We didn't get our basic right tonight," Smith said.

"We got to improve very quickly and we have one day in between before we meet New Zealand on Thursday and we have some planning to do for that game and hopefully we will get the performance which we know we are capable of," he added.

Dharmendra charms the Big Apple....

2009-09-23T13:08:00.001+05:30

Over the years many movie stars have attended the annual fund-raising for the Nargis Dutt Memorial Foundation's in New York. But it is difficult to imagine any of them creating the stir the producer and actor Dharmendra did on September 20.

For the star of some of the biggest hits in Indian movie history including Sholay and Phool Aur Patthar recalled his debt to Nargis Dutt and her husband.

If the new president of the organisation Kailash Sharma, whose daughter Richa Sharma was the daughter in law of Sunil Dutt, was thinking of a way to galvanise the foundation, he achieved it through Dharmendra's heartfelt address to dozens of the supporters of the event.

Dharmendra spoke of the Dutt couple playing the 'hand of God' in his early days in Mumbai; he knew very few people in the industry.

"In 1958, I came to Bombay for a talent contest," he recalled. "Sunil and Nargis Dutt selected my photographs in the final selection round and pronounced 'He is the best hero for the industry'. And the rest as you know is history."

"Both Sunilji and Nargisji cherished me as a brother; they continue to hold a special place in my heart," he added

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The 28th Annual Fundraising Dinner was held at Marriott Long Island, New York with a fashion show featuring Sahil's Timeless Fashion Show and themed Moulin Rouge to capture life in the legendary Paris club.

Dharmendra, who walked on the ramp, also wooed the audiences with his dances; the hit Mohammad Rafi number Main Jat Yamla Pagla Deewana from his own film Pratiggya played in the background as he danced.

Organisers said Bollywood actress and model Pooja Batra, brought glamour and energy to the show, especially as she sashayed with Bhavesh Patel, CEO of Sahil Collection.

Trishala, daughter of Sanjay Dutt and Richa Sharma and who is studying law in New York City, also joined Dharmendra on the stage, and declared "This has been the best year so far for the Foundation."

Rujuta Vaidya, who heads a Bollywood dance school and had choreographed under the supervision of the legendary Fatima Robinson the Slumdog Millionaire songs at the Oscar ceremony, presented along with Pranav Tailor, the runway choreographer, a modernized version of Can-Can dance and a medley of various other genres.

This segment was conceived by Shruti Tiwari of MediaSphere, an integrated PR and Event Management firm.

As the foundation is getting ready to move into the third decade, Sharma who has been involved with it from its inception, plans to give it a new orientation. In addition to raising funds through the annual show and dinner, he wants to raise money from corporate houses.

ISRO successfully launches PSLV with 7 satellites

2009-09-23T13:05:00.001+05:30

The Indian Space Research Organisation on Wednesday successfully launched seven satellites in 1,200 seconds with the help of its most trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh coast.

The launch was carried out as per schedule at 11.51 am and ended at 12.06 pm.

India placed its second Ocean observation satellite Oceansat 2, along with six other nano satellites including two German two Rubinsats Rubin 9.1 and Rubin 9.2, and four cubesats --- the Beesat (assembled by Technical University, Berlin), UWE-2 (University of Wuerzburg, Germany ), ITU-pSat (Istanbul Technical University, Turkey) and SwissCube-1 (Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne, Switzerland ).

Vice President Hamid Ansari, who was present at the Satish Dhavan Space Centre, congratulated the scientists and technocrats over this splendid achievement for the nation.

Earlier, in April 2008, ISRO had launched 10 satellites in one go.

Oceansat-2 is carrying an Ocean Colour Monitor and a Ku-band pencil beam Scatterometer, besides a Radio Occultation Sounder for Atmospheric Studies, developed by the Italian Space Agency.

The Ku-band pencil beam Scatterometer with a ground resolution cell of 50 KMs X 50 KMs is expected to provide the wind vector range of four to 24 metres per second with better than 20% accuracy in speed and 20 degree in wind direction.

The on-board Scatterometer is a very good instrument for getting surface wind on the sea. It is required for sea state forecasting. And for maritime navigation, the wave height and disturbance is also important.

The eight-band OCM is similar to the one in Oceansat-1 with appropriate spectral bandwidth modifications based on the previous experience.

The OCM, with 360 metres spatial resolution and a swath of 1,420 kilometres would provide extensive communication links.

Since Oceansat-2 is a continuity mission to Oceansat-1, the same polar sun synchronous orbit of 720 kilometres has been retained.

However, unlike the Oceansat-1 that could essentially look at only the colour of the ocean, the Oceansat-2 is a comprehensive system and would look at surface winds and temperature, among other things.

The satellite is intended for identification of potential fishing zones, weather forecasting and other trends of the sea, coastal zone studies and providing inputs for general meteorological observations.

22nd SEPTEMBER TRP'S

2009-09-23T13:01:00.001+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.3

Aap Ki Kachehri = 3.4

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.9

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 8.9

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 9.2

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 7.1

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.1

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.2

Meera = 3.7

Jyoti = 4.9

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.5

Basera = 4.1

Bandini = 4.3

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 3.9

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.8

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.2

Balika Vadhu = 9.5

Bairi Piya = 4.1

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 7.4

Uttaran = 8.3

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 8.9

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.8

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.8

Aapki Antara = 7.2

Pavitra Rishta = 8.9

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 9.1

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 5.9

Shree = 5.3

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 2.9

Palampur Express = 2.2

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.4

Ladies Special = 2.3

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.5

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 1.1

Ganesh Leela = 1.3

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.4

Doli Saja Ke = 1.2

Mata Ki Chowki = 0.9

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.9

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.7

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.1

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.7

Gorgeous Katrina Kaif at Day 3 of lakme fashion week

2009-09-22T18:18:00.002+05:30

Celina Jaitly at Lakme Nail event...

2009-09-22T18:15:00.001+05:30

21st SEPTEMBER TRP'S

2009-09-22T18:12:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.4

Aap Ki Kachehri 2 = 4.1

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.4

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 8.2

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 9.1

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 6.6

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.2

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.3

Meera = 3.7

Jyoti = 4.9

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 5.1

Basera = 3.9

Bandini = 4.3

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 3.6

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.6

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.5

Balika Vadhu = 9.2

Bairi Piya = 5.1

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 7.1

Uttaran = 8.5

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 8.9

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.4

Aapki Antara = 7.1

Pavitra Rishta = 8.5

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 9.1

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 6.3

Shree = 6.1

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 3.4

Palampur Express = 2.6

Bhaskar Bharti = 3.1

Ladies Special = 2.8

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.5

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.8

Ganesh Leela = 0.9

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.2

Doli Saja Ke = 1.0

Mata Ki Chowki = 0.7

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 3.8

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.5

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.0

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.2

Exclusive First look:My Name is Khan.....

2009-09-21T16:15:00.002+05:30

Here is an exclusive first look of Karan Johar’s much talked about movie ‘My name is khan’, which sees jodi of Shahrukh khan and Kajol making a comeback after a long gap. The movie is about what happened post 9/11 in America. SRK plays an autistic man whose name is Rizwan Khan and Kajol, his wife......

Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahani official Trailer....

2009-09-21T16:12:00.000+05:30

Kareena Kapoor at Dance Premier League auditions....

2009-09-21T16:10:00.001+05:30

Hillary Duff' hot Maxim Scans....

2009-09-21T16:01:00.002+05:30

Stunning priyanka Chopra at premiere of What's your Rashee

2009-09-21T12:47:00.001+05:30

20th SEPTEMBER TRP'S (SUNDAY)

2009-09-21T12:38:00.002+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Baa Bahoo Aur Baby = 2.5

Tere Mere Beach Mein = 3.1

The Perfect Bride = 3.6

NDTV IMAGINE :-

RAMAYAN = 3.2

Deccan Chargers Inter-school Challenge = 1.3

GHAJINI = 3.8

COLORS :-

Kahaniya Vikram Aur Betaal Ki = 2.4

Chhote Miyaan = 3.2

Rin Presents 100% - De Dhana Dhan = 3.7

KOI AANE KO HAI = 3.4

ZEE TV :-

HERA PHERI = 4.8

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

DOSTANA = 3.9

SAHARA ONE :-

SHARAABI = 1.5

Sehwag steps down as Delhi Daredevils captain....

2009-09-21T12:34:00.003+05:30

Dashing opener Virender Sehwag has stepped down as captain of Indian Premier League team Delhi Daredevils . Gautam Gambhir was named his replacement, and will lead the side in next month's Champions League Twenty20 .

Dinesh Karthik will be Gambhir's deputy.

Sehwag, who is currently nursing a shoulder injury, cited his desire to focus on batting as the reason for stepping down.

He thanked GMR for accepting his request, saying he would now solely focus on his batting.

"I would like to thank GMR for their understanding in accepting my request to step down. Personally, I would like to concentrate on my own batting and contribute to the team," he said.

"Viru has been a source of great strength and inspiration to the team. When he expressed a desire to step down in order to fully focus and concentrate on batting, we respected his decision and accepted his request," Daredevils owner GMR's chairman Srinivas Bommidala said.

Gambhir, on his part, said he would draw from the experience of leading Delhi in the Ranji Trophy.

"I am delighted at my selection as captain of Delhi Daredevils and I am committed to deliver my best. I have always looked up to Viru. He has been a guide and friend for me. It is always difficult to fit into the shoes of someone as illustrious as him," he said.

"I have led Delhi in the past in Ranji Trophy and we won the title. I have also had the opportunity to lead the Delhi Daredevils in IPL-2 when Viru was injured. It was an enriching experience and, hopefully, I can put into practice all that I have learnt," he added.

Gambhir said he would also seek Sehwag's advice as and when needed.

"I can always turn to Viru for any advise, as also to the other seniors in the team. We have had great camaraderie in the side and this will help reach greater heights," he said.

Karthik, who has led Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy, said he would give all he can to the new job.

India trounced by Kiwis in Champions warm-up....

2009-09-21T12:28:00.002+05:30

India suffered a crushing 103-run defeat to New Zealand , after being shot out for 198 while chasing a mammoth 301 runs, in a warm-up game ahead of the Champions Trophy in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

Bowling continued to be India's main worry. Except for leg-spinner Amit Mishra (1 for 29) and Yusuf Pathan (3 for 46), all the bowlers were expensive.

New Zealand, who opted to bat first on winning the toss, amassed the huge total, thanks to half-centuries by Jesse Ryder and Martin Guptil at top of the order, and a fiery 66 by Neil Broom later.

Despite getting a start, the Indians were never really in the hunt. The opening pair of Dinesh Karthik and Rahul Dravid scored 58 runs in quick time. Dravid, in particular, looked in scintillating touch, hammering Shane Bond for four fours in one over, all distinct from each other.

The experienced batsman first hooked and then drove Bond imperiously through the covers. He then dabbed a delivery to third man fence and delicately glanced another past fine leg boundary.

But once 'The wall' departed, the Indians showed little stomach for a fight. Suresh Raina (31) delighted for a while and once smote Vettori over widish long-on but was soon run-out.

New Zealand showed they meant business as their four frontline bowlers were in operation till the back of the Indian batting was seen. When the score read 130 for 7 at more than halfway through the overs, the writing was clearly on the wall for the Indians.

Earlier, during the New Zealand innings, Ryder, the left-handed opener, took a heavy toll of new-ball bowler Praveen Kumar , picking six of the eight fours hit against the right-arm swing bowler.

Ryder also smacked Ishant Sharma for a massive six as he clobbered 57 runs from 48 balls, inclusive of 10 fours and a six.

Ryder got good momentum from the other end as Brendon McCullum (15 off 17 balls) and Guptill (63 off 79 balls) also went about smashing the bowling, bringing up New Zealand's 150 in 28th over.

India's spin duo of leg-spinner Amit Mishra (1/29) and off-spinner Yusuf Pathan (3/46) applied brakes in the middle overs but did not get support from the other bowlers.

Broom provided a bigger thrust in the closing overs, hitting 66 from 46 balls, inclusive of five fours and four sixes.

In RP Singh's eighth over, the penultimate of the innings, he clobbered 25 runs, including three sixes and a four.

Scorecard

New Zealand:
Brendon McCullum b RP Singh 15
Jesse Ryder c and b Raina 57
Martin Guptill c Raina b Pathan 63
Ross Taylor run out 23
Grant Elliott c Pathan b Mishra 30
Jacob Oram c Karthik b Pathan 7
Neil Broom c Singh b Sharma 66
Daniel Vettori b Pathan 17
Ian Butler not out 14
Jeetan Patel run out 0
Extras: (lb6, w3) 9
Total: (for 9 wkts in 50 overs) 301

Fall of wickets: 1-33, 2-93, 3-148, 4-167, 5-177, 6-211, 7-254, 8-301, 9-301.

Bowling: Praveen Kumar 5-1-48-0, RP Singh 8-2-66-1, Ishant Sharma 7-0-49-1, Amit Mishra 10-0-29-1, Suresh Raina 4-0-17-1, Yuvraj Singh 6-0-40-0, Yusuf Pathan 10-0-46-3.

India:
Dinesh Karthik c Oram b Vettori 20
Rahul Dravid b Jeetan Patel 37
Suresh Raina run out 31
Mahendra Singh Dhoni c Guptill b Vettori 9
Yusuf Pathan c McCullum b Bond 13
Yuvraj Singh b Bond 9
Abhishek Nayar b Oram 41
Praveen Kumar run out 1
Amit Mishra c Tuffey b Oram 26
RP Singh c McCullum b Tuffey 1
Ishant Sharma not out 0
Extras: (b1, w9) 10
Total: (all out, 40.3 overs ) 198

Fall of wickets: 1-58, 2-70, 3-101, 4-112, 5-125, 6-128, 7-130, 8-197, 9-198.
Bowling: Daryll Tuffey 8.3-0-34-1, Shane Bond 7-1-38-2, Daniel Vettori 10-0-46-2, Jeetan Patel 6-0-28-1, Ian Butler 2-0-11-0, Martin Guptill 2-0-14-0, Jacob Oram 5-1-26-2.

Meet the man behind the Jet pilots' strike

2009-09-21T12:27:00.001+05:30

NAG President Girish Kaushik was in the pilot's seat in last week's face-off against the Jet Airways' management, writes Mihir Mishra.

Captains Sam Thomas and D Balaram were the focus of all eyes during the unprecedented five-day "sick-out" by Jet Airways pilots last week. They had been dismissed in July for allegedly playing an active role in the formation of the 650-member National Aviators' Guild (NAG), so their colleagues took mass sick leave in protest from September 8.

But the real mover and shaker behind the development that grounded India's largest airline remained mostly out of the public eye. That was 63-year-old NAG President Captain Girish Kaushik who was doing the heavy lifting in Delhi and Mumbai .

Kolkata-born Kaushik says he got the idea of a strike - as the mass sick leave eventually came to be regarded - from the announcement of a one-day suspension of operations by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA), the domestic airlines lobby, in August.

The FIA's threat to suspend domestic operations for a day, to pressure the government to meet various long-standing demands, was called off just two days later. But it caused sufficient consternation to convince Kaushik of its potential value.

The cassus belli between Jet Airways' pilots and the management pre-dated that development by a month with the formation of the union. The pilots alleged that the management at Jet are expatriates and changed every two years and that the new management had stopped honouring their contracts signed earlier.

The management, however, declined to discuss these issues with the pilots' lobby - the Society for Welfare of Indian pilots or SWIP - saying it had no legal rights to talk to them.

NAG, which represents 650 of Jet Airways' 1,000 pilots, was registered on July 21 as a result of this.

Things started to escalate after Thomas and Balaraman were sacked on July 31. It was never clear why Kaushik was not given similar treatment. Asked about this, Kaushik said, "Maybe the management thought that terminating me from services would have made matters worse."

Once the management's hard-line stance emerged and despite conciliatory proceedings by the labour commissioner, Kaushik decided to go ahead with the protest. "Our only demand was the reinstatement of the boys they had terminated and we thought that this would not happen with conciliation," he explained.

On September 8, over 300 of NAG's "boys" took sick leave, grounding 168 domestic and international flights, a pattern that was to repeat itself till September 12. As chaos reigned in airports around the country Kaushik remained behind the scenes negotiating to save the fledgling union.

Ultimately, he won. After days of tough TV talk by Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal and other senior managers, plus a press conference by the ground and cabin crew pleading for the pilots to return to work, the management blinked. The dismissed pilots including three who were sacked for declining to submit to a company doctor's examination were reinstated.

After five days, the 16-year-old airline, already reeling under annual net losses of Rs 402.3 crore, was another Rs 160 crore in the red. Worse, having arguably set new standards in service when it started in 1993, the airline's image suffered irreparable damage.

Such has been the impact of this protest that the airline felt constrained to offer an across-the-board 50 per cent cut in ticket rates for a week to win back customers.

Kaushik, however, is satisfied with the outcome. Many pilots in the union said they always expected this from him.

This is no small victory for a man who said he became a pilot because he was attracted to the uniform and the thrill of saying "Roger", the standard acknowledgment for aviators around the world.

His ascent, however, was not easy. Training from Madras Flying Club, he failed to clear the test for his pilots' licence the first time. Kaushik joined Indian Airlines as a pilot in October 1978 and joined Jet Airways in October 1997 - four years after Jet started its operations.

NAG is only part of Kaushik's interests. He is also proud of his achievements as a painter. The invitation to a recent exhibition of his paintings in Bangalore read thus: "Capt Girish Kaushik comes from an artistic family that include Girish Karnad and Dinkar Kowshik of Shantiniketan. Totally self taught, he has managed to juggle his passion for flying (Jet Air) with his passion for painting which gives him plenty to do during days his feet are planted firmly on the ground."

Kaushik also tries his hand at interior design - he claims to have designed the drawing room of his house in Mumbai. He is also a black belt in Judo and ran a training club called Madras Judo Club in 1975, where he said he trained some police officers of that time.

Clearly, Kaushik is well versed in the art of confrontation.

John breaks his 'macho man' myth on Tere Mere Beach Mein

2009-09-21T12:24:00.001+05:30

John Abraham talks about his transformation from being the shy boy to the raging bull in tonight's episode of Tere Mere Beach Mein on Star Plus...

Believe it or not..Bollywood hunk John Abraham also dealt with pimples in his younger days.

The topic for this Sunday's episode (September 19) on STAR Plus' new chat show, Tere Mere Beach Mein is 'Male eye candy' and the celebrity guests are the very hot and dashing John Abraham and the ever charming Yuvraaj Singh..

John speaks of having so many pimples when he was young that he always used to look down and speak to girls. He says, "I used to be very shy..There was a time when my face was full of pimples and I just never used to look up when in the company of girls so much so that they used to feel that I was such a shy, sweet, decent boy. Only I couldn't tell them that my face is full of pimples and that's the only reason I'm looking down!"

John then goes on to reveal that he always lost out to girls he had a crush on in school due to his shyness. He says, "I was very shy in school and all the girls I had a crush on liked someone else…now it's changed a bit."

Farah asks if it was then Bipasha who 'pataofied' him and John quips, "No, I had changed totally by then… I had become like a raging bull."

Watch John reveal his fears and what makes him tick on STAR Plus' Tere Mere Beach Mein, on Sunday, September 19, from 9 to 10 pm.

I have got a show that has made me fall in love with it -Vikas Goopta

2009-09-21T12:19:00.002+05:30

Vikas Goopta, the Project Head of Balaji Telefilms' upcoming youth based show recently faced the brunt for handling sensuous auditions in office. Here is the man in conversation...

Vikas Goopta, the Project Head of Balaji Telefilms' upcoming youth based and contemporary show faced the heat recently when leading tabloids took offense to the sensuous auditions that were held at the Balaji office, that required youngsters to smooch in the open.

Here is Vikas in a frank exclusive interview with Telly Buzz where he talks about the big hullabaloo that was created about his project, on the audition process involved for it, its adverse as well as positive effects and much more...

First of all, how is the feeling after hogging all the limelight for the past few weeks for holding the sensuous auditions at the Balaji office?
I wouldn't call it as hogging limelight, as it was a phase which was very dangerous. It was like taking in one full glass of karela juice down my throat (smiles). All the questions thrown at me brought about so much of negativity, and there were many who considered the whole thing wrong. But overall it was not a bad experience at all.

Can you take us thro' the entire process that happened at the Balaji office?
Of course!! We had auditioned over 200 young boys and girls thro' a large scale process and had short listed about 8 of them. The project that we are working on demanded some intimate scenes as it is a very contemporary subject, involving youth. We took over a month and a half to get to our final 8 youngsters, and they again went thro' a look test. We had given them a clear brief of what will be required of them, and this is when they volunteered to do the intimate scenes. Whatever pictures came out in the tabloids were a part of the look test, wherein they were briefed of what they need to be doing. The pictures were part of a 4-5 minute scene which was shot. I would want to mention here, that Ekta Kapoor is nowhere involved with the project. She is just the Producer, and this young team is headed by me. We are making something different, and you can say that Balaji Telefilms is entering a new territory with this project.

Could we get to know some detail about the show for which this audition took place?
Yes, sure!! The story is the journey of a boy and we will be depicting all that happens in his life. Our main protagonist will be a boy, and this is what I can say now. This project is three layered – We plan to launch it as an internet series, which will be called 'Web Episode'. We will simultaneously turn it as a TV show, which will be our second layer, and the third layer is to make it into a film.

Which is the channel that will air this show?
As of now, that's not decided.

What exactly was the requirement in the boys and girls that you were looking for when you auditioned them?
We wanted fantastic actors who would look their character and age. For ex: We wanted girls who are 16-18 years old, and they needed to look their age. As the tabloids depict, we do not want every character in the show to do intimate scenes or wear a swim suit. For instance, we have a girl in the show who is a swimming champion. So this girl needs to be shown in a swim suit when she holds her medal aloft. In the same way, we have a guy who loves intimacy and he needs to be shown intimate with girls. We are making a real story of how today's generation behaves. Our final product will be very classy, fun to watch, and above all, identifiable to all youngsters.

Tell us more on the project..
See, those who are looking forward to a show which will have only kisses and intimacy will come in for a big surprise. This project is more than all this, I can tell you that. The music of the show is mind blowing, and will surely connect to the youth of today.

Did you sit thro' the entire audition process and had a one to one with all the youngsters?
Yes, we not only had a one-to-one with the youngsters, but with their parents too. All of them were briefed about what's required of them in the next one month of audition. Since ours is a very young show, we made sure that the parents were kept in the loop all the time.

Did you and the management of Balaji Telefilms hold a talk before organizing such an audition?
Absolutely!! We made sure that the auditions happen in our office, where there is a senior person around whenever the boys and girls come for look tests. Everyone of them was trained to talk about the show, and we tried our best to make the entire process easy going.

Who came up with the idea of letting the boys and girls who had come over for auditions smooch in the open?
See the concept of the show is mine. But the decision to take audition this way was of the entire team. And as I said earlier, not all the 200 guys and girls were asked to smooch. The kissing sequence came only when we had selected our 8 youngsters. Also, all the eight of them went thro' a grueling session of workshops, photo shoots, script reading with our director and creative team, and only then gave the look test where they had to be intimate. Again, I would specify that only few were needed to kiss and only few were needed to appear in swim suits.

When you conducted the audition, did you ever think that this could become a big issue that will raise eyebrows?
Well, I never did realize that everyone in India would just leave everything and probe in to see what exactly will happen in our show. The way we auditioned was covered everywhere, in all channels, papers etc. But this has turned beneficial for us, as it gave us an opportunity to handle this sensitive topic and tell the public what we are exactly making. We are making a show which will show the life that today's youth leads, and we will be giving a realistic picture to it. Also, if television has certain clauses regards the content that can be shown, we will also abide by it.

Was this a planned move to get all the media attention?
Not at all!! Everything leaked out in tabloids when one of the contestants talked about this audition process to one of her friends. We then butted in, and had to give them the right picture of what we are doing. This intervention by us was needed to revise their thoughts on the show. Basically, we had to come out to clean the negativity of the whole story.

How do you feel the conservative minded public has reacted to this particular incident?
To tell you frankly, when you talk of conservative minded people, my parents will fall into that bracket first. They reacted very badly when they came to know that I am heading such a project. At the same time, the messages that I have got in mails and in my Face book account are encouraging enough. Youngsters from all over the globe have reacted positively to it, and want to see something like this. I would like to say one thing to all those who have an apprehension about this project, and that is to watch our final product first and then react. I can promise you that it will be nowhere close to what you have imagined, it is going to be mind blowing and amazing.

A certain Trupti Shukla who was part of the audition process reported in print that she did not like the way you questioned her about being comfortable doing intimate scenes, and wearing swim suit. Your take on it?
First of all, let me clarify that Tripti Shukla was not chosen to do any intimate scene. She was selected to play mother to one of the youngsters. She is actually a lady in her mid 30's, and she did not like the fact that we wanted the youngsters to kiss for a show. So she went out in print talking, giving a negative picture to the whole thing.

Obviously there were many who gave in to this and smooched publicly. Did you get to hear from their parents after the whole scenario?
Yes. In fact, the parents who had accepted to all the terms and conditions earlier got into so much of pressure after the tabloids carried the story. Few even wanted to give it a second thought. We actually lost one of the eight selected people because their parents could not handle the pressure coming in from their relatives and friends. We are auditioning again, to get the required faces.

Was this type of audition held to just prove a point that Balaji Telefilms is now trying to work on a completely different genre?
At this juncture, I would again want to mention that Ekta is not involved in this project at all. Ours is a team which comprises of youngsters who have passed out of college. The team is headed by me. We wanted to come up with a project that would interest all youngsters, and is contemporary in look and feel. In addition to the new faces, this show will also have some big names too. Yes, we are entering into a whole new territory with this show..

At the end of all this, do you now feel that you could have avoided this entire fiasco?
I would have loved to avoid this. But I also believe that all that happens is for good. I see a positive outcome with all that happened. All this has made me more confident and has prompted me to take a careful route.

Is it that you being young in age has helped you see this project in the right perspective?
Absolutely!! All thro' my tenure with Balaji Telefilms, I have learned a lot from Ekta, Nivedita Basu and many others. I have always been a mama's boy, and that helped me work on saas bahu sagas. My interest in love stories helped me do that, but in this new project of mine, I am able to focus more and bring in the thought process of the youth, mainly because I am young in age. So it's very true that being young has helped me (smiles).

Moving away from this topic, we have been hearing rumors about your past baby Kis Desh going off air. Can you throw light?
Kis Desh is doing extremely well in the afternoon slot. Even when it was in the prime time slot, it gave a 2+ rating which is exactly what the new show is delivering at the same slot now. So I think all this is a rumor and Kis Desh is going well.

You have been the Creative of Kitani too, and what do you have to say about the show reaching its logical end?
I was very sad when I got to know that Kitani is ending, but I am happy for the fact that this was one of the top shows on Imagine. It will always be remembered as the youngest and freshest show on television, and we have got some great responses for the show.

What are the shows that you will be handling now?
I will be handling shows that are completely different, and is as realistic as possible. Whoever said they have seen realistic shows on television have no clue of what we are coming up with.

Basically, you had left Balaji and joined Colosceum for few months. Why did you leave in the first case? What made you come back to the organization?
I had been working on projects like Kis Desh, Kyunki and Kasamh Se for a long time. Working for Balaji means that we are working 24/7, and I wanted a break. I had only worked with Balaji, and wanted to see what happens outside. That is when I joined Colosceum, and was there for a month or so. Then I started missing the type of work that I was accustomed to, and got back to Balaji. I served a notice period of nearly seven months before I left Balaji, but was back again after just few days of notification.

Even when I informed Ekta that I needed a break, she was fine with it. And when I told her that I wanted to get back, she welcomed me. Now I have got a show that has made me fall in love with it, and this is what drove me back to Balaji. I simply love this show even before it has started.

Now that you are with Balaji, how does it feel?
It was a totally different Balaji when I joined it for the first time. And now, we have a different Balaji Telefilms, which has more of management involvement. We have company policies for the betterment of all. We are making lot of different things, and it is just not shows on television. We have soaps for internet, mobiles etc, and there is lot more to learn now.

TV is no longer making the saas bahu sagas. Does it make a difference to you all?
We just cannot say that there is no saas bahu stories today. Even a Balika Vadhu has the bahu factor in it, and all the betiyaan shown in TV today are bahus. But the treatment given to the shows today are different.

Given a chance, will you be making a saas bahu story again?
Given a chance, I would want to make a love story. And what I am doing right now fascinates me to no extent. But if I am pushed to do a saas bahu saga, I will do it the way I want.

Do you know that you have a big fan ?
Yes, someone told me that I have a fan following out there. I was also invited by a group of members on Face book, to have a view of what they had created for me. It is a surprise to have a fan base, who are kicked about my writing work.

Your message to your fans…
My team and I are coming up with a completely different content on television, which has never happened before. We have put in lot of soul and hard work into the project. It would be great if you could discuss about our show, and give us your feedback. It's always great to read your suggestions in the forums, and that really helps.

Finally, when are we going to see the project on air?
Shooting for the show should start by this month end. You will see it definitely before this year ends.

New interns at Sanjeevani Hospital......

2009-09-20T12:29:00.002+05:30

New Interns, wiser doctors, more drama, and bigger challenges at Sanjeevani hospital In Dill Mill Gaye as 4 new characters join the show starting Sept 22nd...

Come September 22nd, experience more medical mysteries, trauma and complications as Sanjeevani Hospital welcomes five fresh interns in the successfully running medical series Dill Mill Gayye on Star One. Back to woo its audience with all new and innovative content, the serial promises to entertain and surprise the viewers with new relationships, hotter romance and implausible medical drama.

The fresh storyline kicks off with the interns now becoming resident doctors giving way to a pack of fresh new interns entering the hospital to up the entertainment quotient.

Coming from different walks of life, four new youngsters join in the struggle to become flourishing medical professionals.

Among the fresh interns, playing Tamanna is Moulshree Sachdeva, essaying the role of a quintessential girl, hailing from a humble background. Extremely focused, she is a girl toiling to be a doctor, to fulfill her father's dreams.

In sheer contrast to her is Siddhanth Modi's character portrayed by current teenage heart throb Karan Wahi. He plays a rich spoilt brat from USA pursuing the internship owing to his lineage. Packed off to Sanjeevani, against his will, he comes to Sanjeevani to get a first hand feel of India under the strict supervision of Dr. Abhimanyu, who is his cousin.

Coming to the show as Naina Mehta, Neha Jhulka, is an absolute firebrand, belonging to an affluent Gujrati family. She loves to be cool in spite of being from a conservative family and is ready to go to any lengths to stay so!

Playing the role of Yuvraj is newcomer Sehban Azim, a guy with an ambition and the determination to achieve it, a straight talker and serious worker, a perfectionist in line to become Dr Shasank's favorite.

Bringing in a comic quotient to the show is a talented Marathi actor - Prasad Barve playing the character of Jitendra Prasad. He plays a city topper from UP who thinks he is the hero of the place and unaware of the fact that other people just think of him as a 'Maha Chipku'! His very virtue of being a walking talking disaster will add more fun elements to the show!

Tune-in to bubbly new interns and more masti on Dill Mill Gaye starting 22nd September, 8.30pm only on STAR One!

UNBELIEVABLE: SRK-Akki together!

2009-09-20T12:26:00.002+05:30

Believe it or not, Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar were caught hugging and bonding when Khan dropped by at the latter's film sets in Mumbai recently. Khan was shooting for an ad film and Akki was shooting for a song for his forthcoming film Blue when the former dropped by on his sets surprising the actor. Do we see a new friendship flourishing? Take a look!

19th SEPTEMBER TRP'S ( SATURDAY )

2009-09-20T12:25:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Baa Bahoo Aur Baby = 3.8

Tere Mere Beach Mein = 5.3

The Perfect Bride = 3.9

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Mahima Shani Dev Ki = 4.8

SINGH IS KING = 4.7

COLORS :-

Mahavir Hanuman = 3.2

Rin Presents 100% - De Dhana Dhan = 3.9

KOI AANE KO HAI = 5.1

ZEE TV :-

Ram Lakhan = 3.5

Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs = 8.2

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

IDEA Boogie Woogie = 3.6

10 Ka Dum = 4.9

Dekh India Dekh = 3.8

Kritika Kamra in serious demand...

2009-09-20T12:23:00.003+05:30

Kritika Kamra who was earlier approached for Pyar Ka Bandhan has now been considered to play the lead in Balaji's other Sony show, Bayttaab...

Yesterday we had reported that new face Anupriya Kapoor who had bagged the role of the lead protagonist in Balaji Telefilms' upcoming show, Bayttaab on Sony Entertainment Television has been shown the door, courtesy her tantrums even before shooting a scene for the show!!

Well, her loss had to be somebody else's gain, and we hear that the charming Kritika Kamra of Kitani Mohabbat Hai fame is the next choice of the production house for the same role.

For the uninitiated, Kritika Kamra had earlier been approached for Balaji's second show on Sony, titled Pyar Ka Bandhan. She was to play one of the four siblings who get separated, in the concept loosely based on the movie Yaadon Ki Baraat.

According to our source, "The shoot of Bayttaab had to start very quickly as the launch date for the show is October 5th. With the last minute ouster of Anupriya Kapoor, the production house desperately tried to look for a new face for nearly two days. But they could not zero in on a perfect face for the role, and so opted for Kritika who fitted the bill to the 'T'".

However, the latest on this is that the channel has a problem with accepting Kritika for the above said role. "Kritika has given her nod for the show, but the channel authorities are in two minds, and are not sure whether Kritika will be perfect for essaying the role of Kanchan. Talks are on, but the channel and production house will be shooting two promos tonight, one with Kritika in it and the second with only the other two girls. The channel will review their decision tomorrow, and only then will they decide whether to take Kritika or not".

Our source adds, "If Kritika gets finalized, we will immediately start shoot tomorrow. But if she is not taken, then we will have to go thro' the whole process of auditions again. Nothing is clear as of now".

If all goes well, Kritika will play the eldest of the three sisters, Kanchan. As reported earlier, Sumana Das will play the middle sister, Shamoli while 11 year old Pragati Chourasiya plays Parul. New face Vishal Nayak will play their rakhi brother.

When contacted, Kritika Kamra admitted that she was considering being part of the second show, Pyar Ka Bandhan when she was asked to play the lead role in Bayttaab instead. She told us, "Pyar Ka Bandhan is a very beautiful concept, and I was thrilled when I got that role. However, Bayttaab provides me with a bigger challenge. The role is very powerful, challenging and above all, I will be not be playing a glamorized role, which is something different from Kitani Mohabbat Hai. I was happy when I got Pyar Ka Bandhan, but I am happier with Bayttaab".

Ask her whether she is aware that the channel is in two minds on finalizing her for Bayttaab, and she with a smile states, "I am not aware of it. I know that whatever Ekta offers me, will be good for me".

The actress personally feels that Kitani Mohabbat Hai would have got a better ending if it had stretched for one more month. "The ending would have been more logical if we were given one more month. However, the creative time has come up with a very justifiable end in such a short span of time. We will finally see the lovers Arjun and Arohi getting together after so much of tragedy and confusion".

As Kritika's future when it comes to doing Bayttaab hangs in balance, we await the channel's decision!!

'I wanted Amoli to have eyes that could speak volumes' - Ekta Kapoor....

2009-09-20T12:20:00.002+05:30

Ekta Kapoor speaks about her new show on COLORS Bairi Piya, her next leading lady Amoli and the smooching scandals and more…

Wearing a black puffed-sleeve top and her trademark ground trailing bell-bottoms in off-white shade, Ekta Kapoor hardly seemed the young entrepreneur who has taken over the television industry by storm, when we met her at the Press Meet of her new show on COLORS, Bairi Piya which launches on 21st September at the 8.30 PM slot .... Nevertheless, she describes her self as a 'cautious businesswoman turned risk-taker!'

Over to the 'not-always-politically-correct' Ekta Kapoor on her new show which deals with the plight of farmers in rural India...

Moving from saas bahu sagas to a social issue based on the plight of farmers in Vidharbh, how does it feel?
My involvement with Bairi Piya has given me a deeper understanding of the plight of rural India. I could see what actually goes on in the villages, thanks to the research done by my creative team. The hardships of farmers has been publicized many times but its only Bairi Piya that was an actual eye-opener.

Take us through the concept of the show.
The concept of the show is based on morality being a luxury. And also on the funny power play between individuals when it comes to relationships. When you're poor, morality sometimes does become a luxury. Amoli, the protagonist of the show, will be a very good looking girl belonging to a poor family. Now beauty for a career loving girl would mean attractive jobs like modelling or acting. For a middle class girl it would mean a ticket to a good marriage proposal. But for a girl who belongs to a family that is struggling to make ends meet, what does it mean? In Amoli's case, as you will see, her beauty, sort of becomes her curse.

Why did you choose such a concept?
Because in a way, this show explores the difficulties of a farmer and the exploitation involved when it comes to solving this problem. That is, the red - tapism involved in the bureaucracy when it comes to allotment of funds. And for a show to deal with social issues in such a detailed manner, it seemed interesting to me.

Take us through the research that was done by your creative team for this show?
My creative team went to four drought hit regions of Maharashtra. They lived in the village for a week. They interacted with the villagers, ate the food they cooked. They even had their delicacy- rabbit meat! After about a month and a half's research they became completely acquainted with the lifestyle of the villagers. All this knowledge was put into the making of Bairi Piya.

Your reason for choosing Supriya Kumari as your Amoli for the show…
I wanted Amoli to have eyes that could speak volumes. She had to have that asset. If you see Supriya, she has a very rustic girl-next-door look. But everything about her simplicity vanishes the moment you look into her eyes. That's what made me choose her.

Have you seen her essay the character of Shanichari in Zee's Agle Janam?
No, it was only last week that I came to know she was a part of Agle Janam. I have never watched the serial.

So does that mean you wanted a newcomer for Bairi Piya too, but accidentally chose Supriya?
Yes. I did want a newcomer for Bairi Piya, because as always Balaji is intent on giving fresh faces a break.

So do you regret your decision now?
Hmm…I don't regret it. But definitely would have liked it better if it were a newcomer.

Does Bairi Piya bear any resemblance to Agle Janam in story line?
See, the resemblance of any story to another story, depends on the perception of the viewer. Now of course there will be some obvious similarities such as the rural life, the hardship faced by the underprivileged families etc. But the issues tackled will be different and there will be other obvious differences too, which you will come to know once you watch the serial.

Balaji Telefilms has been in the news for the past week for its smoochy auditions. What have you to say about it?
See, every show is handled by a separate department. The show that you are talking about is something very cool and above all, everyone kisses in India…isn't it? So they asked the people who had come for auditioning, if they will be comfortable doing such a scene. It was required for the show's concept.

Is this above mentioned youth based intimate show chosen to diversify the range of shows that Balaji Telefilms have to offer?
Yes. Change is inevitable.

Why no more attachment to 'K'?
There are two reasons to it. I'm saying it taking the risk of getting laughed at, of course. I was recommended the 'K' factor as my mangaldasha was on earlier. And since it got over I was free to choose any alphabet I wanted. The second reason is that as I've done around 60 shows starting with K, and have run out of titles. (laughs).

Do you have any reality shows in the offering?
Well, I can't talk about it right now.

Does that mean we can look forward to a reality show from Balaji?
Maybe…

46 per cent Indian children suffer from malnutrition....

2009-09-20T12:18:00.001+05:30

Despite India's recent economic boom, at least 46 per cent of its children up to the age of three still suffer from malnutrition, making the country home to a third of the world's malnourished children, a study said on Thursday.

Noting that the country is an 'economic powerhouse but a nutritional weakling', the report by the British-based Institute of Development Studies, which incorporated papers by more than 20 analysts from India, said, "At least 46 per cent of children up to the age of three in India still suffer from malnutrition."

' 3 Idiots' Again Looks for Christmas Release

2009-09-19T15:54:00.002+05:30

Rajkumar Hirani's '3 Idiots' is all set to resume shooting after a break next week.

The shooting date shad been adjusted because actor Aamir Khan needed to take a break with his wife Kiran. But now the actor, who was holidaying in France, is back and Hirani and will be looking forward to finish his movie. Apparently, the upcoming schedule will see the director canning the one and only romantic song between Aamir and Kareena's characters.

The rest of the cast, consisting of Boman Irani, Sharman Joshi and R Madhavan, are also expected to feature briefly in the song.

Anyway, the other good news for Hirani is that the movie is all set to release on Christmas Day.

What Stress Does to Your Body....

2009-09-19T15:53:00.002+05:30

The human body is well adapted to deal with short-term stress, but if it remains on orange alert for an extended period of time, you can grow vulnerable to some serious health problems. Here's how major systems respond to your worries.

NERVOUS
The "fight or flight" response begins here: When you're stressed, the brain's sympathetic nerves signal the adrenal glands to release a chemical variety pack, including epinephrine (aka adrenaline) and cortisol. Persistently high levels of these chemicals may impair memory and learning, and up your odds for depression.

ENDOCRINE
Stress hormones trigger the liver to produce more blood sugar, to give you that kick of energy in the moment of perceived danger. But if the "danger" you're concerned with is a long-term dilemma and you're already at risk for type 2 diabetes, bad news: Elevated glucose levels may turn you into a card-carrying diabetic.

RESPIRATORY
At high-stress moments, you may find yourself breathing faster, feeling short of breath, or even hyperventilating. Over the long term, this strain on the system can make you more susceptible to upper-respiratory infections (so if you're considering a career in air-traffic control, you might want to stock up on Emergen-C).

CARDIOVASCULAR
Momentary, acute stress, like, say, when you're walking down the aisle to get married, will make your heart beat faster and blood pressure rise. Long-term stress, like unwelcome pressure from the folks to produce offspring, can cause narrowing of the arteries and elevate cholesterol levels, upping your chances of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

REPRODUCTIVE
Stress can lengthen or shorten your menstrual cycle, stop it altogether, or make your periods more painful. High levels of stress make bacterial vaginosis (BV) more likely and, during pregnancy, may increase the chance of your baby's developing asthma or allergies later in life. Bring on the prenatal yoga.

IMMUNE
Short-term stress can actually boost the immune system, helping your body fight infection. Ongoing stress, however, turns things in the other direction, possibly slowing wound healing, leaving you more susceptible to infection, and worsening skin conditions such as eczema, hives, and yes — acne.

DIGESTIVE
Extreme stress isn't unlike the morning after a bender. It can cause dry mouth, indigestion, nausea, and gas, and it stimulates the muscles of the intestines, possibly causing diarrhea or constipation. Have these symptoms chronically, and you may increase your risk for irritable bowel syndrome, severe heartburn, and ulcers.

MUSCULOSKELETAL
Muscles tense to deal with what your body perceives as danger. No one who's pulled an all-nighter with only PowerPoint for company will be surprised that constantly tight muscles can cause headaches and neck, shoulder, and back pain. Chronic stress may also increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

Dhoni banks on experience

2009-09-19T15:49:00.002+05:30

The only time MS Dhoni's voice fluctuated was when the sound system at the press conference malfunctioned.

Right through the question-answer session ahead of the Indian team's departure for the ICC Champions Trophy, the Indian skipper remained almost monotonously calm.

He wasn't worried that the competition had no minnows, and every game was a virtual knock-out, nor did he seem too bothered by the fickle snakes-and-ladders game called the ICC rankings.

He wasn't too keen to flaunt the team's recent ODI record of winning six straight series, and preferred to speak of the bowling department's need to improve, and the flaws in their fielding.

Before flying off to South Africa, Dhoni stayed grounded, postponing any big talk for a worthy occasion.

"We expect tough competition in the ICC Champions Trophy. We are in a tough group so we can't afford any slip-ups. Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan will be missed but it is good that Gautam Gambhir is fit," he said.

The press conference had started with the media manager informing that Gambhir had passed the fitness test after he was ruled out of the tri-series in Sri Lanka with a groin injury.

Dhoni stressed the importance of Gambhir at the top of the order in South Africa, as this is the start of the season in South Africa and the pitches will be hard and bouncy.

With the new white ball expected to dart around, men with calm heads will be the need of the hour, be it batsmen or bowlers.

To that end, the top of the Indian line-up looks good, with Rahul Dravid at No 3 behind Sachin Tendulkar and Gambhir.

"Dravid is a batsman that you want at No 3. In this Indian team, we really depend on flair a lot. We have batsmen who are flashy and ready to take on the bowlers. So it is ideal to give them a platform from where they can launch their innings to post a big total," he said.

In the bowling department Dhoni expects Ashish Nehra to fill the Zaheer-sized void. The left-arm pacer, along with RP Singh and Ishant Sharma, will be the bowlers Dhoni looks at to give him early breakthroughs.

Interestingly, the team that flies out for the ICC Champions Trophy is mostly made of players who have enjoyed success in South Africa.

There are a few who played the 2003 World Cup final, and a number of players on the right side of 30 were around Dhoni when he lifted the first ICC World Twenty.

In tough conditions, it's the Class of 2003 - Tendulkar, Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, Nehra and Harbhajan Singh - that will need to put their hands up, not just for their experience, but also because they will be desperate for some happy memories from the Wanderers, after the forgettable final six years ago.

Turk crowned world's tallest man at 8ft 1in.....

2009-09-19T15:45:00.002+05:30

Making his first ever trip outside his native Turkey to tour London this week, Sultan Kosen is guaranteed a unique view of the English capital -- at more than eight feet tall he will tower above the crowds.

Crowned the world's tallest man on Thursday, 26-year-old Kosen stands at 8 feet 1 inch (2.46 metres), making him the first person in more than a decade to officially measure over 8 feet, and one of only 10 confirmed cases in history, according to Guinness World Records.

He takes the title from China's Bao Xi Shun who, at 7 feet 8.95 inches, regained the title last year after 8 feet 5.5 inch Ukrainian Leonid Stadnyk's claim was discredited when he refused to be independently measured.

Kosen lists being able to see a long way into the distance as one of the main advantages of his height, as well as helping his mum with domestic jobs such as changing light bulbs and hanging curtains.

But he admits finding shoes to fit his 36.5 cm (14.4 inch) feet -- the world's largest -- or big enough clothes, are a disadvantage.

While being able to find a car that accommodates his size is one of Kosen's hopes after receiving the official title, his ultimate quest is romance.

"My biggest dream is to get married and have children," he told reporters. "I'm looking for love."

Kosen's trip was organised to mark the launch of the Guinness World Records 2010 edition, which also features the world's most pierced man -- 78-year-old former British bank manager John Lynch, who has 241 piercings -- and the world's youngest billionaire, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerman, who made his first billion dollars aged 23 years 296 days.

18 SEPTEMBER TRP'S (FRIDAY)

2009-09-19T15:39:00.001+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.2

Aap Ki Kachehri = 4.5

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.1

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 8.4

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 9.6

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 7.5

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.2

Sach Ka Saamna = 4.2

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.8

Meera = 3.5

Jyoti = 5.6

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 5.3

Basera = 4.7

Bandini = 5.2

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 3.9

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.6

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.2

Balika Vadhu = 9.8

Khatron Ke Khiladi Undekha Action = 6.1

KOI AANE KO HAI = 4.9

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.1

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.9

Aapki Antara = 7.4

Pavitra Rishta = 9.1

Hero Honda Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs = 9.8

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

IDEA Boogie Woogie = 3.5

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.9

CID = 4.3

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.7

Ganesh Leela = 1.2

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.3

Doli Saja Ke = 1.1

Mata Ki Chowki = 1.2

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 4.1

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 3.9

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.2

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.9

'I don’t believe in angels' - Dishank Arora....

2009-09-19T15:37:00.003+05:30

Dishank Arora, the smart and sophisticated Varun of Star One’s Love Ne Mila Di Jodi, has a smooth talk with an occasional joke that creeps up on the conversation just when you don’t expect it!

The last time you went shopping: It was day before yesterday. I picked up a pair of sandals, they are really nice.

The languages you speak: English, Hindi and Punjabi.

Favorite breed of dog: I don't like dogs as default. However I do like puppies, all kinds of them.

So you like cats: Noooo…cats? Never. No way. Just puppies thats all.

The best way to display love: Can't say. Cause I've never been in love.

One self confessed vice of yours: My temper.

If you became invisible you would: I'll wait till I become invisible, then I'll decide. I seriously hope it happens. (Laughs)

An animated character you can relate to: None.

If not an actor you would have been: I never really thought about it because I always wanted to be an actor. And I achieve whatever I want.

Sneakers or formal shoes: To be frank, formal shoes.

Best thing about being single: I don't have to take too much tension. Like I can do whatever I want.

Do you believe in angels: Nope, not yet.

If not as Dishank who would you love to be born as: No idea.

Your name means: There are two meanings for my name. One is- to guide a person to the right direction. The second is 'tithe'.

If you could choose the colors in a rainbow, you'd pick: Blue, green, red, orange , black (laughs) don't know how it will turn out but they'll be there anyways…umm..and white and golden.

Kareena excited for hot scene with Saif!

2009-09-19T15:36:00.002+05:30

Kareena Kapoor is extremely eager about 'Qurbaan' as it is her subsequent motion picture with current beau, Saif Ali Khan ...

Kareena Kapoor is extremely eager about 'Qurbaan' as it is her subsequent motion picture with current beau, Saif Ali Khan after 'Tashan'. She was enthusiastic to do 'Love Aaj Kal' with him but unfortunately the actress could not. Now that Saif has snatched her for his next production, she is stoked for her much awaited love making scene between the two. In a previous interview, Bebo bared everything saying that this Rensil D'Silva's directed movie is very exceptional to her. About the hot scene, Bebo stated she does not have any problems with it as the script demands it.

Kareena is also jam-packed with praises for her ex Shahid Kapur and felt pleased that Shahid is accomplishing great things in his career. She also confirmed that Saif and her loved 'Kaminey and even congratulated Shahid themselves. She continued praising Vishal for making such a wonderful film and finished by thanking the viewers for giving a positive response to such a unusual film like 'Kaminey'.

What the Tata Nano is like: Owners speak!

2009-09-19T15:33:00.003+05:30

It's now two months since the world's cheapest car, Tata Nano, was handed over to its first owner.

Since then, the Nano -- which caught the entire world's attention and has the potential to rewrite the automobile industry's future -- has found home across the length and breadth of India.

But has the car lived up to the hype? Are the first buyers of Nano happy? Does the car offer what Tata Motors promised it would? Is it worth the Rs 1 lakh tag that it carries?

It is time for a reality check.

The lucky, and enthusiastic, owners of the first lot of Nanos drove their pride of possession on city roads, highways, dusty roads and steep terrains -- for hundreds of kilometres at a stretch, in some cases -- share their experience about what it has meant to own a Nano. And how it has changed their lives.

We spoke to a proud cross section of Nano owners from across the country on what they like, and dislike, about the Tata Nano. Check it out...

Ashok Vichare, Mumbai

Ashok Vichare is enjoying his 'celebrity' status, thanks to a little wonder called the Tata Nano. Vichare is the first owner of the Tata Nano in India and he has travelled 1,000 km already in it. Wherever he goes, people rush to see the car. "College and school students go crazy seeing the car," he says.

He is very possessive about the car and does not even like his daughter driving it. Although he once had to let her drive it, he concedes. And he does not even let anyone else wash the car: he does it himself!

"It is a fantastic car, very comfortable and gives a good mileage," says an excited Vichare, who works with the Customs.

Best thing about the Nano?

Its affordability, good pick up, mileage, good air-conditioning system. It also requires lesser parking space and the service it gives is worth the price. It can go up to a speed of 100 km. It's a beautiful, light vehicle good for a family.

What don't you like about the Nano or would liked for it to have?

I would have liked to have a side-view mirror on the left side and a drawer (glove compartment) to keep papers, etc.

How many kilometres has it run?

I completed 1,000 kilometres. I was sceptical about driving the Nano in the steep ghats when I went for a drive from Khopoli to Pune (near Mumbai). But it was a great experience. I faced no problem and I enjoyed a smooth ride.

Is this your first car?

This is my first car. I am enjoying every single ride in it. Many foreigners -- from the United States, France, Germany, et cetera -- have visited my place. It is great to see so much interest in the car. At traffic signals, I am the centre of attraction.

What has been your family's reaction to it? What about neighbours?

Family is very excited, so are the neighbours. Many of them asked me to let them drive the car, but I haven't allowed yet. People have different driving styles and ultimately that affects a car. So it's best I keep it for myself.

Any fears about the car?

We bought the car without any test drive. I have complete faith in (Tata Group chairman) Ratan Tata's car.

Mileage?

22-23 kmpl

How comfortable? How many can sit?

It can seat 5 people. It is spacious.

City or long drive?

I used it for, both, city and long drives.

Model, price:

LX Lunar silver colour, Rs 1.85 lakh. I took a loan from the State Bank of India.

Shraddha to launch on 28th September.....

2009-09-19T15:31:00.001+05:30

Star Plus' Shraddha will launch on 28th September at the 7 PM slot...

Star Plus is ready for its next launch in Siddhant Cinevision's Shraddha!! The show will be starting on the auspicious day of Dussehra on 28th September and will take the 7 PM slot.

As reported earlier, Godrej Khelo Jeeto Jeeyo hosted by Soha Ali Khan which occupied the 7 PM slot has ended.

Confirming the date and time slot, the lead protagonist of the show Neha Janpandit says, "I am very glad to be part of the Star family. It feels good to be back on television. Shraddha launches on the auspicious day of Dussehra, and I cannot ask for anything better".

Neha Janpandit was last seen in Sahara One's Woh Rehna Wali Mehlon Ki.

The story revolves around Shraddha, who sacrifices her desires for her parents and takes them on a pilgrimage to the 'Chaar Dhaam'. In other words, she is a daughter who has all the attributes of Shravan Kumar.

Varun Sobti a new comer plays the lead in the show. Veterans Sudhir Dalvi and Sukanya Kulkarni play the parents, while Shashank Sethi, Siddharth Dhawan will also be seen in the show.

The story will have the back drop of Ujjain.

Manish Malhotra on Bollywood's sexy six....

2009-09-19T15:22:00.003+05:30

Designer Manish Malhotra will showcase his bridal collection at the Lakme Fashion Week on September 19. We caught up with him to get his take on six of Bollywood's leading ladies.

Priyanka Chopra

I am dying to watch Priyanka Chopra carry off the 12 different looks in her latest film. But I'm quite happy with the way I have styled her in Pyaar Impossible. It's far different from the way she has been styled earlier.

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai needs to be seen in more contemporary saris rather than the traditional ones. I think she could also do something with her hair.

Katrina

It will be interesting to see Katrina in a completely de-glam avatar in (Prakash Jha's) Rajneeti. Katrina has always looked amazing. But she could do with some slimming down. It'll make her look even more amazing.

Kareena

Kareena has always had a great sense of style. She's also very open to experimenting, which can be a good thing. But Kareena must, must put on some weight! I know she's gaining kilos. But perhaps she could do with some more flesh on her

Preity Zinta

You've almost always seen Preity Zinta in western clothes. Perhaps it's something about her personality that makes you associate her with urbane collections. But she can look stunning in traditional clothes too. Watch her in the song from Main Aurr Mrs Khanna and you'll know what I'm saying!

Bipasha Basu

Now here's someone who needs to change her look. There's something about her hair and dressing that is beginning to get repetitive. It's time for change!

Home loan rates dive

2009-09-19T15:17:00.002+05:30

For those planning to take a loan to buy their house, there is good news. Several banks have slashed home loan rates recently. Again.

Bank of India has come up with a festive offer called Star Home Loan, which can be availed till December 31. For a loan of up to Rs 50 lakh, the rate of interest will be 8.50 per cent in the first year and 9.25 per cent in the second.

For loans of Rs 5 lakh-1.5 crore, the interest in the first year will be 9.75 per cent and 10.50 in the second. From the third year, the then floating rate of the bank will be applicable in both the cases.

Union Bank of India has launched a special festive offer on home and auto loans. As per the offer, for home loans up to Rs 50 lakh, the bank will charge a fixed rate of 8.50 per cent for the first three years. From the fourth year, the interest will be a floating rate linked to the benchmark prime lending rate of the bank for all tenures. The bank has also reduced rates for car loans by 75-100 bps, depending on the tenure.

Says R.K. Nikra, chief manager, "The offer will be effective from September 1 September till October 31."

A few days before the UBI offer, ICICI Bank launched a special offer for all new home loans. As per the new offer, the bank will charge an interest rate of 8.75 per cent for loans up to Rs 20 lakh. For loans of Rs 20 lakh-50 lakh, the new interest rate is 9.25 per cent.

Borrowing above Rs 50 lakh will attract 9.75 per cent interest rate. Effective from August 20, the scheme is available only for a limited period of time, said an ICICI spokesperson. Apart from the special offer, ICICI Bank's home loan interest rates are in the range of 9.25-11 per cent.

Both theses offers came within weeks of the State Bank of India (SBI) cutting rates by 50-75 bps on high-value home loans. Earlier, SBI had launched a new home loan scheme offering 8 per cent for 1-5 years, depending on the amount, with zero processing fees, as against an average of about 10 per cent charged by others.

Among other players who have cut home loan rates are Punjab National Bank , housing finance majors LIC Housing Finance and HDFC......

Aditya Chopra wants to direct DHOOM 3

2009-09-18T17:57:00.003+05:30

Aditya Chopra wants to direct DHOOM 3. Now, this might sound a bit interesting. If the latest reports emerging out of the Yash Raj camp are to be believed, it seems Aditya Chopra is all set to make the much talked about film DHOOM 3 if his dream cast is by his side.

Buzz is that Aditya Chopra wants to direct DHOOM 3 if SRK and Hrithik are part of the film. Though, many believe that SRK can never say NO to him, but Hrithik seems to be a tough nut to crack given his other commitments.

Well, if everything else goes according to the plan, the audiences can expect yet another spectacle from the Yash Raj camp.

Priyanka Chopra spoiling her health......

2009-09-18T17:54:00.001+05:30

Success makes everybody happy and Priyanka Chopra is no exception. She is happy with the back-to-back success of Fashion, Dostana and the recently released Kaminey. Compliments are pouring in from all quarters for her performance in these films. In the meantime, her health is also deteriorating.

The problem with Priyanka is that she doesn’t know how to stop once she starts working. She is a complete workaholic. She admitted that hard word paid great dividend but it took a lot of blood, sweat, tears and more from her.

What makes her more popular is her diverse roles in each of her films. If Fashion was a woman-centric film, Dostana dealt with homosexuality and Kaminey is described by critics as ‘refreshingly different’. Now, all eyes are on her again with her donning 12 characters in her upcoming release What’s Your Raashee? She also has Pyaar Impossible in her kitty.

But the actress has finally realised that work is taking its toll on her health. She confessed that she has obsessive compulsive disorder at work. She added that she pushes herself to the point of no return and ends up hurting herself in the process. It maybe recalled that she had fainted a few times on the sets.

17 SEPTEMBER TRP'S ( THURSDAY )

2009-09-18T17:49:00.000+05:30

STAR PLUS :-

Mitwa Phool Kamal Ke = 2.1

Aap Ki Kachehri = 3.7

Sajan Ghar Jaana Hai = 5.8

Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai = 8.1

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai = 9.4

Sabki Laadli - Bebo = 7.6

Perfect Bride Reality Episode = 3.6

Sach Ka Saamna = 3.8

NDTV IMAGINE :-

Seeta Aur Geeta = 2.5

Meera = 3.8

Jyoti = 4.1

Palkon Ki Chaaon Mein = 4.9

Basera = 4.8

Bandini = 5.7

Kitani Mohabbat Hai = 3.9

COLORS :-

Bhagya Vidhata = 4.9

Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg = 3.6

Balika Vadhu = 9.2

Jai Shri Krishna = 6.6

Idea presents Khatron Ke Khiladi Level 2 = 7.8

Uttaran = 9.3

Na Aana Is Des Laado = 8.6

ZEE TV :-

Chhoti Bahu - Sindoor Bin Suhagan = 8.5

Jhansi Ki Rani = 6.9

Aapki Antara = 7.3

Pavitra Rishta = 8.6

Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo = 9.3

12 / 24 Karol Bagh = 5.7

Shree = 5.2

SONY ENTERTAINMENT :-

CID Classics = 2.7

Palampur Express = 2.1

Bhaskar Bharti = 2.5

Ladies Special = 2.4

Entertainment Ke Liye Aur Bhi Kuch Karega = 3.6

SAHARA ONE :-

Mr. and Mrs. Mishra = 0.9

Ganesh Leela = 1.3

Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki = 1.5

Doli Saja Ke = 1.2

Mata Ki Chowki = 0.8

STAR ONE :-

Dill Mill Gaye = 4.2

Miley Jab Hum Tum = 4.1

Love Ne Mila Di Jodi = 3.3

Hum Dono Hain Alag Alag = 2.9

Priyanka gets a haircut!

2009-09-18T17:48:00.002+05:30

Priyanka Chopra came sporting an all new hairdo at a recent promotional event of her forthcoming film What's Your Rashee? along with the film's lead actor Harman Baweja and director Ashutosh Gowariker. The gorgeous actress who generally outshines everybody else around monopolised our attention here as well though not for a very good reason - her extremely weird hair cut. Check it out!

Downturn may cost 25 million jobs in OECD

2009-09-18T17:44:00.001+05:30

The economic downturn will likely cost as many as 25 million people their jobs by end-2010 as the unemployment rate nears a record 10 percent in the OECD group of countries, according to a report released on Wednesday.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said 15 million jobs were lost between end-2007 and July 2009 and 10 million more could go by the end of next year despite signs the economy is picking up.

"A major risk is that much of this large hike in unemployment becomes structural in nature," the report said.

"The world economy is indeed recovering. We've thrown trillions and trillions and trillions at it and of course we're seeing results," OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria said.

"(But) employment is the bottom line of the current crisis. We cannot claim victory because we see economic indicators going up. We should not assume that (renewed GDP) growth will take care of this," he told a news conference.

The OECD-wide unemployment rate has already hit the highest on records going back to World War Two, surging to 8.3 percent by June 2009 from 5.6 percent at the end of 2007, the annual report from the Paris-based OECD said.

The latest aggregate readout, for July, is 8.5 percent.

Spain, Ireland and the United States were worst hit, with unemployment rates rising by 9.7 percentage points, 7.8 percentage points and 4.5 percentage points respectively between the start of 2007 and mid-2009, it said.

"The labour market outlook would be even worse if governments has not pursued expansionary monetary and fiscal policy," said the OECD, estimating that government spending on anti-recession projects will raise total employment next year by about 0.8-1.4 percent more than would otherwise have happened.

This downturn is destroying considerably more jobs than other recessions since the early 1970s, the report says.

Most of the world's high-income countries and a few others are members of the OECD but others such as China and India are not.

How you write 'shows if you're a liar'

2009-09-18T17:42:00.001+05:30

Instead of analysing body language or eye movement, to catch out people telling fibs, people’s handwriting can instead give them away.

While stressing the research was in the early stages, scientists say it could one day help validate loan application or even insurance claims.

Psychologists have suggested that handwriting changes when someone is lying because the brain has to work harder to invent facts, which then in turn interfere with the normal writing process.

Researchers at the University of Haifa, Israel, asked 34 volunteers to write two short paragraphs, where in one they recalled a real memory while in the other a fictitious event.

The volunteers used a wireless electronic pen with a tip that was pressure-sensitive in order to write their memories and lies, the study published in the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology reported.

The paper was then placed on a computer tablet, which monitored and analysed their writing style.

The scientists then found those who wrote lies pressed harder on the paper, had longer pen strokes and produced taller letters than those telling the truth.

“In the false writing condition, the average pressure, stroke length and height were significantly higher than in the true writing condition,” the researchers said.

Professor Richard Wiseman, psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, told the Daily Mail the technique was promising, but needed testing on a much bigger scale.

“We know that people hesitate more when they lie and some companies already use this fact to see how long it takes people to tick boxes when filling in surveys online,” he said.

Sonam’s weighty issues on Farah’s show

2009-09-18T17:39:00.001+05:30

Mumbai: Farah Khan’s TV show ‘Tere Mere Beach Mein’ has become extremely popular with a lot of Bollywood biggies having revealed some of the most sought-after secrets of their life. After the famous revelation by actor Vivek Oberoi, it’s none other than pretty lady Sonam Kapoor, who has apparently not hesitated a bit in talking about something quite personal.

Well, before you jump to conclusions, let us clarify that it’s not about Sonam’s love life, relationships or anything, but about her weighty issues. Being the latest guest on Farah’s show, along with filmmaker Karan Johar, Sonam talked about her struggle to beat the bulge before making her Bollywood debut.

Sonam, who weighed 90 kilos at her worst, said, "I was depressed when I went to boarding school at the age of 15. I was the only Indian girl in my school in Singapore. There was plenty of junk food and mum had stopped all chocolates at home. Here, I was free and ate though it was comfort eating and I also gained weight due to hormonal imbalances. I went from 50 kilos to 90 kilos in just 4 months. I gained 40 kilos. I used to eat 1 pint ice-cream, two large pizzas alone and instead of three meals would have 10 meals a day. My mum started crying seeing me."

"When Sanjay Leela Bhansali saw me, he said that I look like a painting from Ajanta. Don’t lose weight, you have those curves," she added.

First Look: Dia Mirza walks the ramp.....

2009-09-18T17:37:00.001+05:30

Sameera Reddy wasn't the only celebrity walking the ramp during the Neeta Lulla and Nishka Lulla show on Day One of the Indian Fashion Week.

Femina Miss India 2000 and Indian cinema hottie Dia Mirza wore the showstopper -- a light pink and white cotton-candy inspired A-line dress -- for Nishka's collection.

Mirza, who stars in director Suparn Varma's forthcoming film Acid Factory, was effusive in her praise for young Nishka, calling her 'very talented and professional'.

7 simple ways to quiet ordinary snoring

2009-09-18T17:35:00.004+05:30

Snoring often leads to embarrassment and can wreck a good night's sleep of your partner. Now, experts from Mayo Clinic have offered some simple ways to silence the disturbing nasal sound.

Snoring is caused by relaxed and sagging tissues. As sleep deepens, the tongue relaxes, as do the soft tissues of the throat and the roof of the mouth (soft palate).

The tissues can sag into the airway, causing it to narrow. As air is inhaled or exhaled through the narrowed opening, the relaxed tissues of the soft palate vibrate. The result is snoring.

Mayo Clinic Health Letter covers these treatment approaches:

1. Lose weight

Experts have advised snorers to lose weight as the extra bulk narrows airways, contributing to snoring.

2. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol consumption can cause excessive muscle relaxation. Therefore avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before bedtime may help.

3. Relieve nasal obstruction

Using adhesive nasal strips (Breathe Right, others) or corticosteroid nasal sprays can help reduce nasal obstruction.

4. Change sleep positions

In back sleepers, the tongue can sag and narrow the airway during sleep. A doctor can suggest techniques to learn to sleep comfortably in other positions.

5. Stop smoking

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of snoring. People who stop have a lower rate of snoring.

6. Try assistive devices

The most effective treatment for snoring is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. It delivers pressurised air through a mask, keeping the upper airway open during sleep.

7. Consider surgery

Surgery is considered a last resort to cure snoring due to its complications. Several surgical procedures can help reduce snoring, either by cutting away excess mouth and throat tissue or by stiffening tissues of the soft palate to prevent vibration and sagging.

Sushmita Sen brings sexy back!

2009-09-18T17:35:00.002+05:30

Sushmita Sen is back.

The actress, who has been on a rather long hiatus from films, was spotted gyrating to a dance number on the sets of her forthcoming movie Do Knot Disturb at a studio in Mumbai on Thursday.

The movie, which also stars Govinda and Reitesh Deshmukh, is produced by Vashu Bhagnani and directed by David Dhawan.

'Recalling Dravid is a retrograde step'

2009-09-18T17:33:00.001+05:30

India's bowling is their Achilles' heel and recalling Rahul Dravid to prop the batting order is a retrograde step, according to former cricketers Wasim Akram and Sanjay Manjrekar.

Both reckon that Zaheer Khan's absence will render India a lesser force in this month's ICC Champions Trophy. Unless their batsmen step up to the plate to compensate with those extra runs, they feel, the team will be found wanting in South Africa.

"Their bowling is their weakness. The batsmen made up with some extra runs in Sri Lanka and that's how they won the tri-series there. To win Champions Trophy, the batsmen would have to do it again," said Manjrekar, who will be one of the 13 commentators during the September 22-October 5 tournament.