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When Govinda and Salman Khan get together with director David Dhawan they always deliver a hit, of which Partner was the recent example. Once again the trio are all set to deliver a hit, not in movies but on the small screen. David Dhawan and Govinda will make an appearance on Salman Khan’s Dus Ka Dum. Sources reveal that both Salman and Govinda decided to rag David Dhawan about his films, his weight and his pot-belly. They of course took credit for all his hit films.

However, David Dhawan turned out to be smarter this time. He got back to them and that too in front of a live audience and Salman and Govinda had to bear it in the spirit of the game. David Dhawan revealed, “I deal with two heroes, one who is known for his late-coming on the sets and the other who turns up at the studio but refuses to make an appearance on the sets.” Both Govinda and Salman took that without any protest. Nevertheless, Govinda had the last word in support of his friend Salman, “Salman comes on time only on one occasion — when one is in distress!” Who would know better than Govinda. After all, Salman was instrumental in reviving his career. There was thunderous applause for that one

Manav Gohil is all set to make his Bollywood debut on the silver screen in Dharmesh Darshan’s Bhanvraa — The Love “Bee” Stings. “This romantic thriller required someone who would portray the perfect metrosexual; he has to be someonw who is sensitive, vulnerable yet physically strong and has a heart of gold. I wanted some fresh faces for Bhanvraa because I’ve worked with established actors like Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna and Suniel Shetty,” Dharmesh says.

He turned to Manav, who seemed to fit the humble, masculine, sensitive blend that Dharmesh was looking for. “Manav fit the bill completely as he had all these characteristics. He portrays the role of a man, who is provoked to the extremes and hits back like a strong gentleman would. I was also looking for an extremely disciplined and punctual professional and that is what Manav’s reputation is,” says Dharmesh.

Shahid Kapur was spotted working out at a Bandra gym recently, flaunting his biceps and golden tresses. And no, Vidya Balan was not around. Shahid’s new look for Aziz Mirza’s film, Kismat Konnection has struck platinum as he has been widely appreciated for it.

Shahid attributes his new look to his long hair and sheer hardwork on his face to make it look more chiselled and lean. When someone told him that it was his long hair that made him look sexy, he apparently retorted with a, “Yeah sure. But please do not forget the hardwork I put in to change my overall look too!”  This vegan sure knows how to “work” it.

Popstar Madonna turns 50 next month (amidst rumours of her alleged link up with baseball star Alexander Rodriguez and her marriage to filmmaker Guy Ritchie going bust) but the glamorous Neetu Kapoor beat her to the big five O on July 8 when she turned 50. All the Kapoors and close friends attended the momentous occasion including son Ranbir, who flew in especially for his mother’s big day from Ooty just for a day. The actor, who has been out of the country for the larger part of the year, is finally shooting on Indian shores in Ooty of late. “It was so sweet of Ranbir to come for a day for me. He has been shooting non-stop of late. It was nice to spend time with the whole family after so long. I don’t feel my age but then I believe age is just a number,” says a radiant Neetu. Husband Rishi too made sure, alongwith daughter Riddhima, that Neetu’s day was indeed a special one

Amrita Rao’s venture Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur with director Shyam Benegal may have not released but the actress seems to have definitely impressed the director with her acting skills. Sources reveal that Benegal, who is impressed with her work in the film, has approached Amrita for his next film too.

When contacted, Amrita informed, “Yes, Benegal has approached me for his next venture but it’s too early to talk about it. The film is still in its initial stages. I have not even read the script. He is an excellent director and I would definitely like to work with him again. Right now, I am all keyed up about Mahadev Ka Sajjanpur. I am working in the company of fine actors like Shreyas Talpade, Raajeshwari, Ravi Kissen, Ila Arun, Ravi Jhankal and Yashpal Sharma.

I am more excited because I am going to be a part of Benegal’s profile, which consists of big names like Shabana Azmi, Rekha, Naseeruddin Shah, Smita Patil and Karishma Kapoor and that gives me a high. It just took one call from him for me to say yes, I did not even read the script. At this stage of my six-year-old career, I am working with a director like him, who has always been on my wish list of directors.”

Speaking about the film, Amrita says, “The film is a comedy, which has been entirely shot in sync-sound. I had to work hard on my dialect in the film. It is a more situational and not a frivolous kind of comedy. However, it is a hardcore commercial film which will appeal to a different kind of sensibility. The treatment is so different that I feel I have evolved as an actor. It has been a tremendous experience. At this point of career, it is a prestigious film for me

Casting aside her item-girl image, Rakhi Sawant has bagged a full-fledged dramatic role in Yash Raj Films’ new venture that she hopes will result in a flood of offers. “So far my career in movies didn’t take off because I don’t have a lobby to support and sign me. That’s the only explanation I have. But people love Rakhi Sawant,” said Rakhi, who was last seen in Rakesh Roshan’s Krazzy 4.

“Now, I’ve finally got a film I can be proud of. After this, I’m sure I’m going to be flooded with good offers, and not just to do item songs,” she said.

Directed by debutant Anurag Singh, the yet to be titled film also stars Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapur. Rakhi is excited about working with Rani.

“She is my favourite actress. I love Rani. She’s a superstar, but so down to earth. I’m going to take blind instructions from Rani about how to do my scenes. And I’ve no ego about it,” Rakhi said.

It wouldn’t be improper to point out that Rani had borrowed many of Rakhi’s mannerisms and speech patterns to play the tart with a golden heart in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya.

Rakhi, who starts shooting with Rani and Shahid July 17, is about to be turned into a typical Yash Raj heroine and the man given the seemingly impossible job is designer Manish Malhotra.

“I don’t have just one dance. I’ve three dances in this film, choreographed by the one and only Vaibhavi Merchant. They’re not just ordinary item songs. And I’m being dressed by Manish Malhotra. I’m so excited about working with him,” Rakhi added.

So will Rakhi be playing cricket along with Rani in this film about women’s cricket? “Darling, if I reveal everything now why will you pay money to see the film when it’s released? All I know is that the offer came to me without any lobbying. They saw my item song in Krazzy 4. I guess they liked what they saw. All the credit goes to Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Shani Bhagwan and Ganpati. These are the four pillars of my destiny,” she says. ” Nothing in my life has come easily to me, but now I’m very happy with my life. Thank you, media. Main media ki beti hoon (I’m the daughter of the media),” she added.

Vidya Balan’s prowess as an actress has been proved time and again in all her films, be it Parineeta, Eklavya or the more recent Heyy Baby. But the actress continues to endure criticism on her weight and awful dress sense. But nothing seems to deter her. As far as clothes go, she remains just as unfashionable and cares two hoots about her weight too. To the extent, she even compared herself to a large coffee mug recently, saying that some people love mugs, others don’t and some don’t care. Meaning that she couldn’t please everyone and she was happy with herself just the way she was. The choice of object too was odd. A mug and Vidya.

Comedy is Ritesh Deshmukh’s forté and he knows that. But that is not to say he doesn’t want to attempt other genres in acting like action and thrillers. “When I started my film career, I wasn’t sure where I was headed and I am very fortunate that I was accepted by the audience. Now that I have made a place for myself in the business, I will try and branch out into different roles gradually,” says Ritesh, who is currently shooting for Sujoy Ghosh’s Aladdin with Amitabh Bachchan in Mumbai.

How is it working with someone so legendary so early in his career? “It’s an honour. And as any actor would agree that it’s a great learning experience. He even helps me if I falter at any step on the shoot,” says the actor.

Ritesh is also famous on the sets of Alladin as one whose expressions can leave the onlooker confused and interpret it in a thousand different ways. “That’s what everyone on the sets thinks. But I actually enjoy doing that — just putting on an expression and leaving the person in front of me baffled as to what that look meant!” he laughs. Ritesh is also collaborating with Sujoy on yet another project as soon as work on Alladin wraps up

Aamir Khan is all set to introduce his nephew Imran Khan in his film Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na. The actor, producer and director is leaving no stone unturned to see that Imran makes it to the top. He has gone out of his way to introduce him to Bollywood just as he was launched with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (QSQT).

Aamir and Imran are often being compared to each other in every way. Mention it to Aamir and he differs. “We never planned it that way,” he says, “Jaane Tu… was earlier being produced by Jhamu Sugandh, along with two other films. Unfortunately, there was a financial crisis and Jaane Tu… was left without a producer. When Imran and Abbas narrated the script to me, I just fell in love with it. As a producer and an actor, I put my name and money on it. I want the audience to identify the film as quality cinema. After I decided to produce the film, I went through all the auditions and only then did I approve of Imran. But now that the film is ready, it brings back emotional memories of chachajaan (Nasir Hussain), launching me in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. We are a close-knit family and we have grown together — Mansoor, Nuzhat, Nikhat, and me. All my formative years were spent at their house.”

The actor has been ridiculed and applauded for his views on his blog when he mentioned Shah Rukh Khan licking his feet — Shah Rukh being a dog. Aamir laughs and says, “Shah Rukh and I keep joking with each other. We are at such a comfortable level that we realise the gist of the joke. He has made fun of me several times in the past and I have understood that as a joke. However, most of our fans did not appreciate the humour, so I apologised to them for hurting their feelings. Infact, we spoke couple of days back. I had called him to invite him for the premiere of the film.”

Aamir has not only invited Shah Rukh, but also Amitabh Bachchan for the premiere of the film. “It is an emotional moment for the family and I know that chachajaan would have wanted to call the film fraternity,” he says.

The Bachchans’ upcoming Unforgettable world tour has something to look forward to — leggy lass Shilpa Shetty is all set to team up with the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai for two performances.

Shilpa is all set to dance the night away with Aishwarya, Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan in London on August 23-24 at the prestigious 02 Arena, earlier known as the Millennium Dome.

But this is not Shilpa’s first show with Amitabh. “I’ve been on a world tour with Amitji earlier, but not with the rest of the family. And Preity Zinta, who will also be coming along, is a terrific, hassle-free girl. As for Aishwarya, we’re both from Mangalore. I’m looking forward to going on stage with her,” says Shilpa.

Shilpa’s popularity soared in Britain after her stint in reality show The Big Brother, which she went on to win. And what made Shilpa join the Unforgettable tour at the eleventh hour? “It’s not a last-minute thing at all,” said Shilpa, “I had been negotiating to join the tour for a while. It finally worked out now. I’m excited about going on stage with the Bachchans.”

While Shilpa will join the Bachchans in London, Madhuri Dixit is expected to perform in the US and Canada and Akshay Kumar will be seen at the inaugural show in Toronto on July 18