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Saturday, September 19, 2009

Bhullar rises, Jeev slips in golf rankings

Rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar's consistent show on the Asian Tour has helped the strapping Indian pro breach the top 200 bracket and rise to 169th spot in the latest World Golf Rankings.

The 22-year-old's second best finish in the Macau Open golf tournament last week, has helped him jump a massive 49 places, way ahead of fellow Indian golfer Arjun Atwal at 345.

However, senior pro Jeev Milkha Singh lost two rungs to slip to the 47th spot after his tied 18th finish in the Mercedes-Benz tournament in Germany last week.

Among others, European Tour regular Jyoti Randhawa slumped 47 places from last week's 147 to be ranked 194th.

Bipasha Babu wants pest control!


Bipasha Basu is loving every minute of her shoot with Priyadarshan in Karaikudi near Madurai in Tamil Nadu, but she is petrified of the mosquitoes that have been troubling her.

While the producers have made loads of arrangements to try and keep the pests away, the occasional mosquito still bays for the unit’s blood. A funny conversation was heard between the sexy Bengali bombshell and one of the production assistants.

Said Bips to the assistant, “Make sure that mosquitoes don’t come anywhere near me. I don’t want to get bitten. I’m mortally scared of getting malaria.”

Apparently, the assistant replied: “Madam, don’t worry... first of all I have made sure that mosquitoes don’t come near you. And, God forbid, even one or two come they will not bite you.” Bips apparently rolled with laughter when she heard this. She has heard of men talking to their pets. But she has never heard of a man talking to pests (mosquitoes in this case.)

Sush spoils Neeta-Ash jodi


Fashion designers have always depended on stars to up the glam quotient and build a brand name and designers fiercely guard their relationships
Aishwarya Rai
Aishwarya Rai More Pics
with the stars.

Neeta Lulla had a dream relationship with Aishwarya Rai, which seems to have soured after years of working together. The actress is an important client for the designer. As Ash has weaned herself off Neeta, the designer has been trying to resurrect the relationship by sending her texts and trying to win her back.

Perhaps, Neeta should’ve thought about the repercussions when she got Ash’s arch-rival Sushmita Sen to walk the ramp at last year’s Fashion Week. This was akin to being disloyal, as far as Ash was concerned.

Now that Ash has four new films on hand (Guzaarish, Raavana, Action Replay and Enthiram), Neeta is nowhere in the picture. Ash has been opting for Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi instead.

Given the Ash-Lulla history, this is a big snub for the designer. After all, when Yash Chopra introduced them 11 years ago, he predicted that it would be a lasting relationship. It did last - through films like Umrao Jaan, Devdas, Taal, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Ash also weathered much criticism for Neeta’s designs at Cannes.

Friction brewed on the sets of Jodhaa Akbar, when Ash and Neeta clashed over Ash’s outfits in the film. The friendship soured and since then, Ash made it a point to keep Neeta Lulla away. She didn’t attend Neeta’s show at the fashion week last year, where she launched her daughter.

Our source said, “First, it was the Jodhaa-Akbar disaster. Ash maintained a stoic silence, and chose to be dignified. She didn’t want it to affect the Jodhaa-Akbar promotions. Finally, Sushmita is Aishwarya’s arch rival, and her walking the ramp for Neeta was the final nail in the coffin. This year, also Ash has given Neeta the cold shoulder. Sameera Reddy was the showstopper. Yes, Ash is shooting in Goa for Guzaarish, but so what? There were days when Ash would run from any the part of the world if Neeta called.”

Neeta said, “Who has told you that I have been texting Aishwarya? She replies to my messages when I wish her on her birthday or Diwali.” When we asked why she isn’t Ash’s favourite designer anymore, Neeta shot back, “Why don’t you ask Aishwarya this before asking me?”

SRK walks over to Akshay


A picture speaks a thousand words. Going by these, which were clicked yesterday, superstars Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan have forgotten all their differences about who is the No 1 star in Bollywood. Yesterday, they were seen together at Film City where Akshay was shooting for Blue while SRK was shooting an ad film.

Interestingly, it was SRK who took the initiative to meet Akshay by suddenly landing up on the sets of Blue. Akshay, of course, was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected visit from SRK.

A source present on the sets of the film said, “SRK walked in on the sets of Blue yesterday afternoon to meet Akshay. SRK was shooting nearby on floor no 12 for an ad film when he heard that Akshay was shooting on floor no 1 for Blue. There were some media persons who were present on the sets of Blue.

They were surprised to suddenly see SRK on the sets of Akshay’s film. As soon as he heard about SRK’s visit, Akshay came out of his vanity van to greet him. Their body language was very friendly.

The two stars chatted inside the vanity van for 20 minutes. They have been discussing the possibility of a joint venture. Earlier too they had discussed the possibility of doing a film together at Preity Zinta’s birthday party. Now they have taken their discussion a step ahead. The film will be jointly produced by SRK’s production company Red Chillies and Akshay’s Hari Om Productions.”

According to the source, both are keen to make a film together and they will be meeting again soon to take things further. “Akshay and SRK know that it will be nothing short of a dream cast if they are seen together in a film made by them,” said the source.

Aishwarya Rai is grace under pressure


Bless Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The dignity she showed as some old wounds opened up qualifies her as the real-life Jodhaa.

Dignity under pressure is a tall order. Lata Mangeshkar, Rekha and Aishwarya are portraits of composure during the most trying of times. They’ve all had their share of discomforting moments. Never have they recoiled, retaliated and caved in.

And yes, their heads haven’t spun around with the giddy aphrodisiac of success. For some strange reason female celebrities are more prone to an absurd upsurge of self-worth than men. I call it the Friday-before-and-after effect. For Mallika Sherawat, I was a mentor before the Friday when Murder released. Then the mentor became the tormentor. Where is Mallika by the way? Last I heard she was getting her extremely well-oiled publicity machinery to spread stories about how she was was heading for various posh assignment in the West. I don’t know how many of those Westward-bound projects actually materialised.

Aeons ago Gregory Peck met Suraiya, who was fascinated by Peck because he resembled her crush Dev Anand. Gerard Butler seemed interested in Priyanka Chopra because she resembles his co-star Katherine Heigl. The more things change (from the era of the aura to the aura of the tacky) the more they remain the same.

Could this be just a coincidence? But all the three main Indian films at the Toronto Film Festival this year are predominantly and entirely female-oriented. So many female-oriented films ... Actresses are finally breaking the myth that films with women at the helm are out of favour. It takes a Lisa Ray to show the world what woman power really means.

It’s strange. We live in a society which still practices female foeticide. And we still worship Durga and Kali. But in the industry it’s the mothers, who have ruled the roost. From Vyjayanthimala’s grandmom to Hema Malini’s mom, today too, Ayesha Takia and Amrita Rao’s mothers are more visible than their fathers. It may be a man’s world outside, but within the industry it’s a matriarchal cosmos.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Barcelona held to 0-0 draw at Inter Milan


Defending champion Barcelona was held to a 0-0 draw by Inter Milan to start their Champions League campaign Wednesday, as the matchup between Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o against their former teams fizzled out to a rain-soaked stalemate.

Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi had good chances to break the deadlock in the first half, but the rugged Inter defense stopped the Spaniards from building any attacking momentum in the second.

Inter came close twice in the second half, with Wesley Sneijder and substitute Dejan Stankovic narrowly missing the target with their efforts.

Barcelona started the Group F match the brighter of the two teams. He went on a dribbling run in the second minute past Lucio and Javier Zanetti, but goalkeeper Julio Cesar saved the shot.

In his first match back at the San Siro, Ibrahimovic's first touch of the ball was greeted with a chorus of whistles from Inter's fans but they dissipated as the match went on.

The Sweden forward had a great scoring chance in the seventh minute. Daniel Alves chipped over the defense to him, but Ibrahimovic hit his volley high and wide with only Cesar to beat.

A minute later, Messi's header forcing Cesar to react quickly to the danger after Alves had crossed to the Argentine at the far post.

Neither team was able to take control of the match, with a number of promising moves breaking down as players drifted offside and passes failed to reach their intended target.

Diego Milito had Inter's best chance in the 28th. Cesar punted down field and Barcelona's defense failed to react, allowing the former Genoa striker to cut inside Gerard Pique to shoot, but goalkeeper Victor Valdes dived low to save the shot.

Barcelona came close to scoring twice more before halftime. In the 41st, Xavi chipped the ball to Alves in the area. The Brazilian pulled it back to Seydou Keita, but the Malian hit a weak shot and Cesar scrambled to make the save.

Then, with one minute remaining in the half, Messi produced a typical run off the right wing, hit a powerful drive but again Cesar came to Inter's rescue, acrobatically pushing the ball away for a corner.

Inter went close in the 47th when Eto'o rolled the ball across the edge of the area to Sneijder, whose shot went just wide of the post.

Barcelona continued to play its short passing game but was often crowded out by Inter's defense. Inter's Thiago Motta put Xavi under pressure in central midfield, with fullbacks Cristian Chivu and Maicon limiting Messi's and Thierry Henry's runs.

Even the introduction of Andres Iniesta failed to spark Barcelona, while neither Messi and Xavi managed to exert a telling influence toward the end of the match.

TENNIS player Yuki Bhambrit


Competing in an enclosed arena for the first time, which presented altogether different playing conditions, dented his chances at the junior US Open, says Yuki Bhambri.

The junior Australian Open winner was taking good strides towards his second junior Grand Slam title, but due to rains he was forced to play his delayed quarterfinal on the indoor courts and went down fighting to Chase Buchanan of USA.

Yuki says his rival had the advantage of playing on the indoor courts before.

"Yes, it certainly did as this was the first time I have played a tournament in an indoor stadium and there was no influence of the wind and the sun.

"So it was extremely difficult to adjust whereas Chase had been playing in an indoor court in his college so he was quite used to it," Yuki said from New York before flying to South Africa to join Davis Cup squad.

The junior world number one also says that he could have beaten Buchanan had they contested on an outdoor court.

Although the youngster is a broken heart due to unexpected exit from the tournament, he has reasons to keep a smile on his face.

"I was hoping to bring the Cup back home so obviously losing in the quarter-finals was a big disappointment. I think I played quite well throughout the week, so I am hoping I will continue to better my performance in the next tournaments.

"Also I got a chance to sit for an hour with Rafael Nadal and that was an awesome experience," he said.

The Delhi player, who won four ITF singles title in the last few months, is now targeting a good performance in the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against South Africa if he makes a debut.

"The next target is to play in the Davis Cup and also win my match for India. Then I have a few Futures in India and I hope to perform well in them to further improve my men's ranking," he said.

Yuki, on Tuesday, replaced seasoned Leander Paes in the Davis Cup team as the senior pro pulled out of the tie due to shoulder and elbow injury.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Aamir is no idiot


Aamir Khan may go around proclaiming that he is an idiot because that’s the title of his next film, but surely everyone who knows the Khan, also knows that this is far from the truth.

Aamir who flew back from the South of France in the dead of the night on September 14, will start shooting a song with Kareena Kapoor on September 25. Reports say that in the meantime he will sit with his director Raju Hirani in the editing room; he will discuss marketing strategy with his producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and he will also continue to read scripts of future projects.

Kiran watches Aamir romance


Kiran Rao to closely watch Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor shoot a romantic song for 3 Idiots. Buzz is, she's preparing for her next, a romantic film...

The final schedule of Raju Hirani’s 3 Idiots, which will start on September 21, is special for more reasons than one. Apart from shooting a couple of pending scenes, this schedule will also can the only romantic song in the film with Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. And if sources are to be believed, Aamir’s wife, Kiran Rao is set to be a part of the song. No, she isn’t acting in the film but will be present on the sets as a keen observer.

A source says, “Kiran will be flying down from France to Mumbai late night on September 20, just in time to attend the song’s shoot. The song, which will be shot from September 21, will be shot over five days.

Kiran is keen to watch the shooting of the romantic song because she closely wants to observe Aamir, who is one of the biggest romantic stars in Bollywood, in action with Kareena, who is one of the most beautiful girls in the industry today. Perhaps that’s her way of preparing to make a romantic film in the future.”

Although director Raju Hirani confirmed the shooting dates of the song, he maintained a diplomatic stand when asked about Kiran’s presence on the sets. He says, “Yes, we are shooting the romantic song 21st onwards at various locales in Mumbai with Kareena and Aamir. Sharman (Joshi), Maddy (Madhavan) and Boman (Irani) will also be part of song, although briefly. It is a lighthearted romantic song sung by Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal. As for Kiran, I don’t know about that. Aamir did mention something to me but I have not met him since he has just come back from his France vacation and I have been busy with my editing.”

Bollywood actor Karan Johar


Karan Johar, being Karan Johar, is in a state of barely controlled excitement.

His new film Wake Up Sid - well, it’s produced by his company Dharma Productions but directed by young Ayan Mukherji, is ready for release on October 2.

And more than what kind of magic the leading actors Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma might bring to the screen, I suspect the producer is keen to see how well his debutant director will pull off this new kind of film at the box office. Last night, after he had wound up work on his future production My Name Is Khan, Karan unburdened some of his excitement onto me. He was on the phone, and saying, “The title is not mine, it’s Ranbir’s, we were struggling with names like Sid Ka Kya Kare and Sid Is Such a Kid, when Ranbir called up Ayan and said, ‘Why not call it Wake Up Sid?’”

He first thought the title was not correct Hindi. But then Karan realised, his film had the right audio, to which the title was providing the correct synergy. And as it turned out, Ranbir was expressing the film in three words! Because that’s what it’s supposed to be all about... Sid’s coming of age, his waking up to life, to love, to his family. “I had a basic instinct kind of feeling that this was the title,” Karan admitted.

“I am all about instinct, as a filmmaker and as a person. And really, this is the first coming of age story in India. I saw the spark in Ayan when he was just 22, 23. He was my assistant on Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. And he had a writer in him. I heard his script and said I want to do it. I believe if you can write a film, you can direct it, because you are working from strong basics.”
I don’t know how many big and successful filmmakers who are also established and fabulous directors, would trust their film to a new man, but Karan did. He pooh-poohed the gesture. “I can’t make a film like Wake Up Sid,” he protested.

“Ayan has a certain looking-forward-to in his life, whereas I have come of age, there is a sense of achievement, and besides... I’m too mature and cynical!” So, while this is a Karan Johar film, you will find none of the glamour, opulence and drama of earlier Dharma Production hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Na Ho or even Dostana in it. “It’s a subtle endeavour,” Karan explained gently, “I wanted to expand my base and make a new kind of film. Something different from my sensibilities.


He was, of course, available to Ayan to see footage of the film, to hear its music, and to make sure the director was not a ‘Me Too’ version of himself. “But there is no conflict or confusion,” Karan said generously, “it’s Ayan’s voice, his vision, his core conviction forms the body of the film. I gave it my good wishes and my energy. But he had to find the soul.” I will not spoil Wake Up Sid for you by describing the film. Go and see it. Identify with the story, with the boy at career crossroads, still living a sheltered life with his parents, making the wrong decisions, ignoring the right options, recognise the subliminal layer of parenting we have all experienced, you will find the film’s USP is your own high relativity with it. That is what Karan Johar, who believes in the good karma at Dharma, wants. “My fingers and toes are crossed, I’m hoping for a good flag off,” he sighed into the phone.

Lisa Ray Biography photos

Birthday: April 4, 1974.
Place of Birth: Toronto, Canada.
Trivia: Born of a Polish mother and a Bengali father.
Born in Canada, Lisa Ray had early aspirations of a writing career, either as a journalist or novelist until she was discovered by a talent scout for a fashion magazine. She appeared in many high profile international ad campaigns, including L'Oreal, MasterCard, Sprite, Elle Magazine, De beers, Camay, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Rado. After modeling for many years, Lisa Ray made the transition into cinema. She made her film debut in "Kasoor" (2001). The success of this film caught the attention of Deepa Mehta, who cast her in the romantic comedy "Bollywood/Hollywood." Since then, her career has taken off. Lisa Raye will next be seen in "The Arrangement" (2004), another romantic comedy, filmed in Austin, Texas, in which she plays the lead.


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Ronaldo at the double as Real secure win


Real Madrid began their bid to reach the Champions League final at their Santiago Bernabeu stadium with a 5-2 Group C win at debutants FC Zurich on Tuesday although it was far more difficult than the scoreline suggests.

Real surged into a 3-0 first-half lead after Cristiano Ronaldo made it three goals in as many games with his first Champions League goal for Real before Raul and Gonzalo Higuain both netted.

However, nine-time European champions Real had to withstand a sterling second-half comeback from Zurich who scored twice in two minutes to give Real a jittery final 20 minutes before Ronaldo and Guti scored late on.

Veteran Guti conceded that they had relaxed too much.

"Perhaps we thought it was over at 3-0 but it wasn't," said Guti.

"We have to avoid that happening again if we want to go far in this competition."

Higuain thought otherwise saying that Real had shown they were in a different class to their opponents.

"I don't think we relaxed too much," said Higuain.

"They got two quick goals and then we had to step it up."

It was not the convincing display Real coach Manuel Pellegrini wanted from his 'Galacticos' and Real will have to lift their game if they want to improve on a miserable run of failing to get past the last 16 stage for the past five seasons.

Portuguese centre-back Pepe is still serving a long-term domestic ban for violent conduct but is available in Europe and made his first appearance of the season in defence.

Pellegrini has been rotating his ample squad early in the season so both Higuain and Dutch defender Roysten Drenthe started after sitting out the 3-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday.

Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso - who all won this competition with their previous clubs - made their Champions League debuts for Real to leave Zurich, making their debut in the group phase, a bit overawed.

However, the Swiss team were pumped up for the challenge and not afraid to put their foot in with Ronaldo coming in for some tough treatment.

The Portuguese star, a losing finalist with Manchester United last season, showed great early skill to beat two players who chopped him down to leave him squirming in pain on the ground.

Real threatened twice through Higuain and Kaka before the breakthrough came from a set-piece on 28 minutes.

Ronaldo stepped up to smash a thunderous free-kick into the roof of the net for his first Champions League goal for the club.

Raul made it 2-0 on 33 minutes sliding home after Higuain put the ball on a plate.

Higuain, controversially ignored by embattled Argentina coach Diego Maradona, added a third close to half-time using his impressive pace to accelerate away before slotting home.

With a three-goal cushion, Real were cruising and went into the second half hungry for more but got a shock.

The outrushing Casillas conceded a 63rd minute penalty for a rash challenge and Xavier Margairaz converted for what many thought would be a consolation goal.

However, two minutes later Silvan Aegerter rose high to head home a corner and make it 3-2 with neutrals wondering whether Real had changed into their white kit at half-time.

Ronaldo scored his second late on with another free-kick although it was a gift which should have been saved by the Zurich goalkeeper. Guti bagged a fifth in stoppage time to make the game look far more comfortable than it was.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Del Potro stuns Federer to win US Open


Argentine sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro upset five-time defending champion Roger Federer
3-6, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to win the US Open men's final on Monday.

The shocker made Del Potro the first South American to win the US Open men's crown since countryman Guillermo Vilas in 1977, winning in his first Grand Slam final appearance to deny Swiss world number one Federer a 16th career Slam crown.

Del Potro dethroned five-time defending champion Federer ending an era to win in his first Grand Slam final.

"I don't have words to explain how I feel," a tearful Del Potro said, noting that a day after the day he called the greatest of his life for making the final, he felt "Much better".

Del Potro, who turns 21 next week, snapped Federer's 41-match unbeaten streak on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts to win 1.85 million dollars and destroyed the Swiss superstar's aura of US Open invincibility.

"I would like to congratulate Juan Martin on an unbelievable tournament. I had a great one but he was the best," Federer said.

"I would have never believed I could win five in a row here. It has been an amazing run for me."

Firing consistent winners, the 1.98m Argentine giant kept the pressure upon the player many hail as the greatest in tennis history, one he had never beaten in six prior attempts, and won after four hours and six minutes.

Del Potro led Federer by two sets in the French Open semi-finals before the Swiss rallied for a dramatic five-set victory.

But there was no such escape this time.

Federer was pushed into a fifth set for only the third time since the start of his championship run, the other times being against Andre Agassi in the 2004 quarter-finals and in last year's round of 16 against Igor Andreev.

Del Potro zipped a forehand crosscourt winner past Federer for a break and a 2-0 lead in the final set and denied the top seed on a break-point chance in the third game on his way to a 5-2 lead.

Federer served to stay in the match but found himself down two match points, both squandered by Del Potro with a wide forehand and a netted backhand.

But Federer's 11th double fault gave Del Potro another chance and he made the most of it, winning when Federer sent a forehand over the baseline.

Del Potro realized he had won, fell to the ground on his back and began to cry.

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