Lea Michele Wears ‘Cory’ Necklace In First Photo Since Actor’s Death

How heartbreaking. The ‘Glee’ actress emerged, for the first time since the death of her boyfriend Cory Monteith, wearing a silver necklace bearing the name ‘Cory’ on July 28. It’s obvious that Lea desperately misses Cory.

Lea Michele was photographed for the first time since the death of her boyfriendCory Monteith, who was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room, on July 28. Wearing a silver necklace with letters spelling out “Cory,” the 26-year-old actress made it clear that her Glee co-star and boyfriend will always be with her.

Lea Michele Wears Cory Monteith Necklace — First Photo Since Actor’s Death

Lea was seen travelling in the passenger seat of a female friend’s car to an address in Bel Air, according to Daily Mail.

Lea, whose eyes were hidden behind big, dark sunglasses, looked solemn and heartbroken.

We can’t imagine what Lea is going through. We can only hope that she finds comfort in her co-stars when she returns to work on August 5.

Lea Michele: Cory Monteith ‘Will Forever Be In My Heart’ — First Tweet

It’s been a very emotional few weeks for Lea, but she finally broke her silence on Twitter on July 29, during which she thanked her fans for their continued support.

Thank you all for helping me through this time with your enormous love & support. Cory will forever be in my heart.

Along with her tweet, Lea attached a heartwarming photo of herself and Cory from her private collection.

So sad.  Our thoughts continue to go out to Lea and Cory’s family during this difficult time.

Justin Bieber’s Shirtless Stunts Are Part Of His ‘Master Plan,’ Expert Says

Justin Bieber seems to enjoy showing off his bare chest, so we had to ask an expert — what does this mean? Is it a publicity stunt? BollywoodGossipss was exclusively told that this is part of Justin’s ‘master plan’!

When it comes to having six pack abs, Justin Bieber may have the best of the best. His workouts have definitely paid off, but we have to ask — why does Justin, 19, feel so compelled to always take his shirt off in public? Our expert weighs in!

Justin Bieber Shirtless In New York City — All A Publicity Stunt? ‘Master Plan’

“Justin Bieber is not only a singer, a performer and a celebrity, but he’s a master at marketing himself and getting noticed. After all, he was discovered on YouTube. He knows what he is doing,” Dr. Phil Dembo, Santa Monica based therapist & parenting coach, tells BollywoodGossipss EXCLUSIVELY.

“We have seen him recently deliberately alter his image from the youthful cute kid to the ‘bad boy’ image he is now creating,” explains Dr. Dembo. “It’s important for him to continue to make headlines and keep himself in the public eye.”

We can certainly appreciate Justin’s motives. After all, we do love seeing Justin half naked. And the same plan seems to be working for another sexy pop star.

Justin Bieber: Is He Copying Miley Cyrus?

“As we have seen with Miley Cyrus, when she began wearing revealing, more provocative outfits for the cameras to pick up, we now see Justin finding himself without a shirt,” says Dr. Dembo. ”It’s ‘bad boy’-ish, it’s provacative, and it’s skin. All the right ingredients for his master plan.”

What do YOU think,? Does Justin look super sexy or super silly when he doesn’t wear a shirt in public? And more importantly, how do you think Selena Gomez feels about Justin’s shirtless ways?

‘Glee’ Season 5 Start Date Confirmed After Lea Michele’s First Outing

Lea Michele was spotted for the first time since Cory Monteith’s death, as she was seen travelling with a friend in Los Angeles on July 28. Was it a prelude to her getting back to work?

The cast of Glee will finally return to work on Monday, August 5, original cast member Naya Rivera revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live on July 30. Following Cory Monteith’s sad and sudden death on July 13, returning to work will likely be bittersweet for Lea Michele, Cory’s co-star and off-screen girlfriend. On one hand, reminders of Cory will be unavoidable on set, but Lea will also be surrounded by loving friends and colleagues, who loved Cory as well.

‘Glee’ Cast Returns To Work — August 5 Start Date After Lea Michele Spotted

During her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on July 30, Naya was asked if she has returned to work on Glee yet, following Cory’s passing.

“Are you back to work on Glee now?” Jimmy asked.

“We go back on Monday,” Naya said.

“Give everyone my best over there. I know times aren’t good over there,” Jimmy added.

We imagine Jimmy’s sentiments were greatly appreciated.

Since Cory’s death, Lea has been keeping a low profile while she mourns the devastating loss of her boyfriend. However, Lea was photographed for the first time as she travelled in the passenger seat of a female friend’s car to an address in Bel Air on July 28, according to the UK’s Daily Mail.

‘Glee’ Season 5 Premiere Delay — Cory Monteith’s Death Postpones Production

Fox and 20th Century Fox Television made the decision to delay the start of production until early August, so the cast and crew of Glee, many of whom were very close to Cory, would have the chance to take a break and grieve their loss, .

Cory passed away July 13 at age 31 from a fatal combination of heroin and alcohol.

What do YOU think, ? Is Monday too soon for the cast to return to work?

‘America’s Got Talent’ Recap: Innovative Force Steals The Show

Another week, another round of 12 talents battling it out for a place in the semi-finals on ‘America’s Got Talent.’ The stakes continue to get higher every week, and the competition was flying high (literally) on the July 30 episode.

America’s Got Talent is making itself quite at home at Radio City Music Hall. The July 30 live episode featured another set of 12 amazing talents trying to earn votes for a spot in the semi-finals. BollywoodGossipss picked our five favorites from the episode — and it’s a diverse group of talent, to say the least.

Top 5 Performances From July 30

5. Ciana Pelekai

This 12-year-old singer from Hawaii is just about the cutest thing we’ve ever seen. Ciana has big dreams of being like Beyonce and Christina Aguilera and she’s got the voice to prove it. She was understandably nervous in her first performance at Radio City Music Hall, but she gave a sweet rendition of Emeli Sandé‘s “Next To Me”. All the judges recognize this burgeoning talent and all believe she “deserves a shot” at the top.

4. Aquanuts

This synchronized swimming group definitely has our attention. They performed an impeccable routine to Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” complete with dazzling high heels. The ladies had to go the extra mile due to an injury that sidelined one of their teammates. Despite the added pressure, the ladies had a captivating routine that is so different from anything we’ve seen on the show. Mel Backnowledged that the act is “different” but she likes it that way. Heidi Klum appreciated the fact that America’s Got Talent recognizes this Olympic sport as a potential Vegas act!

3. Alexandr Magala

This guy is NUTS, but in the best way possible. Alexandr literally puts his life on the line with every performance. How, you ask? He swallows a sword! Not only that, he also did back flips with the sword still in his mouth! Even though he scares us to death every time he puts his life out there, we are obsessed with this guy. Howard Stern declared “he couldn’t get enough of this act” and Mel B called his act “thoroughly dangerous and frightening.” Everyone loves a daredevil and Alexandr sure is one. It also doesn’t hurt that he performed almost his entire act mostly shirtless (oh yeah).

2. Forte

It astounds us that this operatic tenor group found each other online. Forte blew us away with their incredible performance of Barbra Streisand’s “Somewhere (There’s a Place For Us).” Howard couldn’t emphasize enough the “quality” and “talent” coming from this powerful trio. Howie Mandel even went so far to say that “there’s a place for you and it’s in the top ten!” We’re with Howie on this one. To take on Barbra is always a risk, but these guys pulled it off perfectly.

1. Innovative Force

This bedazzled dance group completely floored us with their amazing performance. They manage to combine dancing, gymnastics, and insane stunts for a flawless routine. One minute they’re wowing you with their tumbling skills and then the next a girl is legitimately flying through the air. Yes, we’re serious. The strength and agility required from all the girls is astonishing. The judges praised this young bunch: Heidi gave them two thumbs up and Mel B loved their energy and costumes. The great thing about Innovative Force is that they are constantly changing things up with their routine and impressing us each and every time.

Stay tuned for the July 31 elimination episode where, once again, eight acts will be cut! Robin Thicke will also perform!

So , what was your favorite act of the night? Who do you think might be eliminated? Let us know!

Robert Pattinson Quits Smoking Cigarettes After Kristen Stewart Split

Robert Pattinson has ditched the cigarettes and he’s been hitting the gym, a source tells BOLLYWOODGOSSIPSS exclusively! Keep reading to find out more about Rob’s new priorities, following his split from Kristen Stewart.

At times, a breakup may send someone into a deep depression, but that’s not true for Robert Pattinson. Instead of smoking his sorrows away, the Twilight stud is healing his broken heart with plenty of grueling workout sessions!

Robert Pattinson Quits Smoking Cigarettes — Healthy After Kristen Stewart Split

“Rob has finally quit smoking for good. And he feels and looks healthier than ever. Working out has helped him tremendously with regard to quitting smoking. The two just don’t go hand-in-hand. Rob is now addicted to exercising and feeling good,” an insider tells EXCLUSIVELY.

They always say that the best revenge after a breakup is looking good, right?

“Rob has been training diligently with famed celebrity fitness instructor Harley Pasternak. He’s determined to get into the best shape of his life. Rob and Harley go way back from when Rob was a complete unknown. In fact, Rob spent this morning (July 30) working out at Harley’s private gym in Los Angeles,” the source says.

Robert Pattinson: His Top Priority Revealed

Rob even confides in his trainer for personal advice, as well.

“Rob always gets good advice from Harley, whether it has do with fitness, health or even his love life. However, right now Rob’s main priority is work and getting super fit.”

We can certainly imagine Rob discussing his former relationship with Kristen.

Robert Pattinson Still Misses Kristen Stewart

As  previously reported, despite going out with friends and being spotted with sexy women, Rob still has feelings for Kristen.

“Does he get sad about Kristen? Of course — they went through a ton together,” revealed an insider.

What do YOU think, ? Does Rob seem happy or is he secretly sad and missing Kristen?

Ranbir Kapoor’s Besharam trailer: Same old, same old?

The Besharam trailer is finally out – everyone has been waiting to watch the magic that Abhinav Kashyap and his hero Ranbir Kapoor create in the much hyped film. To our dismay, Ranbir’s character is something that we have seen him play umpteen times over on the big screen; it will immediately take you back to the act he did in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and even Barfi!. And just when we thought that Ranbir would give a fitting takkar to the Khans, the film’s director definitely doesn’t share our vision. He doesn’t seem to be over Salman Khan’s Chulbul Pandey character, which is his creation too. The trailer of Besharam hits you with an instant feeling of déjà vu; no it’s not justDabangg, but it has shades of it, mixed in with Wanted, Rowdy Rathore, Delhi Belly and all those recent movies that have action inspired from the South with lots of slapstick funny bits thrown in for good measure!

But there are a few moments that make you smile as you watch this trailer. Especially when Rishi and Neetu Kapoor do their thing together – they bring in a fun element with their mere presence and Kapoor Sr stands tall even in a glimpse or two.

Blame it on high expectations from Ranbir, who has been part of back-to-back hits, or from the director who gave Salman his Dabangg tag. But after this trailer, we certainly hope that the film will offer more real entertainment and make Ranbir proud of being Besharam!

Aashiqui 2 to have a sequel?

After the runaway success of Aashiqui 2, there might be an addition to the romantic franchisee

The Aashiqui franchisee has proved lucky for the Bhatts. Since the first installment of the movie starring Rahul Roy and Anu Agarwal, it broke the way love was perceived in commercial cinema. Twenty three years later, the Bhatts decided to make another film and used a similar formula of a heartening love story with good music and a youthful approach, and the result was another good movie that became a runaway hit on the Box office crossing the ‘revered’ Rs 100 crore mark.

Well, it seems the Bhatt’s aren’t in any mood to wait for two decades to make another sequel like they did for Aashiqui 2. A little birdie tells us that producers are already planning a third one along with producer Bhushan Kumar who also co-producedAashiqui 2. And though no word on the casting is yet clear, we’re sure the Bhatts will look to introduce new faces. However co-producer Bhushan Kumar said that is still a few years away, “The audience loved Aashiqui 2. We are happy we could bring back the time of romance in Bollywood. We do have a plan to make Aashiqui 3 but that would be after two-three years. We want to take the brand ahead”

So, who do you think will be the lead actors of the third movie? Care to guess!

Is Salman Khan the highest paid star on television?

The box office king has reportedly signed a staggering Rs 130 crore deal with Colors to shoot 26 episodes of the reality show Bigg Boss 7

Salman Khan is all set to create history. According to a leading tabloid report, theDabangg actor has set a new benchmark as far as his revised remuneration – Rs 5 crore per episode – to host the popular reality show Bigg Boss 7 is concerned. Reportedly Sallu has charged a jaw-dropping total of Rs 130 crore from Colors, the hosting channel, and Endemol, the producers of the controversial reality show.

We are told that with this deal Sallu miyaan breaks his own previous record of Rs 2.5-3 crore per episode that he got for Bigg Boss season 6. Looks like the superstar believes in doubling his salary each year with every new season of the reality show! And this year it’s going to be a double whammy for Sallu fans, as the 48-year-old actor will play a double role as angel and devil as host for the series.

Some trade experts believe that this year Salman has charged a more substantial amount for his services because he’s playing two characters and they do not come for the price of one. So shooting takes more time, obviously, and he would need to put in greater effort. And acting responsibly and un-temperamentally, the super brat star will shoot two episodes in a day per week because he wants to finish the project before the court trial for the 2002 hit-and-run case he is involved in draws to a close. Keep it up, Sallu!

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag in win-win situation; will finally release in Pakistan on August 23!

The Pakistan Censor Board which initially banned the release of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s biopic, has now agreed to release the inspirational flick next month

Though the Farhan Akhtar starrer is minting good money at the Indian box office and overseas, the biopic was banned from being released in Pakistan after the trailer of the film showed the lead character refusing to move to Pakistan to participate in the race. The dialogue – ‘Mujhse nahin hoga, main Pakistan nahin jaunga’ was considered as the main reason for disallowing the film’s release.

After a lot of debate – ranging from whether a biopic on an Indian athlete would do well in Pakistan to lesser number of shows in the holy month of Ramadan – Geo Films has now decided to release BMB that has been doing well in India and across the globe. Rehmat Fazli, CEO of Geo Films believes that the audience in Pakistan has become mature and deserves to watch quality films on bigger screens instead of their homes.

“The film’s release was mostly halted due to the holy month of Ramadan where the number of shows in Pakistani cinemas is less than usual,” informs Rehmat Fazli. “But after Eid, the movie will be released all over the country and the cinema loving audience would get a chance to watch the movie on the large screen instead of on pirated print. They prefer a late release to a no-release and that’s why we are confident that the movie will do well,” adds Fazli.

Congratulations to the team of BMB and we hope the film would continue its victorious march across the border and inspire the people of Pakistan.

Salman Khan loses his cool again… lashes out at journalist!

Apparently this time it was because the intrepid reporter called Sallu for a comment on his ex girlfriend Katrina Kaif’s leaked holiday photos with Ranbir Kapoor!

Salman Khan seems to be really getting affected by news headlines these days, especially those that don’t involve him. Our Bandra-based feathered friend has chirped some garma garam news to us telling us what has Sallu fuming… once again.

When the sensational photos of Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif on holiday in Spain went viral on the Internet, curiosity levels in B-town hit at an all time high; every publication and news channel was desperately vying for the pictures, all in order to gain higher TRPs. And some were more daring than others – we heard that a TV journo tried his hand at cashing in on the scoop… but little did he know it would backfire so nastily!

We are told the brave – or was he just plain ignorant or foolish? A death wish, perhaps? – journalist phoned Khan to get his ‘byte’ on the leaked photos. For a minute, the actor-journo talked about everything but the pictures. And when the Mental star realised that the conversation was veering towards the leaked images, he decided to give the reporter an earful. Our khabroosays that Sallu was so annoyed with the journalist’s intentions for the call, so asked him to hang up, since he was busy. But after a little more determined poking, the annoyed actor couldn’t take it any more – he lashed out over the phone, with the choicest of maa behen ka gaalis. The poor reporter! Little did he think that he would be facing Sallu’s wrath when he decided to call for a quote!

This time we don’t really blame the Being Human actor for his temper, especially considering the fact that he’s already disturbed with people invading his privacy and infringing on his personal life. And then he has a court case that is getting more serious by the day to deal with. What do you think he should have done, peeps?

Have Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif’s beach pictures infuriated Rishi Kapoor?

A protective Rishi Kapoor is reportedly fuming over all the unwanted attention his son’s private life has been getting

Of course all parents are protective when it comes to their kids, and Rishi Kapoor is no exception. In fact Rishi is known to be a little over-possessive about his son Ranbir Kapoor. In the past too he had come out and taken on Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone after the two girls gossiped a bit more than what Rishi would have liked about his son Ranbir on Karan Johar’s chat show. Apparently, he even spoke to Sonam’s father Anil after she spoke about Ranbir on the chat show.

This time it is the press who is at the receiving end of Rishi’s rage. It seems the senior Kapoor didn’t like the fact that a leading magazine released pictures of Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor holidaying in Spain. It seems Rishi Kapoor doesn’t like the fact that his son’s love life is so much in the public eye. He’d rather have Ranbir known on the strength of his acting rather than his hook-ups and his private life! Well, guess the lad will have to be a bit more discreet now! Because it really doesn’t seem the media will let go talking about Bollywood’s the most happening couple at the moment!

Why is Hollywood star Al Pacino fond of Akshay Kumar?

Apparently, Akki’s menacing act in the promo of his upcoming gangster flick – Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara has impressed the Godfather star. The Khiladi hopes that the Hollywood acting legend enjoys his film too

Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobara is two weeks away from its release (August 15), and accordingly the curiosity surrounding the film, courtesydhamakedaar promos, have increased manifolds. The male protagonist – Akshay Kumar, whose role is said to be modeled on the dreaded gangster Dawood just couldn’t stop smiling! Obviously, apna Khiladi has a good reason. We hear Akki has found an admirer in the Hollywood star Al Pacino who was blown away by his film’s theatrical trailer.

It’s learnt that the romantic drama, produced by Ekta Kapoor, has caught the attention of the original Godfather star who praised the Special 26 star and his towering presence in the film. We hear that during an informal discussion between Pacino and his business associate, Barry Navidi, the latter mentioned about Once Upon A Time… being touted as Bollywood’s answer to edge-of-the-seat bad boy entertainers. Pacino, impressed with the trailer, saw himself reminiscing about hisGodfather days.

“A touch of appreciation is always held dearly in an actor’s arms, even if it’s from the simplest of people like our beloved spot boys,” said Akshay excitedly and adds, “But to have your work spoken of so kindly by the world’s most admired gangster Al Pacino himself – I had goose-bumps thinking about him watching the promo! I was so humbled, not only as an actor but as a fan of his legendary work. I pray he enjoys the final piece as much as he enjoyed the promo!”

We hope Al Pacino sticks to his words if at all he manages to watch Akki’s entire film. After all, they say don’t judge a book by it’s cover!

Priyanka Chopra wants to appear in a power chick video with Beyonce!

The babe launched her celeb milkshake at the Millions of Milkshakes store and when asked if given a choice who she wants to do her next video with after Pitbull, without thinking twice she replied Beyonce

Priyanka Chopra spoke like an international star at the promotional event of her music album Exotic. She was candid and cool, the rockstar-like attitude was spot on and of course she sounded like a diva even with that heavy American twang. And the interesting part arrived when the Chopra chick was asked about whom she would love to do her next music album with. It seems the babe harbours an interest of sharing a platform with none other than the ‘dangerously in love’ babe Beyonce Knowles. She thinks BK is an absolute power chick and doing a kind of video in which the two hot and strong babes will croon and groove like no one’s watching is a great idea. All we can say is, can’t wait to watch the gals sizzle on screen…

Shahrukh Khan will not comment on his relationship with Salman Khan!

The Chennai Express actor refused to comment on his relationship with Salman Khan at a recent press conference in Kolkata

The two superstars, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan, who were not on talking terms, hugged each other at an Iftaar party in Mumbai recently, fuelling rumours of a patchup.

“The personal relationship that I share, the altercations, the truce, the love and discussions…we don’t like to talk about those in public and we won’t begin to do that,” Shahrukh told reporters here while promoting his forthcoming film Chennai Express.

Salman and SRK hugged each other at an Iftaar party in Mumbai July 21, indicating the two actors who were not on talking terms after an incident at Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif’s birthday bash in 2008, may have made up.

The actors, who were attending Congress leader Baba Siddique’s annual Iftaar party after a long time, faced each other, shook hands and hugged, when Siddiqui asked them to meet each other.

Both SRK and Salman seemed perfectly fine, the latter being the one who took the initiative to shake hands and hug the Chennai Express star.

Dubbed as the Badshaah of Bollywood, Shahrukh fervently expressed his desire to do something for West Bengal, of which he is the brand ambassador.”I feel very humbled that I am the brand ambassador. I think I should take some time out. I am going to come down to Kolkata after I release Chennai Express, and spend a day and figure out what I can do,” said SRK.

Who is Saif Ali Khan bonding with in USA?

The actor is currently shooting for Happy Ending in the US and has discovered a common interest with co-star Kalki Koechlin

Saif Ali Khan is often described by his colleagues as an avid reader. Actor Kalki Koechlin is also known to be a bibliophile, and generally reads whenever she gets some time off since it helps her with her writing. So while Kalki was shooting for a few portions of Happy Ending in US along with Saif, they discovered their common liking for books. Since Saif has a huge library at home, he recommended a few books to his new co-star and she immediately ordered them!

Should Kareena Kapoor Khan worry over this new friendship between hubby and Kalki? We don’t think so, especially since Saif’s biwi is good friends with Mrs Anurag Kashyap! A little birdie tells us that Kareena has developed a liking for European music, and Kalki, being French, too loves it.

Saif is producing Happy Ending which is being directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK. The romantic film that is being currently shot has Saif, Kalki and Ileana D’Cruz in lead roles. The film is expected to hit theatres early next year.

Will Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor come together for a film?

The Kapoor sisters come together for  Rujuta Diwekar’s film on nutrition along with Kareena’s hubby Saif

Actors Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor are coming together for the first time for The Indian Food Wisdom and the Art of Eating Right, a film onnutrition.

Mumbai-based celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has directed the film. “I am super excited that Kareena, Karisma and Saif are all part of the film. It’s a casting coup of sorts,” Diwekar said in an statement.

“What is more important is that we are sharing our common belief that eating right, eating local, seasonal, fresh and tasty food is integral to looking good, feeling light and happy. And like Saif often says – happy people are most attractive, not skinny,” she added.

Diwekar is a nutritionist who takes care of many celebrity clients, including Kareena. Richa Chadda and Anupam Kher are also part of her film.

Does Ranbir Kapoor fit into dad Rishi Kapoor’s shoes?

Ranbir is a doting son, so much so that the actor wants literally to follow in Daddy dearest’s footsteps…

We saw Ranbir Kapoor emulating the Kapoor khandaan biggies in his debut filmSaawariya and he did a good job. Now it looks like the actor has been so thrilled with the praise he received that he wants to do it again…and again. The young actor’s look in his debut item song in Chillar Party was inspired by Papa Rishi Kapoor’s tapori look inAmar Akbar Anthony. Ranboo mimicked his father’s dancing style on the IIFA stage in 2012, when did an act, even switching jackets for it. RK Jr danced to Bachna ae haseeno, a song from Hum Kisise Kam Naheen that originally featured his father. Now it seems that Ranbir wants to do a Rishi again, this time for Anurag Kahyap’s Besharamthat, in fact, also stars both his parents, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor as bumbling cops. TheBarfi! star will sport a look that will be very close to RK’s in that veteran actor’s hit number from the 1980 movie Karz.

Ranbir is not the first one to walk this re-do-of-Rishi path. Shahrukh Khan did a similar act in Om Shanti Om – in fact, the 2007 film had a slightly rejigged portion of a song from the original Karz(1980) as the title track. Now we wonder, what with Ranbir doing a similar act, will he be pitted against dad Rishi or will he have to match up to SRK’s OSO act?

Why will Shuddh Desi Romance release a week in advance?

Release dates of Bollywood films are hot topics of discussion these days and the latest film to have an altered release is none other than Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) forthcoming entertainer, Shuddh Desi Romance

So while Shahrukh Khan fans will have to wait for 24 hours longer to catch Chennai Express in theatres on the 9th of August, there’s some good news for all those awaiting the release of Parineeti Chopra-Sushant Singh Rajput starrer Shudh Desi Romance.The film will release a week in advance on September 6. And no it’s not Eid or any other festival that the makers are eyeing. They want to hit the screens a week earlier so that the cast will be available for all promotional activities before its release or premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2013 on the 11th of September. Hope this effective planning to get the actors to promote the film before its release will translate into footfalls in theatres too.

And like the film’s title Shudh Desi Romance, we get some shudh (pure) entertainment!

Raanjhanaa banned in Pakistan, Aanand Rai bewildered

While we continue to open our doors for cultural exchanges with our neighbours, Pakistan remains bluntly illiberal in its approach and attitude to Indian artistes and art. The latest salvo, and unarguably one of the most irrational moves yet, is to ban Aanand Rai's romantic epicRaanjhanaa in Pakistan, apparently because a Hindu Brahmin played by Dhanush, falls in love with a Muslim girl, played by Sonam Kapoor.

Director Aanand L Rai seems baffled by the turn of events. "Until this ban in our neighbouring country, I never even thought of Raanjhanaa as a Hindu-Muslim love story. While writing the script, while shooting the scenes and editing them, all of us looked at Kundan and Zoya in every colour except saffron or green. Yes, they are Hindu and Muslim. But nowhere does their religious divide come in the way of their equation. When neither Kundan nor Zora nor I have a problem with their religious background why would anyone else feel inconvenienced? This ban is just a reflex action clamping down on anything that suggests an inter-religious relationship." 

Aanand feels it's extremely narrow-minded to slot people in love according to their religious breeding. "Nowhere in Raanjhanaa have we stressed this difference or stressed about it. In fact Kundan jokes with Zoya that if her problem with accepting him is religious then he's willing to convert to Islam. Zoya's parents too have no problem with Kundan's Hindu identity. They object to his vagabondism, not his religion." 

Aanand feels it's dangerous and regressive to object to a film purely on the superficial passport level of the protagonist's identity. "I am presuming they (Pakistanis) would have no objection if Kundan was a Muslim. But sorry, I didn't write my script to appease religious sentiments. I am ecstatic my film has been embraced wholeheartedly in my home country. Beyond our borders would have been a bonus. But I am not bothered." 

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapoor agrees with Aanand on a creative artiste's right to not get cowed down by religious chauvinism. Says Shekhar, "I have not seen Raanjhanaa. But artistes are the conscience of society. They must continue to break the so-called rules." The intrepid Mahesh Bhatt whose mother was Muslim and father a Hindu opines, "A filmmaker should make what he believes in, irrespective of the consequences. In any case, Pakistan is a very small market for our films. Why should we let the censor code of another nation rein us in? Unfortunately religious biases continue to weigh filmmakers down. That's exactly why we must go ahead and do what we believe in and be ready to face the backlash." 

Shoojit Sircar who has made a love story Yahaan set in militant Kashmir and who challenged quite a few sacred cows in Vickey Donor feels Raanjhanaa mirrors a social reality. "Such alliances and relationships occur in our society all the time. Banning a film won't change the truth. Raanjhanaa actually celebrates love. And every country should celebrate the film without prejudice."

Bajatey Raho

A revenge comedy, or conning a con to be specific, is a rarity in Bollywood. Recall KHOSLA KA GHOSLA, which was amongst the first in this genre. Subsequently, a whole new segment that deviate from the tried-and-tested route, boast of an ensemble cast, are close to real life and belong to diverse genres have made it to cineplexes. The success of VICKY DONOR and FUKREY has given an impetus to this trend of low cost, high concept films. Shashant Shah, who attempted diverse genres in his first two outings, DASVIDANIYA [2008] and CHALO DILLI [2011], follows the trail with BAJATEY RAHO.

However, unlike the over-the-top humor that we are subjected to in most films, the humor is understated in BAJATEY RAHO. In addition, Shashant and writer Zafar A. Khan stay true to the 'commercial format' of amalgamating just about every ingredient to quench the appetite of the entertainment-seeking spectator. Although the narrative is not without its share of déjà vu moments, Shashant does manage to dole out a fairly absorbing tale, more towards the second half of the movie. 

Sabharwal [Ravi Kishan] is on a roll, committing a series of frauds, all in the garb of a successful business entrepreneur. But little does he know that one of his misdoings has created a huge impact on the lives of four commoners, Mrs. Baweja [Dolly Ahluwalia], Sukhi [Tusshar Kapoor], Mintoo [Vinay Pathak] and Ballu [Ranvir Shorey], which has only resulted into an enormous wave of need for vengeance. 

The death of Mr. Baweja [Yogendra Tikku] due to a cardiac arrest after being framed in a bank fraud and Saira, his assistant, being put behind bars, Mrs. Baweja takes the situation in her hands. The four decide to get even with Sabharwal…

While the story starts off on a rather haphazard note with a random sting operation and eventual blackmail, director Shashant Shah manages to weave the plot together without confusion. Gradually, as the story unfolds, the viewer is taken down memory lane which sets the premise while taking the story forward. Since much of the first half goes in establishing each of the characters, the pace appears sluggish, with the romantic track [featuring Tusshar and Vishakha Singh] standing out like a sore thumb. Agree, Vishakha had to fit into the scheme of things, but it could've been done in a more persuasive manner. Fortunately, the narrative gathers momentum post interval as the motley crew gear up for their biggest con yet. It is this episode that elevates the film a notch above the ordinary. Additionally, with a run time of 1.47 hours, the film manages to keep you in your seat for most parts. 

But, having said that, let me add that the film is *not* laced with humor-laden situations/episodes in entirety. This one's more about conning the con and settling scores, hence the focus is primarily on drama and taking the story forward. The humor, hence, is sparse and not in your face. Besides, Shashant could've avoided the mostly Punjabi dialect, for it may be difficult to comprehend for the uninitiated. 

Shashant reserves the best for the post-interval portions and that includes the con act as well as the songs. 'Tennu Main Love Karda' [modeled on the lines on the popular track from DESI BOYZ], 'Naagin' and the RDB track [towards the end credits] are easy on the lips. 

Dolly Ahluwalia, Ravi Kishan, Brijendra Kala and Rajender Sethi are the scene stealers here. Post VICKY DONOR, one sees Dolly in an entirely new avatar and the natural ease with which she glides into her part makes the goings-on worth it. Ravi Kishan enacts the evil man with flourish. Brijendra Kala, playing the sidekick to Ravi Kishan, proves his prowess yet again, while Rajender Sethi may be getting stereotyped in negative roles, but it's a delight watching him as the greedy father of the groom. 

Tusshar enacts his part with conviction, while Vinay Pathak, cast in a non-comic character, is restrained. Ranveer Shorey doesn't get much to do here. Vishakha Singh is alright. Kamlesh Gill is wasted in an insignificant role. Husaan Saad is lovable. Yogendra Tikku [as Mr. Baweja], Rajinder Nanu [as Raman], Vikas Mohla [as Pawan], Anya Singh [as Gudiya] and Nikhil Pandey [as Aman Kapoor] fill the bill. 

On the whole, BAJATEY RAHO is quite entertaining with an absorbing second half. Decent entertainer!

John Abraham in Siddique's next

John Abraham has his plate full with back to back ventures, from Hamara Bajaj to the Shootout triquel, and now adding to the list of films in his hand is yet another venture. Siddique of Bodyguard fame has signed John for his next.

While the other details of the film are still kept under wraps, John believes that the film has potential to be a blockbuster. Besides John, the rest of the cast is yet to be finalized. 

The film is slated to go on floor next year.

Nargis Fakhri speaks in her own voice in Madras Cafe

What Ranbir Kapoor couldn't do for Nargis Fakhri, John Abraham has managed to do. In Shoojit Sircar's Madras Cafe Nargis speaks her lines in her own voice. An essential privilege and prerogative for every actor was denied to Nargis in her debut film Rockstar, where her co-star Ranbir tried his utmost to polish up her Hindi to the extent that she would be able to speak her own lines.

But it didn't work out. 

Now Ranbir can smile to hear Nargis speaking in her own voice in her second film. But there is a catch to this. Nargis plays a European journalist. So she doesn't have to speak any Hindi. 

Shoojit confirms, "I've tried to keep it as real as possible. Nargis plays a foreign journalist. A press correspondent from Europe." 

Nargis' accent sounds distinctly American. But that's another story altogether.