[ItzToday.com] Sajid Khan at receiving end in Mumbai International Film Festival

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• Sajid Khan at receiving end in Mumbai International Film Festival
• Amitabh Bachchan wants to keep working, not Satisfied enough
• Katy Perry and Russell Brand marriage host an unusual guest-a Tiger
• Twinkle Khanna throws Karva Chauth eve party
• Natalie Portman nude scenes upset her father
• Playboy Playmate Kelly Brook eyes plum Hollywood roles
• In US 'X-Factor' Cheryl Cole to be replaced by Mariah Carey
• Victoria Beckham to style Dannii Minogue in 'The X Factor'
• Robert Pattinson, Stewart wants to be like Johnny Depp
• Raima Sen claims not to be in Bollywood's rat race
• Bollywood Star Akshay kumar to Play himself in the Indo-Canadian film

Sajid Khan at receiving end in Mumbai International Film Festival Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:57 AM PDT The Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) saw sparks fly when filmmaker Sajid Khan said "there are no stories left", triggering a tirade against him from scriptwriters and audience members. Scriptwriting and scriptwriters are indeed the eyesore of Bollywood. The 'successful' filmmaker and TV funnyman Sajid's first mistake was when he said: "There are no stories left. We have to rehash old wine and put it in new bottles." He made this comment at a discussion on scriptwriting and scriptwriters Sunday. This prompted the moderator, veteran writer Anjum Rajabali, to give the mike to another senior writer Shama Zaidi who not only talked about the scripting traditions of the country, but also pointed out its problems when during the first days of Indian cinema, writers were mostly munims (accountants). Rajabali was kinder in his retort to Sajid, when he politely said that "India has thousands of years of storytelling tradition so this comes as a little surprising." The problem, he stated, was the limited vision of commercial filmmakers. "They do not explore," he said. Rajabali, proved to be the best moderator among all the forums so far when he not only gave the speakers and the audience a chance to speak, but also engaged in debate, especially with Sajid, without being condescending. Sajid had the opinion that stars made a film hit, and not its story. To this there were loud protests from the audience and angry words. However, Rajabali took it upon himself to try and explain to him that ultimately it was the story that wins, the reason why not every film of a star succeeds. Sajid, despite the tirade against him, held his position till the end. At one time when Rajabali tried to explain, that no one can know what will work, Sajid vehemently, and almost childishly retorted: "I know what will work." It was now the firebrand Shama's chance to tacitly pull him down. "Hollywood has a whole system where they buy the right of scores of books, select a few, make two films of which one gets released. We merely copy this final film instead of doing the hard work. Obviously there's 75 percent chance that it will work for Sajid even if he is a half-competent filmmaker. If it has worked in one language, chances are it will work in another," said Shama. Sudhir Mishra was kinder to Sajid. "Sajid is limiting himself. I know he has the potential to redefine the comic genre. And he is not as bad as he says he is." Sadly Mishra forgot that Sajid did not say he was bad, but that he was the best and he knew exactly what worked and what did not. Thus though the forum was meant to talk about the importance of writing for cinema, it ended up being a show of the prejudices that Bollywood nurtures against writers and the entire art of scriptwriting.

Amitabh Bachchan wants to keep working, not Satisfied enough Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:37 AM PDT Amitabh Bachchan, who turned 68 this month, is in no mood to hang up his boots because the megastar feels he is not done yet. Despite an experience of over 40 years in front of the camera and having clinched his fourth National Award Friday as best actor for playing a 13-year-old progeria patient in "Paa", Big B asserts he will never say never. "They ask me often now, why the need to work. They ask me when I will stop and lie back. They ask me 'have you not done enough?' And my answer is no, I have need to work and I will not stop and lie back. And no I have not done enough," Amitabh posted on his blog. "... And so without argument or comment I work. Work, because perennially it is the right thing to do," he added.

Katy Perry and Russell Brand marriage host an unusual guest-a Tiger Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:31 AM PDT American singer Kate Perry and English comedian Russell Brand had an uninvited guest during their wedding celebrations here two days ago -- a tiger. "A tiger known as T24 gate-crashed the wedding venue with a prey around midnight when the celebrations were on. The guards had a difficult time shooing it away," a security guard at the Aman-i-Khás resort told IANS on the condition of anonymity. "The tiger was only 50-75 feet away from the party venue when my colleagues managed to frighten him away," the guard said. The particular tiger has been spotted in the past near the resort, he said. A few days back he was seen with a prey - a "neel gai" Though forest officials are tightlipped over the incident, the guard said that it seems that the tiger was attracted to the resort seeing the lights and smell of food. "Variety of dishes, including traditional Rajasthani, continental and Chinese food, were cooked for the guests," he added. The couple had a Hindu ritualistic wedding Saturday amid chanting of Vedic mantras. They took seven rounds around a holy fire and tied their nuptial knots. Aman-i-Khás, situated close to the Ranthmabore National Park, is a wilderness camp for travellers wishing to experience the natural beauty and rural life of Rajasthan. The property sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of the park against a backdrop of hills. Native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees surrounds the camp. A watering hole is situated nearby. The entrance to the camp is via a pathway that leads through high walls, opening onto breathtaking views of the rocky Aravalli hills that undulate through the Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle. The high-profile wedding ran into problems when paparazzi clashed with minders during a safari trip to Ranthambore. The photographers claimed that a member of the actor's entourage came up to their vehicle and punched the driver in the face. They also took away the keys of the photographers' vehicle. But the offending security staff later visit a police station and offered apologies to the photographers.

Twinkle Khanna throws Karva Chauth eve party Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:27 AM PDT Akshay Kumar, who was in Toronto shooting for a music video, flew back in time for a very special get-together being organised by his two most favourite women - wife Twinkle and sister Alka. Both have organised a grand pre-Karva Chauth get-together Monday and named it - The Blast Before Fast. The event is at Alka's spa Aroma Garden in Juhu. Karva Chauth is on Tuesday. On the occasion, a day-long fast is observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands. "Twinkle and her sister-in-law Alka, who get along like a house on fire, hit on this ingenious plan of an all star-wives meet a day before Karva Chauth. Their logic was, why shouldn't wives have the time of their lives on the day before they undergo food- less penance for their husbands? They named their event 'The Blast Before The Fast'," said a source close to Akshay. And all Bollywood wives -- from Gauri Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala's wife to Akshay's mother and mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia -- are invited. Men, excluding Akshay, are strictly barred. Akshay has been getting pleading calls from his buddies asking if they could "drop in" at the party. "But Alka and Twinkle have strictly forbidden male participation. They say it's an evening devoted to the girls. The guys can take care of themselves," said a source. The actor, who returned on Sunday, immediately got busy with his wife and sister issuing all the invitations and arranging for the best food games and entertainment.

Natalie Portman nude scenes upset her father Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:16 AM PDT Hollywood actress Natalie Portman's father is reportedly upset over his daughter's portrayal of a lesbian ballerina in new thriller "Black Swan", because he deems the explicit sex scenes as "degrading". The "Star Wars" star plays troubled dancer Nina in the upcoming Darren Aronofsky's movie, which sees her engaging in raunchy love scenes with co-star Mila Kunis and this has apparently upset her father, reports contactmusic.com. "Natalie is a very private and dignified person and is often influenced by her father's approval," said a source. "This, however, was one role she simply didn't want to turn down even though she knew it would upset her father. He still sees her as his baby and always will and thinks showing herself like this is degrading. "Things are very frosty between them right now," the source added.

Playboy Playmate Kelly Brook eyes plum Hollywood roles Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:11 AM PDT Kelly Brook is still riding high on her peel-off shoot for Playboy and the British model-actress says she might be soon rubbing shoulders with superstar Tom Cruise in the fourth instalment of the action franchise "Mission: Impossible IV". "I am reading a couple of scripts and my agent is in talks with many production houses. You will see me very shortly in 'Hotel Caledonia' and 'Burn Off'. You might see me opposite Tom Cruise in 'MI4'," Brook told IANS in an e-mail interview from the outskirts of London. While Cruise and Ving Rhames will reprise their roles in the 2011 outing, Hollywood actress Paula Patton and Bollywood star Anil Kapoor have been roped in pivotal roles for the Brad Bird-helmed venture. Voted for having the best British female body by Grazia and having repeatedly topped FHM's '100 Sexiest Women in the World' poll, the celebrated model also rose to the ranks of a Playboy girl by peeling off for the lad mag. "I was a little self-conscious about the Playboy shoot because I looked at the other girls in the magazine and they're just so perfect...but I have no inhibitions in showing my skin and I am very comfortable with my body," said the 30-year-old, who "runs around in a bikini and does nude underwater ballet" in "Piranha 3D". The curvaceous model recently acquired a slimmer and slender avatar. So has she been dieting? "No, I am OK with my craving for Coke with ice along with pizza. A friend of mine referred me to sleep proper and eat small meals so I won't gain any weight and I am following that advice after trying macrobiotic diets and other diet plans," said Brook, who wants to work with directors like Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino after the success of "Piranha 3D". She is now keeping her fingers crossed for a lucrative Hollywood career. "It's ('Piranha 3D') my first true Hollywood film...I've always been branded the girl who's not that bright, the bimbo, because I laugh a lot and I'm girly but after you see this movie, you will definitely observe a change in perception...," she said. Released in the US Aug 20, "Piranha 3D" will hit Indian theatres Friday in English and Hindi. Produced by Dimension Films, it is being distributed here by Multivision Multimedia India Pvt Ltd in association with Eagle Video and MGH Enterprises. Directed by Alexandre Aja, it is a second remake of the 1978 film after Cameron's directorial debut "Piranha II: The Spawning" in 1981. The horror-thriller also includes the likes of Steven R. McQueen, Elisabeth Shue, Richard Dreyfuss, Ving Rhames and Eli Roth among others. Brook was also a topic of discussion in India recently for reportedly turning down a 250,000-pound offer to appear in "Bigg Boss", the Indian version of celebrity reality show "Bigg Brother". When asked about the same, she just cited a "no comments please" remark. But she did express a desire to visit the country. "I have never been to India, though have heard a lot about the Asian continent... if not professionally, would love to see it with friends soon... I have also seen a few Indian musicals in the US and I like them. I have not seen a film yet but will see some because I love dancing." Having her own swimwear and lingerie line, Brook is now contemplating to diversify it "into accessories". She also wants to shrug away her Page Three girl status. "I get invites to clubs and I'm offered tons of money to turn up at these silly things... it's like saccharine and nice. But it's the easy way. It's not my favourite. "I could be a lot richer and a lot more famous if I had done other things, and it's not like it hasn't come my way. I spend a lot more time not working. I've probably got the next five or six years to do something big. I don't want to screw it up," Brook said.

In US 'X-Factor' Cheryl Cole to be replaced by Mariah Carey Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:02 AM PDT Singer Mariah Carey is likely to replace singer Cheryl Cole on the judging panel of US version of talent hunt show "The X-Factor". Mariah has told show bosses she will take the job if filming dates fit in with her work schedules, reports mirror.co.uk. Simon Cowell, a judge at the show, has been trying to persuade Fox TV executives that Cheryl was perfect for the show. He said: "Look, I've said I'd love Cheryl out there but whether it will happen, who knows?" "Mariah Carey would be an amazing addition to the US show. And she's exactly the right calibre of star that we want for the show. I can't say more because it's too early and I can't say. But there will be surprises." However, a source said: "The Fox executives are totally against Cheryl joining the panel. Simon has put her forward and is trying to persuade them she's perfect for the job. "But they're saying that together with her accent being difficult to understand, and nobody knowing who she is, she doesn't have the star qualities to draw in an audience. "They are going to be competing with American Idol's star-studded panel of Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and J-Lo, and Cheryl just doesn't cut it compared to them. She's not a name. "While Simon may want Cheryl he understands Fox's insistence that he delivers a strong panel to bring viewers, and therefore advertising, in and make as much money as they can." If talks succeed, Mariah is expected to join the panel with Cowell, 50, and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, 32, next June. The source added: "Mariah Carey's people say she's fully behind the idea and they're very interested in taking talks further. Mariah has already had the initial meeting with Fox so she will more than likely take the spot Simon wanted for Cheryl."

Victoria Beckham to style Dannii Minogue in 'The X Factor' Posted: 25 Oct 2010 03:03 AM PDT Australian singer Dannii Minogue has hired Victoria Beckham to style her talent hunt show "The X Factor". According to sources, Victoria got in touch with Dannii after she wore one of her designs on last week's reality show. And Posh has now promised to send more of her collection. "Victoria thought Dannii looked stunning last week and called her up to tell her. She ended up giving her some fashion tips and promised to send her more dresses to wear for the rest of the show," dailystar.co.uk quoted a source as saying. "Dannii and Victoria really hit it off and actually have quite a lot in common. "Dannii has recently launched her own fashion label and promised to send Victoria some dresses in return," the source added.

Robert Pattinson, Stewart wants to be like Johnny Depp Posted: 25 Oct 2010 02:45 AM PDT Hollywood actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart want to achieve a fame like Johnny Depp. The couple is planning to take some time off after shooting the last film in the series, "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn", to travel. Friends say in the future they want to choose their work so they only act when they want to, reports contactmusic.com. "After "Twilight" they are aiming for a Johnny Depp level of fame - to work when they want but to get peace and quiet when they don't," said a source. "Right now, neither has accepted a role after 'Twilight' so they may even take a whole year off," the source added. Both the actors think it will "do them good to disappear for a while" and the time off will give them perspective on their careers. The source added, "They think it'll do them good to disappear for a while as they're both in danger of being overexposed. Kristen knows Keira Knightley, who went on a Himalayan trek a few years ago to get some perspective on the madness of Hollywood. She's convinced she and Rob should do the same. She wants them to just be a boy and a girl hanging out together."

Raima Sen claims not to be in Bollywood's rat race Posted: 25 Oct 2010 02:39 AM PDT Actress Raima Sen admits she is getting choosier and wiser about her films, but says it has nothing to do with beating competition in the film industry. "I am not in any sort of rat race in Bollywood. I don't think I have to do only big banner films and so many films in a year. I have always been choosy...but now I am getting choosier about my work," Raima told IANS in an interview. The 30-year-old daughter of yesteryears' actress Moon Moon Sen, says she doesn't aspire to be in the league of leading ladies in the glamour industry. "I am not competitive, I am quite lazy and laid back, and so I just do the best of what I get. I am only bothered about my work, nothing else," she said. Raima was in the capital Saturday - the first day of the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW), where she had come to meet her Mumbai-based designer friend Roma Narsinghania, who made her debut at the event. Dressed in an onion-coloured outfit designed by Narsinghania, Raima looked at ease and was happy about not having to walk the ramp this time. Her face lit up the moment she was asked about her upcoming projects. "I have this film called 'Mirch', then 'Memories in March', followed by 'Naukadubi' with my sister Riya and also 'Just Another Love Story'. I have also recently signed one Hindi and one Bengali film. But it's too early to talk about them," said the actress, seen in films like "Parineeta", "Chokher Bali" and "The Japanese Wife". Raima said though she has worked in movies on a variety of subjects, she has no favourites. "All I want to do is good work. I have done my share of mistakes in the past - in terms of choosing my films. It won't be right to name any, but I admit that whenever I was in second thought about any project, the decision usually proved to be wrong and those films never worked. "So now, whenever I have even the slightest of doubt, I refuse it straight away," she said. Raima has recently finished judging children's reality show "Twinkle Twinkle Dancing Stars" on Bengali entertainment channel Mahuaa Bangla. But she cringes at the idea of appearing on small screen shows like "Bigg Boss". "I am quite content with my movies. I won't ever go and enter something like 'Bigg Boss'," she added with a smile.

Bollywood Star Akshay kumar to Play himself in the Indo-Canadian film Posted: 25 Oct 2010 02:31 AM PDT Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will for the first time play himself in the Indo-Canadian film "Breakaway" -- the launchpad of his best friend Ajay Virmani's son Vinay. Vinay, who co-scripted the film, hero-worships Akshay and wrote the role specially for him. "Akshay and AJ (that's how Ajay Virmani likes to be known) go back a long way. In fact, AJ has a permanent room in his Toronto home for Akshay. Akshay has virtually seen Vinay grow up in front of him. The boy completely idolises Akshay to the extent that he imitates his mannerisms and watches all his films repeatedly," says a source close to the project. Akshay is co-producing "Breakaway" with Canada-based Ajay Virmani. When Vinay wrote the father-son story, he not only borrowed scenes from his own life, the boy insisted on creating a cameo for his idol. Confirming the news, Anupam Kher, who plays Vinay's father in "Breakaway", says: "Akshay will appear as himself in the film. 'Breakaway' is an emotional father-son story. I accepted the film because I've a very powerful role as the father." Anupam tried to grow a beard for the part. But finally gave up. "The facial growth was just not sufficient. So, Vinay will have to make do with a beardless father," he said.

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