We join fan clubs, start online communities and fight Twitter wars all for the sake of a complete stranger whose only connect with our lives is through films! It’s hard to pinpoint just what makes us love them . Maybe it’s the X factor they possess... Maybe, we love them because they make us cry, laugh and allow us to step away from our mundane existence. The fact remains that we need heroes... and in a world bereft of real heroes, we turn to reel ones. Presenting a league of gentlemen extraordinaire.
Amitabh Bachchan: Despite not having conventional good looks, his smouldering intensity made women drool over him like crazy. They say sex is in the eyes and it’s perfectly true in Amitabh’s case. His emotive eyes and baritone voice make him unique. There wasn’t a lover like him on screen. Caring, sensitive to the hilt, with an assured air about him, which has never been captured since. Listen to him recite poetry in Kabhi Kabhie (1976) and you can understand why women went mad over him and why men memorised poetry and took diction lessons. We love him also for the effortless way he enacted each of his roles, for his sheer screen presence that even today makes him the baap of the box office!
Hrithik Roshan: World class abs, Stallone-like biceps, a brooding persona, remarkable talent for dance and uber cool acting skills; Hrthik is a combination of all this and so much more. He is a complete package, a complete entertainer. He is a perfectionist, who doesn’t leave anything to chance. We love him for the fact that despite having it all, success hasn’t gone to his head. He still yearns for perfection and is forever on an internal quest. Lately, he has discovered his vocal muscles as well and has sung quite well. Aisa Hrithik na milega dobara.
Shah Rukh Khan: Like Julius Caesar, he came, he saw, he conquered. SRK is a combination of passion, guts, charisma and talent. We love the fact that he douses you with goodwill every time you see him on screen. It’s this quality that has made him the king of all he surveys. We also love the fact that King Khan hasn’t been shy to try out different roles. He made the anti-hero genre come alive with back-to-back hits like Darr (1993) and Baazigar (1993). He looked the part of a disgraced hockey player turned coach in Chak De! India (2007) and then tried his hand at playing a man suffering from Asperger’s Syndrome in My Name Is Khan (2010). And yes, we love him for the fact that he’s avoided controversy and has remained loyally married to his college sweetheart Gauri all these years!
Salman Khan: He takes off his shirt and the whole nation has an orgasm. Salman Khan is charisma personified. He elevates any film just by being in the frame. We love him because he hasn’t changed over the years. Like sunshine, like rain, there’s this air of permanency about him. Others have to act for their Swiss holidays. Not him. He is Salman Khan in every frame. He remains the industry’s most eligible bachelor, despite his bad boy image. He has led a chequered life but such is his magnetism that you tend to forget his faults. You just shrug and say, he is just a being human.
Ranbir Kapoor: He is currently the superstar next- door. He has got world class confidence and his carefree acting takes your breath away. As in the case of any other superstar, we love reading about his off-screen exploits too and he hasn’t disappointed us. Despite belonging to the current generation, Ranbir exudes an old world charm. Maybe its part of belonging to the Kapoor clan but he does have an instant connect with the audience. This is one quality that helps you sustain your star power through a length of time and Ranbir’s aura is increasing by the day
Aamir Khan: He isn’t just a superstar. He is a super actor. Or, to be more precise, he’s a combination of both. He can change from being a militant to a college student to a student counsellor and yet make each role his own. You zoom out Aamir the star and zoom in on the character he portrays. Aamir is perhaps the only actor from the Hindi film industry who has a 100 per cent track record at the box office this last decade or so. You may call him a maverick; you may call him a marketing genius, the fact remains that brand Aamir Khan spells success. He is an astute director and producer as well. Like Sun Tzu, Aamir is a master of the Art of War and knows how to wait and watch before pouncing on the opportunity and annihilating all opposition.
Saif Ali Khan: For someone born with a silver spoon, Saif’s very self-aware. He didn’t have any qualms about playing second fiddle to Akshay Kumar in the initial stages of his career. After making his mark in ensemble casts, he’s carved a niche for himself and is able to shoulder a film on his own. He’s had a long, hard struggle despite hailing from the ‘in-crowd’ and we love the fact that he didn’t let the setbacks bog down his inherent joie-de-vivre.
Imran Khan: Chocolatey good looks or more precisely white chocolatey good looks coupled with enough of talent make Imran Khan hot property indeed. We love the fact that he has a calm head on his shoulders and instead of playing the field, has decided to settle down with his childhood sweetheart. He isn’t wary of making wrong choices and believes in learning from his mistakes. He’s taking baby steps currently but if mamu Aamir Khan’s career is any indication, he has miles to go before he sleeps. Guess what, he has already endeared himself to the nation so the way isn’t as dark and dangerous as it is for the others.
Akshay Kumar: A former cook and martial arts expert lands in Mumbai and makes it big as a movie actor. No producer will ever buy such an outrageous story but the fact remains that it happens to be true. Like a bolt of lightening, Akshay came out of nowhere and made his presence felt. We love him because he’s a bundle of contradictions: for someone once described as deadwood, he’s become a seasoned comic actor and from being a man with no connections, he has become a power broker, who hosts lunches with heads of states. If that isn’t the stuff dream are made of, what is?
Shahid Kapoor: His legs are made of jelly. It’s our way of saying he is one of the best dancers in tinsel town today. What we like about him is that despite facing failure initially, Shahid didn’t give up on himself. Through Jab We Met (2007) and Kaminey (2009) he has shown that given a good director, he can bedazzle you with his acting as well. And he has enough of the X factor to make teenage girls go tizzy with frenzy. What he needs is more mature roles and it looks like he’s slowly achieving that.
Farhan Akhtar: He can direct, act, sing, write and do lots more. No, we aren’t talking about Kishore Kumar but the new Renaissance Man, Farhan Akhtar. Farhan hasn’t put a foot wrong since his directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and continues to amaze us with each new avatar. Being the son of one of our prominent writers, Javed Akhtar, he is an inherently cultured individual and that shows in his films. He’s been looked upon as a thinking woman’s sex symbol and that’s a great thing in our testosterone-obsessed nation. And he also knows how to effortlessly steal the limelight. As he did in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
Ajay Devgn: Who says you need to look like a hero to make it big in the industry? All you need is luck and oodles of conviction in yourself and in your own destiny. Ajay had all that and much more. He also has a knack for reading the wind and changing course without losing any steam. He’s changed from being an action hero to a romantic lead to a comic actor and is back again doing action. More than anything else, he remains everyman’s superhero. The masses look at him and upscale their aspirations. He remains the face of hope for millions of underdogs today. Proof: Check his latest blockbuster Singham.
Abhishek Bachchan: If someone was born with the proverbial golden spoon in the mouth, it’s Abhishek. For one born to such illustrious parents as Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, life can be a bed of roses in some ways, yet it can be quite a bumpy ride in others. We love Abhishek for the fact that he hasn’t let the burden of being the son of India’s biggest film star get to him. In his own quiet way, he’s overcome the hardships and carved a niche for himself. His gentlemanly ways and polished charm has gotten him quite a fan following as well. No wonder, the world’s most beautiful woman fell for this genteel giant. He’s going to be a proud papa soon and we wish him all the luck in the world.
Bold silhouettes, old world opulence and retro chic, the Blender's Pride Fashion Tour, Delhi, was ripe with show-stopping celebrities and stunning garments. Vote for your favourite celebrity showstopper.
Saif Ali Khan: Saif Ali Khan amazed the crowd in a well-fitted suit, doing justice to Mandira Wirk’s opulent collection. His stance at the end of the ramp baffles though.
Ranveer Singh: We think the film industry gives Ranveer Singh an unnecessary ego boost. First, he’s featured on Simi Selects India’s Most Desirable and secondly, designers seem to love him on the ramp. Here he is walking for his favourite designers Rohit & Rahul, in a show-stopping outfit from their line “Amazement”. Do you think the man has style?
Soha Ali Khan:Chameli look for Soha? Ramona Narang’s Ibella collection comprised of bold silhouettes, vibrant colours and a flower-laden Soha Ali Khan.
Sonal Chauhan: Rina Dhaka’s monsoon holiday collection featured the beautiful Sonal Chauhan as a showstopper.
Lisa Haydon: Rascal’s item girl, Lisa Haydon, brings back retro charm in this show-stopping jumpsuit from Asmita Marwa’s Metamorphosis collection.
Anushka Sharma: The outfit Anushka Sharma’s wearing is from Wendell Rodricks' Sorbet Splash collection, which explains the colour choice but not the 'night wear nightmare' gown.
Minissha Lamba: The fact that Minissha could manage an elegant swirl under all that velvet and caked make up is an applaudable feat. Designer Reynu Tandon lost out on the basics of fashion, styling Minissha in an outfit that makes her look neck-less.
Angela Jonsson: Rocky S presented his Red Carpet collection and Angela Jonsson was the perfect showstopper.
It's well known that actress Kareena Kapoor, who tunrns another year older on September 21, has canned her elaborate birthday plans due to the ill-health of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
Following this news, talks have arisen that Kareena and Saif will instead plan a religious outing on Bebo's big day to pray for Saif's father's health, and at the same time seek blessings!
"Kareena is an extrememly understanding girl, and also family oriented. Though we were planning a big bash for her, she has now opted for a low key affair with very close family and friends," says a close friend of Kareena's who also happens to be an actress.
News also has it that Saif is so touched by Kareena's understanding that he plans to spend the entire day with her and has also planned a special gift to make this day special. "Saif's extremely secretive. He loves surprising his ladylove. so none of us will even have a clue about what he has up his sleeve," we are told, "However, it's understood that Mr. Pataudi is not keeping well, so tomorrow will be more of a family affair rather than the usual brouhaha that's expected." Credit
Saif Ali Khan has begun his marriage preparations already and has reportedly ordered a big diamond ring from a Bandra based jeweller for his ladylove. The big fat wedding is scheduled for February next year.
According to sources, Saif had asked for a selection of diamond rings from this jeweller based out of Bandra. They sent him rings of different cuts and carats. He had asked for princess cut diamonds and also a few other shapes.
He took his time deciding on the perfect ring for his girl and finally took the one he liked about a week back, added the source.
Kareena had earlier told a newspaper, "of course, I want to marry Saif. Doesn't every woman want to take her relationship to the next level? Saif and I are definitely going to marry. I am a lucky girl. There is love, so there can never be any infidelity."
Ritu Kumar is reportedly designing Kareena's wedding outfit as Saif's mother Sharmila Tagore has an old association with the designer. When we approached the designer, she refused to divulge any details: "They are my personal friends and I would not like to comment about it."
Saif and Kareena are currently shooting together for 'Agent Vinod'.
Kareena Kapoor has reportedly secretly flown her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan to London for his birthday.
The actor celebrated his 41st birthday while staying at the exclusive Claridges hotel, according to The Times of India.
A source told the paper: "Last week they were shooting for Agent Vinod, but nobody knew what Kareena had planned for Saif's birthday. She requested Saif's production partner Dinesh Vijan for five days off from the shoot to whisk him off to London.
"This year, Saif's birthday plans have been kept completely quiet and nobody except their families know where they are. They are staying at their favourite hotel Claridges.
"Kareena even made all the arrangements for the birthday dinner on Tuesday night at an exclusive resto-bar in London."
The actress kept the plans lowkey because her boyfriend prefers to keep their personal lives private, the source said.
In June, it was rumoured that Kapoor would have her waxwork at Madame Tussauds unveiled on her boyfriend's birthday.
The pair are reportedly planning to get married by the end of 2012 and set an official engagement date around Valentine's Day.
Just back from Aarakshan, cant believe there was controversy on this film..second half looks like a totally different film, the director is so confused.
i feel like telling prakash JHA aur koi achi picture bana..
I wish people would see Aarakshan and instead object to Jha's vision, the execution of his muddled script, which half way through forgets its purpose, and varying degrees of unimpressive performances. Yes, Jha tries to highlight the complicated caste-based reservation system, attempting to look at the situation from all angles. But that is only until the first half of the film.
After intermission, Aarakshan is a completely different film -- essentially an argument against the expensive private tutoring schools, reflected by the very obvious good (represented by Amitabh Bachchan's [ Images ] character Prabhakar Anand) and the equally obvious evil (represented by Manoj Bajpayee's [ Images ] Mithilesh Singh).
Jha -- who takes up social issues and gives a controversial flare to his films, is at his most confused self in presenting Aarakshan to us. Perhaps the issue of caste-based reservation is too complicated and yet has the potential of flaring up (as it has happened before the release of the film) and so he simplifies it in a paint-by-number style until he runs out of ideas.
Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan, known for his wit and humour as an anchor, will host IIFA Rocks, a music and fashion event, at the Videocon d2h International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Weekend starting on June 23 in Toronto, reports the website Ibn Live.
Saif, who made a rocking team with superstar Shahrukh Khan as the host of quite a few editions of the Filmfare awards, has danced on the IIFA stage in Dubai, Yorkshire and in Colombo last year. But this is the first time he will host a show.
The show is scheduled for June 24. The organiser, Wizcraft International Entertainment, feels the actor is a perfect fit as an anchor for IIFA Rocks, to be held at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, considering his stylish dressing as well as his love of music. Saif’s love for strumming the guitar is well-known, so one really wonders if he would treat his fans to some of his own music on the stage.
IIFA Rocks, to be presented by Grey Goose, is aimed at raising funds for the IIFA Foundation, set up to support families of the film industry workers who have been adversely affected during the production of films.
This year, IIFA Rocks will also announce the 12th Floriana IIFA technical award winners and see a musical performance by well-known trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy as models from around the world will sashay down the ramp in couture from India and Canada.
The event is also expected to see participation from some international music artists, but the names are currently under wraps. daily times monitor
Saif Ali Khan is reportedly waiting for Kareena Kapoor to set a time and a date for their wedding. The divorced actor is said to have already proposed to his long-term girlfriend and Kurbaan co-star.
Speaking to The Times of India, a source said: "Saif is ready. Saif is waiting for Kareena to get ready. She has to [return] to him with the date and time!"
According to the paper, a date for the big event will be announced after the release of their James Bond-inspired film Agent Vinod.
Khan's mother Sharmila Tagore recently said in an interview that she expects the pair to get married soon.
Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan will play host to ace motorbike stunt rider Chris Pfeiffer at the Pataudi Palace Tuesday, and he is quite upbeat about watching his stunts.
"Chris expressed a desire to come and say hello to me...he wanted to show us what he does on a bike and I believe he is amazing. So I look forward to seeing it and I am excited about meeting him," Saif told IANS.
Pfeiffer is in India for the Red Bull Chris Pfeiffer Street Tour 2011, which kickstarted Monday in Kolkata. He is going to be in India for over a fortnight and will perform stunts across 10 cities, including Jaipur, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Cochin, apart from Kolkata.
Saif is quite excited about watching Pfeiffer's stunts, especially because the actor might soon be receiving an MV Agusta Brutale bike from the company's CEO. Saif is looking forward to adding a few bike stunts in his next home production "Agent Vinod".
"Yes. There is going to be some fast bike riding in 'Agent Vinod' and I think we will be talking to him. But right now it will be nice to just meet him. I really don't know how we will be tying up as such for 'Agent Vinod', but who knows...maybe we work in the future," said Saif.
According to a source, Pfeiffer was quite keen on meeting Saif even when he came for his India tour in 2010. But the dates couldn't be worked out.
Saif is currently in the capital, busy shooting the climax of "Agent Vinod", which also features his lady love Kareena Kapoor.
While shooting in Bhopal for Prakash Jha's next "Aarakshan", Saif Ali Khan goes out of his way to oblige his fans who come to the sets to catch a glimpse of their favourite star.
Saif also takes time out to interact with his fans while working out by the poolside of the hotel he's staying at.
"A huge crowd of over a hundred people gathers almost everyday to watch Saif while he works out by the poolside of the hotel in Bhopal... Saif's a pretty relaxed guy and minus starry airs talks to his fans in between his workouts," a source said in a statement.
When the star is in a jovial mood, he also strums a couple of songs on his guitar for them, said the source.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and actress Deepika Padukone are also shooting with Saif in Bhopal.
For all who thought that Dubai is the only country that Bollywood celebrities visit during the holiday season, this is some fresh news.
According to reports in the media, Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor will spend their winter vacations in Switzerland. The couple, popularly known as Saifeena in entertainment circles, are flying off to the Swiss Alps for a ten days break during the New Year.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are also known for the different decisions that they take in professional and personal matters. For example, they are perhaps the only stars in Bollywood who have refused to shake a leg for high-profile weddings. And this time too the media did not fail to notice the fact that Saifeena are going the eco friendly way while holidaying in Switzerland. Reports in the media claim that Saif and Kareena will put up at a centuries old chalet hut where every operation takes place with the help of solar energy. This is the couple's own way of conserving energy, says a source.
The chalet hut is part of the Gstaad Palace of Switzerland which is located at 5000 feet over sea level, thus allowing a clear view of the Swiss Alps. A ten day break means that Saif Ali Khan will indulge into some skiing, which is reportedly one of his passions. In fact, the actor has visited the Gstaad Palace even prior to his relationship with Bebo. Here's wishing a Happy New Year to the romantic
Vidya Balan is to work on a new production alongside Saif Ali Khan.
Balan, who won critical acclaim for her work opposite the actor in Parineeta, will feature with Khan in a new project, reports NDTV.
A source revealed that the two stars would share screen space in Dream Sequence: "Initially, Deepika Padukone was to do the role. The casting of the duo together after Love Aaj Kal had its appeal.
"But the actress begged off when she heard that the chote nawab was having second thoughts and that Abhay Deol would fill in for him." The project is to release under Balaji Motion pictures and will be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.
"The actress, director and producer are keen to work together in this film and are currently working on the dates, " added the source.
Mariah Carey 'enjoyed working with mother'
Mariah Carey has described the "lovely experience" of working with her mother on her latest album, and hopes to record more material with her in the future.
Patricia Carey - who usually performs opera - recorded vocals on her daughter's festive compilation Merry Christmas II You, on the tracks 'O Come All Ye Faithful' and 'Halleluiah Chorus'.
Mariah revealed to People that there may be more duets between the pair in the future: "Many people know that my mother is a trained opera singer, so I guess it was only a matter of time before we both got onto a record together.
"It was a lovely experience being in the studio together, and I'm very happy that I have this documented for the rest of my life."
Agent Vinod starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor First Look released Upcoming Bollywood action film Agent Vinod starring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor directed by Sriram Raghavan is expected to release in March 2011. The film is a story of a spy which is a realistic film.The film is full of actio pieces, thrills and charaters. Shooting of the film begun in Mumbai and would be continue in Morocco later. It's a second home-prodcution of Saif Ali Khan.The first was Love Aaj Kal with Deepika Padukone.
Saif Ali Khan has said that he won't be using Twitter to talk to his fans.
The social networking site has proved popular with fellow Bollywood celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Karan Johar, but the Kurbaan actor said that he won't be joining them.
He told the Times of India: "I don't want to share my thoughts. I don’t know what I will say.
"And I personally feel that some distance should be maintained between the audiences and the actor. That’s my personal opinion."
Twitter has proved controversial, with some directors banning actors from revealing details of plots to their followers.
Earlier this year, Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor were told not to tweet from the set of their forthcoming film Anjaana Anjaani.
