Aishwarya Rai recently stunned everyone by replying in the affirmative when someone asked her if she had been a victim of violence. Ash has played the role of  a 23 year old Punjabi woman named Kiranjit Ahluwalia, who having lost both her parents by the age of 16, was persuaded by her brothers to give up her law studies and marry London based Deepak Ahluwalia only to be the victim of incessant domestic violence in the movie “Provoked”. Rumors of violence abounded when Ash was dating Salman Khan. At Cannes when somebody further enquired the details of the same she apparently replied, "Wait for my biography."

The legendary actor Naseeruddin Shah is wearing a new hat these days. He is directing his first film  - Yun Hota Toh Kya Hota that stars a talented ensemble cast (Konkona Sen-Sharma, Irfan Khan, Ayesha Takia, Jimmy Shergill, Paresh Rawal, Boman Irani, Ratna Pathak), features 9/11 and has been partially shot in the US. Was directing an easy transition for this great actor? “It wasn't an easy job to do, but the transition wasn't difficult. There were no labour pains or birth pangs” says Shah

Amitabh Bachchan plans to offer a diamond-studded bracelet set worth a stunning Rs 9 crore as a gift to Lord Venkatesh at the Tirupati temple, as thanksgiving for his recent recovery from diverticulitis. After his discharge from Lilavati Hospital a few months ago, Bachchan and his family visited Tirupati to pray for his health. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam has sent specifications for the diamond-studded bracelet to the jeweler, who visited the temple a month ago.

The “Bindaas” Rakhi Sawant recently got into trouble at Kolhapur when dressed in skimpy costumes, Rakhi performed to a medley of numbers from Bollywood films. While some people seemed to enjoy Rakhi’s stage performance, the organization named ‘Purush Hakk Suraksha Samiti” (to uphold men’s rights) were upset and reportedly filed a case to restrain Rakhi from performing in the district again since they felt  her dance was “obscene and vulgar”.. A case under sections 110, 112 and 117 of the Bombay Police Act was registered against Sawant at Shahupuri police station. However, Rakhi was let-off after a warning as it was a non-cognizable offence, Shahupuri police station sources are quoted as saying.

Shiny Ahuja who plays the role of the late Parveen Babi in “Who Lamhe” a film that is based on the relationship between director Mahesh Bhatt and the ethereal beauty of yesteryear cinema, could perhaps use a few tips from a tape that Parveen Babi sent to Mahesh Bhatt. The tape, in which Parveen bares her heart, was sent in 1978. It was found many years later by Bhatt’s wife in an old box. Those who have heard the tape are still reeling from the intensity of feeling that it reveals. Parveen’s tragic life and mysterious death make the discovery of the tape even more poignant.

Tollywood star Raja who shot to fame with Anand says he is looking for the right woman in his life. After the success of Anand, a sweet, simple love story directed by Sekhar Kammula, Raja has carved a niche for himself in the Telugu film industry. I prefer taking it easy -- doing a film at a time. “I will be doing a film in Tamil (Kanna), and an as-yet untitled Telugu film with a new team. I have my space in the industry; I have worked hard to get there. I feel blessed and am happy and content with what I have. “ says Raja

The Italian actress Monica Bellucci  who has played powerful roles like Mary Magdalene in “The Passion Of The Christ” will star in a film about Italian-born congress President Sonia Gandhi. The Italian actress agreed to take on the role after reading the script, said producer Sunanda Murli Manohar. "Her confirmation finally puts a seal on the deal," Manohar said. "She is excited about the prospect of playing Sonia Gandhi." Jagmohan Mundhra, a well-known Indian filmmaker, will direct the movie. Shooting is expected to begin in September.

|