The folks at Yash Raj Films are crossing their fingers that Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic conjures some trickery at the box office when it opens on Friday - the banner has suffered a string of duds recently, which could see the demise of the once-unstoppable banner.

The release is make-or-break for YRF, which used to dictate terms to distributors and stars. The banner could even relax around the times of releases, safe in the knowledge that no other studio dared to release their films one week either side of a YRF film.

However, with Aamir Khan's Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na and Harman Baweja's debut Love Story 2050 both released next Friday, things have clearly changed. The only other release the banner made this year was Tashan which, despite starring several big names, flopped at the box office, taking only Rs10.5 crore (around £1.3million) in 5 weeks in the domestic market.

The string of recent box office duds, including Tashan, Aaja Nachle, Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, all took around Rs10 crore (just over £1million) in their opening weeks. What YRF needs now is another Chak De! India, which grossed Rs35.24 crore (around £4.2million) and swept the boards at the recent IIFA in Bangkok, allowing YRF to breathe a little easier.

Only time will tell if Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic can cast a spell of good fortune over the ailing banner.

For an actress used to playing restrained roles, Diya Mirza is currently enjoying being bad in Suparn Verma's film Acid Factory - she's even doing her own stunts.

"After playing dainty, utterly feminine roles I'm enjoying being put on a harness, dangling from ropes, jumping from heights, kicking and punching. In spite of my dainty image, I've always been a tomboy," she confesses, in her role as the only female in the script.

Her career began with Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein opposite Madhavan, and currently stands with her role in Acid Factory as well as Shoojit Sircar's Shoebite, for which she has just finished shooting with Amitabh Bachchan.

And working alongside Big B has been going to acting school, according to the actress. "He taught me one thing I'll never forget - 'To be a good actor you've to be a good listener'. I'm going to follow that mantra," she remembers.

It has transpired that Lara Dutta, who plays the female lead in Priyadarshan's forthcoming Billo Barber, was not the director's first choice. Priyadarshan had written the role, the wife of a barber portrayed by Irrfan Khan, with Tabu in mind, but she opted out due to date problems.

And it's not really surprising he had her in mind: "I've to admit I think of Tabu for every female lead," he admitted, but is not disappointed with his runner-up either: "Lara is sensitive and strong enough to carry this role off with élan."

Priyadarshan and Tabu have worked together on several films, including Kala Pani, Hera Pheri and Viraasat; her role in the latter was the main reason he wrote the Billo Barber role around her, which he describes as a "full-on firebrand village girl".

He went on to praise his leading lady, by revealing that those expecting to see Lara in a sophisticated role will be shocked. According to sources close to the film, Lara is very anxious about starring opposite Irrfan, but sees it as a chance to work with Shah Rukh who is producing and starring in the film.

And hey, it's worked before; she admits her walk-on part in Fanaa was to work with Aamir Khan and Yash Raj, and shortly after she got a full role in Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom unde the same banner. Can lightning strike twice?

In an industry not best known for handing out platitudes, Konkona Sen Sharma gave her director a bit of a shock by personally ringing him up to thank him for her National Award in Omkara. Says Konkona, "I can't tell you how tough speaking that dialectical Hindi was for me and how much Vishal helped me get over my inhibitions."

"After I heard about my National Award I reminded Vishal of how much I struggled with my dialogues. Vishal remembered how terrified I'd get every time he changed a word in my dialogue. He had to finally remind me to stop constantly worrying about my accent because it was getting in the way of my performance. I'm appreciated in my performances because my characters are so well written."

The burst of good will could be due to many reasons, but according to our sources, it may be due to more romantic reasons. In what appears to have been kept very quiet, Konkona has recently exchanged rings with Ranvir Shorey. The actress was greeted with congratulations from her colleagues as she arrived on the set of Luck By Chance at Mehboob Studio.

The hype surrounding Love Story 2050 has undoubtedly contributed to star Harman Baweja being offered five films from Bollywood's hottest filmmakers. Quite an achievement, since his debut isn't even out yet...

Directors Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ashutosh Gowariker, Anees Bazmee and Manmohan Shetty have already come forward to offer him projects under major banners, which is unsurprisingly making the debutant nervous.

But the pressure of their expectations has led Harman to reveal as-yet unknown sides to his personality: "I love dancing though I am not technically into it. Kamal Haasan's Tandav inspired me to train in Kathak for a year and a half. Otherwise, all my childhood I've imitated Michael Jackson and Prabhu Deva," he disclosed.

And he doesn't seem to be putting a foot wrong in describing those around him. On comparisons to Hrithik: "He has been in the industry for 10 years and proved his mettle - it is bringing him down by comparing with me"; on competition with other actors: "I am not actually competing with anyone. Acting is not a sport, it's creativity...I enjoy doing what I am doing and I'll continue doing it"; on his girlfriend and co-star Priyanka Chopra: "she's a perfect co-star"; and on his debt to family and studios: "I have to do a lot of justice to the movie, my parents and Adlabs who've invested in it."

Looks like he knows the value of flattery...

It must be hard for Harman Baweja to have spent so long getting the opening scene to his debut film Love Story 2050 perfect, only to be told it hasn't made the final cut.

Referring to the scene in the film which opens in less than a fortnight, Harman pined: "No other scene can replicate the sense of the very first one that you shoot for, and to think of it, it required me to literally go through the grind". The "grind" he mentions is probably the time he was shooting on a yacht off the Australian coast, having to stay drenched in water for the scene.

"Since there were quite a few takes required for the shot, I had to wet myself down repeatedly. From warm to cold to warm and so on - it indeed took a toll," Harman let on. He remains philisophical about the situation, though: "It just taught me that one can't really get attached to one's work. It is situations like these which make you understand what filmmaking is all about, and how you have to move on and give your best to every scene that you shoot for."

Dancer and actor Rakhi Sawant is enjoying more publicity, even though its source is her arch rival Kashmera Shah. The new attention has been brought about by Kashmera starring in a big budget musical called City of Dreams in Mumbai last week. Her character, also called Rakhi, was an item girl who aspired to make it big as an actor.

Kashmera maintains her character bears no resemblance to Ms Sawant, but Rakhi begs to differ: "It was entirely based on me, but even if it wasn't Kashmera, somebody else would have surely played the role," she asserts.

Ms Sawant, who recently won reality dance contest "Yeh Hai Jalwa", doesn't make a secret of her feelings towards Kashmera: "Whether she loves me or hates me, she has made me famous by playing my role," adding she would never reverse the situation by playing the role of Kashmera, and commenting: "Kashmera is such a girl that you befriend her and then she would backstab you. She never talks anything positive. I associate only negativity with her."

Likewise, there is no love lost from the Kashmera camp; Kashmera was quoted recently as saying "I love to hate her and I hate to love her." The pair started off as close friends on Sony TV's reality show Big Boss, but the pair's friendship soon soured as they began exchanging insults and pot shots, and carrying on doing so in reality dance show Nach Baliye 3.

Govinda is to play a 40-year-old virgin in Jagmohan Mundhra's sex comedy Excuse Me, Please, which went on the floors on 1st June in London. When asked how he would play the character, the actor replied: "I'll just have to fake it! I've never touched alcohol in my life, but I've played a drunkard."

Excuse Me, Please sees Govinda return to his more risqué side, which many thought he had abandoned after films like Hero No. 1 and Raja Babu.

Two-hero films can have an awkward dynamic, with performers competing and vying for top spot and leaving film-goers stuck between which one to choose - but Haal-e-Dil, which releases tomorrow, faces this difficult position with Nakuul Mehta and Adhyayan Suman starring alongside each other.

The two actors, however, don't seem fazed and are rather tired of putting the speculation to bed. As Adhyayan comments: "We don't even have a scene together in the film and still it is being made out to be one big clash of its kind."

"It is not important whether you get a solo lead launch or a two hero launch...it all boils down to whether your character is big or not. It is the importance of a character that works, not the duration," he added.

Nakuul seemed equally diplomatic: "Let the film release and everyone would see how the roles have shaped up for both of us. In any case, if I have to call Haal-e-Dil being someone's film, it is Amita [Pathak]'s."

Adhyayan concluded: "Let's not fret about a one hero-two hero debate here...all I am looking forward to is acceptance from my audience."

Raj Santoshi, currently commencing work on Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani with Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, is happy to be planning another film with Ajay Devgan, despite rumours that the pair had fallen out.

According to Santoshi, it will be a contemporary theme that the pair are currently deciding, although they still intend to make period films on Emperor Ashok and the Ramayan; "those are on hold right now," he affirmed.

On the speculated disharmony between the pair, Santoshi said: "We haven't fallen out just because a couple of our films together haven't clicked; that's not how we work."

He's also happy to be working with Ranbir and Katrina, with whom he hasn't worked before; nor has he ever worked with music composer Pritam. The team also includes Upen Patel in a "pivotal role", according to Santoshi.

Tabloid tongues have been wagging ever since Akshaye Khanna was snapped outside a friend's nightclub, alleging the actor has checked into a rehabilitation centre to combat alcoholism.

Khanna, who has a humourous role in Mere Baap Pehle Aap, reacted with a mixture of surprise and frustration to the rumours surrounding the photograph, which he claims has been "blown out of proportion".

He confirmed in an interview that he had been away on holiday, but when it was put to him that a friend of his had mentioned the holiday was a means of cleaning himself out, he retorted: "I don't have friends who would talk like this".

Khanna denied any problems with alcohol or rehab attendance and, although slightly shaken, appeared to maintain a cool outlook on events: "I can't say I was unaffected because such a thing has never happened to me before. I can say with a certain amount of gratitude that so far the press has always been fair to me; I'm not bitter about it, but I find a clear perspective missing in such rumours."

Amitabh Bachchan was voted Asia's sexiest vegetarian male in a poll conducted by animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), alongside Hong Kong actor/singer Faye Wong who was voted Aian sexiest vegetarian female.

The pair "beet" off competition from actors Barbie Xu and Maggie Q, and Cantopop singer Stephy Tang. In the rest of the world, Coldplay singer Chris Martin, pop star Leona Lewis and comedian Russell Brand all figured highly in the polls.

PETA Asia-Pacific director Jason Baker said: "Going vegetarian is the best thing you can do for animals, the earth and your health; plus there's no easier way to stay slim and sexy - Faye and Amitabh are living proof."

It would appear from our sources that Sajid Nadiadwala is looking to bring a few surprises our way with forthcoming Kambakth Ishq...he's visiting LA next week to commence pre-production. Amongst the tricks up his sleeve, non other than Hollywood legend Sly Stallone will be making a cameo appearance in the flick.

It will also be the first time ever that an Indian film has been shot in Universal Studios. Tashan stars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor will head the cast in what is set to be one of the highest budget Bollywood films ever, currently estimated at just over £10million.

When Sajid was quizzed about bagging Sly, he gave this response: "It made perfect sense to appoint casting agents in Hollywood and cast mainstream Hollywood stars. This film is one of our most ambitious ventures to date and we didn't want to leave any stone unturned."

Debutant director Sabir Khan has described it as "an exciting merging of Hollywood and Indian cinema".

Buckingham Palace has sent invitations to Shabana Azmi and husband Javed Akhtar to be the personal guests of Prince Charles for a four-day visit in July. From 12th-16th July, the couple will potentially join industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Lakshmi Mittal and Ratan Tata, who have also been invited.

When asked about what she thought the intention of the visit was, she replied: "It is essentially to discuss long-term India-Britain relations with regard to charitable causes. We'll deliberate on how to further charitable links between the two countries."

She went on to disclose this may include further collaboration between the Ratan Tata Trust and The Prince Charles Trust, and admitted that she's anxious about what she's going to wear: "I really don't know! It's only now as it approaches...that I'm giving it a thought."

But overall, she's glad to have been invited, if not a little humbled: "I really don't know how these opportunities come my way, they just fall into my lap."

There are still big rumours circulating that Sikander Kher is to be offered a negative role in Rakesh ROshan's Kites, already starring Hrithik Roshan. Producer Rakesh has reportedly been toying with the idea, although this is not a popular choice with director Anurag Basu.

If Sikander does decide to take the role, it could help revive his career after his recent films Woodstock Villa and Summer 2007, which were box office flops. And under the banner of Filmkraft Productions which shot Hrithik to fame with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, could this help swing the decision?

Aamir Khan has once again displayed his admiration for veteran actor Shammi Kapoor. Aamir travelled from Chennai specially to be present as Shammi-ji was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Osian's Cinefan Festival in Mumbai at the weekend.

Shammi, star of hits such as Dil Deke Dekho, Junglee, An Evening in Paris and Kashmir Ki Kali was overwhelmed by the award, going on to thank everyone from the film industry for his success.

Khan's respect for Shammi hasn't really been a secret: he recently asked him to lanuch the music from his nephew Imran's debut film Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na; he recently described Shammi-ji as his "lucky mascot"; and to Shammi's blessings before releasing the music for his directorial debut Taare Zameen Par.

Debutant film director Abhinay Deo has announced that casting has reached a point in making Aamir Khan's latest film Delhi Belly where they have roughly three actors in mind for each role.

One of the parts was to be played by Ranbir Kapoor, but according to Deo, "that didn't work out, so our search started again...we start shooting end-August; We don't have much time to get the entire cast in place."

Abhinay is the son of Marathi actors Ramesh and Seema Deo, and has a strong background in advertisements. In fact it appears this is what got him the job: "[Aamir] saw some of my work and felt I was the right person to do Delhi Belly."

Things still seem far from cordial between God Tussi Great Ho co-stars Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra, as the pair were filming last week.

Failing to even greet each other, the only words they exchanged in the few hours they were together were those written in the script. It is thought the pair had patched things up, but Priyanka snubbing the role of brother Sohail's herione in their home production Main aur Mrs Khanna, and not appearing as a guest on his new show 10 Ka Dum is thought to have caused Salman much anguish.

The film, which is a remake of the Jim Carrey film Bruce Almighty, sees Amitabh Bachchan playing God...perhaps he can find it within his powers to bring the two back on good terms.

Chak De! India, a sports film with themes of religion and class starring Shah Rukh Khan, came out on top at IIFA Awards in Bangkok at the weekend scooping 9 awards including Best Film, and Best Actor for SRK in his role of hockey coach. The full awards list follows this article.

It was a particularly good night for Khan, whose home production Om Shanti Om won five awards, although he wasn't there to collect any in person; producer Yash Chopra collected them on his behalf. Kareena Kapoor also picked up Best Actress for her role in Jab We Met.

It was supposed to be the perfect birthday party in Dubai for Shilpa Shetty...alas, it wasn't to be. Shilpa had planned to arrive in Dubai with her parents, sister Shamita and life companion Raj Kundra, going on to attend a huge party on Saturday, but things got off to a bad start with her bag going missing in Dubai airport.

This would have been frustrating to anyone, but Shilpa seemed to cope by shrugging it off with the remark, "no journey of mine is complete without losing a bag", despite the fact it contained the dress she had planned to wear for her party.

Going shopping with her sister thankfully provided her with a spare, but to top things off she suffered a bout of illness and couldn't even go to the party itself. Having been working with Sunny Deol on a song that involved her being repeatedly soaked with artificial rain, the exposure gave her fever and coughing fits, rendering her to the mercy of antibiotics. These had helped, but working in humid Delhi the week before her birthday, had made things worse, and doctor was called to the scene.

Shilpa remained positive: "I spent the evening with my family...to me there can be no better way to bring in my birthday."

T-Series have just acquired the music rights to God Tussi Great Ho, starring Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Manisha Koirala, Anupam Kher, Satish Kaushik and Sohail Khan.

The film features the direction of Rumi Jaffery who also wrote it, music by Sajid and Wajid and is produced by Afzal Khan under the banner Shabbo Arts.

Shah Rukh Khan got the chance to punish fellow Bollywood stars and close friends Rani Mukerji and Karan Johar on his reality game show Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain, and he took it.

The show sees Shah Rukh playing the strict teacher, with contestants becoming his pupils and answering eleven questions posed in exams to children typically aged 10-11, with the help of fiver 10-year-olds.

In this role, he wasted little time to take his opportunity to make both Rani and Karan stand on their chairs, for cheating by using audience help right on their first question.

Further embarrassment came as the two contestants struggled to get help from their young helpers, resorting to begging Shah Rukh for answers at one point.

It was all taken in good spirits though, and both Rani and Karan were good eggs throughout. The show will be broadcast on Saturday, and sees the two stars donating their winnings to Nanavati Hospital and to another medical facility in the country of Rani's choice.

With the media frenzy that surrounded her marriage to Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is used to the glare of the public eye, and it's no surprise that an equal amount of attention is being paid to whether or not the actress is going to have a child soon.

Attending a promotion for Ram Gopal Varma's new film Sarkar Raj, the most recent film to star the three Bachchans (Abi, Ash and Amitabh Bachchan) and the first since the couple tied the knot, a journalist asked Amitabh when he will become a grandfather; a foolish question, which Big B managed to sidestep by explaining he was already a grandfather of two.

When the journalist asked Ash directly if she was pregnant, it appeared she was about to answer "no", but Amitabh interrupted saying the media should ask question about the movie. While he's probably right, it's highly unlikely this diplomacy will put an end to any speculation.

Just as the world prepares for Salman Khan/Sony Entertainment Television's new offering Dus Ka Dum tonight, NDTV Imagine has decided to screen its serial Junoon Kuch Kar Dikhanne Ka with Hrithik Roshan...on the same day.

The shows' start times differ by only 30 minutes, and the competitive scheduling is thought unlikely to be a coincidence.

Bangkok plays host to the International Indian Film Academy Awards 2008 this weekend, but already sparks have been flying and organisers Wizcraft Entertainment have found themselves with their hands full with tantrum-throwing stars and prissy prima donnas.

In one of the early upsets, star designer Manish Malhotra and close friend Urmila Matondkar arrived at their hotel, only to be told by hotel staff that they had to wait for their keys, causing Urmila to go livid. She only calmed down when Wizcraft subsequently stepped in to solve the problem.

Even at Bangkok Airport, Rajeev Kapoor was detained by airport police for being too drunk to pronounce his name correctly at the immigration counter.

But on the whole, the events look to dazzle the world of Indian cinema, with the Gala Premiere of Sarkar Raj and performances from stars including Kareena Kapoor, who will appear as 'The Godess of Bollywood' in an act choreographed by Shiamak Davar...let's hope her outfit designer Manish can keep his calm throughout.

The Red Lounge in Cinemax Versova saw the cast of the new Rajeev Patil flick Sanai Chaughade celebrating its music launch. Celebrities mingled amongst Shreyas Talpade, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Tushaar Dalvi, Shilpa Tulaskar, Subodh Bhave and Sai Tamhankar.

It is Shreyas' debut as producer, and Farah Khan was on hand as chief guest to support him. The music is composed by Avdhoot Gupte.

when Salman Khan's home production Hello Brother flopped, he was quick to admit defeat, joking to reporters that he never managed to see the film in the cinemas as it was out of them so quickly.

At a promotional event for new Sony show Dus Ka Dum last night, Salman joked again that any excitement for the show was coming from another source: "I'm not excited but it's the Sony TV guys, who are excited."

He also commented on his discomfort with the new technology involved in shooting the show in his blog: "I am very comfortable with moving machines that throb with life but steel cold gigantic computers rattle my nerves!" says Khan.

Special guests from the Indian Army recently paid a visit to the bungalow of Ajay Devgan in Juhu, spending around an hour with Ajay, Kajol and daughter Nysa.

Guests included Regional President of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association, Neelam Singh; Local AFWWA President and wife of Gp Capt. K.H. Suresh, Jyoti Suresh; and Wing Commander Rajneesh Bhatia. Mrs. Singh, a big Devgan fan, enthused to Ajay about his movies, particularly Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha: one of her all-time favourites.

Sikandar Kher and the Bachchans are rarely seen separated at big public events. Most assume this is due to Sikandar's mother Kirron's friendship with Jaya Bachchan, but according to Sikandar there's a lot more to it than that.

Sikandar let on: "my dad, Gautam Berry, Amit Uncle and Bunty Uncle (Ajitabh Bachchan) were business partners in ABCL (now renamed AB Corp Ltd). Our families have shared everything since then."

Sikandar's premiere last week of his debut vehicle Woodstock Villa saw four Bachchans - Amitabh, Jaya, Abhishek & Aishwarya - in attendance. "In fact, my baby crib was the same one that Abhishek and his sister Shweta and then two children of Bunty Uncle had used. After them, it was handed over to me. That's how close we've been. So I've even 'cribbed' with the Bachchan kids," he disclosed.

After Kirron divorced Gautam, the Bachchan family helped look after her and Sikandar, but Gautam and Sikandar have maintained contact, getting on better than ever recently. Gautam turned up to the Woodstock Villa premiere with a group of his friends, taking his son by surprise and sending him a congratulatory text after leaving shortly after the film finished.

"He's now teaching me to play golf," admitted Sikandar, who can't be short of a father figure: "I feel extremely lucky to have my mom and my two fathers to guide me in my career, plus the Bachchans, who are like a family beyond my own family."

Currently shooting in Melbourne for Salman Khan's Main Aur Mrs Khanna, Kareena Kapoor is struggling to find time to relax - and it's not surprising, with the five films and nine endorsements she has on the go at the moment, not to mention the IIFA which she is performing at.

Her hectic schedule is leaving precious little time for her personal life: "I'm rehearsing for IIFA at nights and shooting in the day time. Am I over-worked? I'm exhausted. But what choice do I have? I've decided to take my live performances as seriously as my movies and endorsement," she enthuses.

Due to film Kambhakt Ishq in LA for 40 days, she then travels to Bangkok for the IIFA, spending a week in London with Saif Ali Khan from 20th June. Boyfriend Khan will be filming his first home production to be directed by Imtiaz Ali, which will also star Deepika Padukone and not Bebo.

She is far from angry about it: "I joked at the Stardust awards about not being in Saif's first production and everyone took it seriously...at least we can have some privacy" she laughs. Nor are there any bad feelings for her cousin Ranbir's relationship with Deepika; "I'm so happy for them. I hope they'll be happy together. It feels so nice to have another Kapoor from my generation doing so well."

Rohit Roy is over the moon with his new avatar as host of Inside Bollywood on Zoom. Speaking after shooting seven episodes with 14 guests in just three days, Roy beamed "I'm getting whoever I want without having to run from pillar to post. That makes me feel very reassured."

On interviewing Sanjay Dutt: "I've always been a Sanjay Dutt fan...after the show I've become an even bigger fan. I walk away from every episode with something new."

"I'm interacting with the best talents in the business and learning from them. Can you imagine I got a chance to interview Naseeruddin Shah and Tabu together? One is a completely trained actor. The other is absolutely untrained. And yet they are such monuments. I've already worked with Naseerbhai in my short film Rice Plate. Now I want to work with Tabu," says Roy.

After two sour years, former best friends Anupam Kher and Anil Kapoor have resolved their differences at the premiere of Kher's son Sikandar's debut, Woodstock Villa.

The pair worked together on many films including Ram Lakhan, Lamhe, Beta, Deewana Mastana and Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain, with Anil starring in Kher's directorial debut, Om Jai Jagdish.

It's rumoured the source of the fall-out occurred when Anupam announced he was to produce Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara and cast himself in the lead. He then learned independently that Anil, who was on good terms with Anupam at the time, had launched Ghandi My Father with another playing the lead, and felt betrayed.

Subsequently, Anupam refused to attend both the premiere of Anil's daughter in Saawariya and Gandhi My Father itself.

On his decison to break the feud and invite Anil to the recent event, Anupam indicates it was an impulsive choice: "I was driving by Anil's office when I thought I should invite him, but I didn't have his number since I had changed my phone. So I said, 'What the heck, why not now?'"

"I drove into his office, went up and invited him. Anil was startled but welcoming. It was very generous of Anil to come... I half-expected him to, but then we hadn't been in touch for more than three years, for whatever reasons."

And it looks like emotions remained positive throughout the night, for Anupam at least:"It was a very touching moment for me...all the Bachchans came. Yash Chopra, who never stays up so late, stayed till the end of the film, and my mentor Mahesh Bhatt, who never attends a premiere, came especially for me. But Anil breaking the ice for my son's sake was the cherry on the cake."

Nisha seems admittedly aware of her image: "I like my wardrobe and am fine to be seen as a sweet and cute girl. If that's the image people want to see me in, I don't have any issues with that."

But with the current trend of Bollywood opening up to exploring new themes and subjects, does she feel that her 'girl next door' could run the risk of typecasting her, while others are striving to change their image? Not for the moment, at least, it would appear.

"It's just my first film and I would rather play by the character than worry about the competition," she says sternly. "If I am playing a college student in the film, I can't suddenly start shedding off my clothes."

Looking to the future, Nisha laughs; "I know, as years pass by, market dynamics change too...today I am this way but what can one say about tomorrow?"

Despite being a successful filmmaker with hits like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham under his belt, and recently celebrating his 36th birthday, Karan Johar still gets starstruck when he meets his idols.

"At heart I remain an excited child who's been given a toy called cinema. I'm awestruck with the place I've been given in the film industry," claims Karan.

"I'm still a star-struck child, though I try hard to hide it. Every time I sit across Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, I've to pinch myself," he added.

On Shah Rukh specifically, he noted, "He's my family, a father figure. When he walks into a room, I stand up. I respect him. In fact, I'm petrified of him and he knows it. He's not my back slapping buddy...even in my wildest dream I can't imagine saying shut up to Shah Rukh."

Harry Baweja seemed proud to unveil the music from his new sci-fi/romance flick Love Story 2050 on Wednesday, at the JW Marriot in Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra, Harman Baweja, Anu Malik and Javed Akhtar were also on hand.

Harry described the music as "futuristic", and it certainly seemed that way according to the VIP and media crowd in attendance, describing it as a melange of modern electronica over pulsing Bollywood beats.

"No one can predict how music will shape up in the future," Baweja added, "but we've tried to accomplish something which might be very similar to it."

It's rumoured that Aditya Chopra is ready to show his commitment to Rani Mukherji, by giving her a 10ct solitaire diamond.

Could this bring the folks at Yash Raj studios the luck and the big hit they reportedly need to balance their overheads?

Aishwarya Rai is set to take on Hollywood once again, this time working alongside double Oscar winner Meryl Streep. Starring in an adaptation of French film Chaos about the tribulations when a young prostitute becomes accidentally embroiled in the lives of a middle class couple/

It's reported Ash will be playing the prostitute, whose struggle to survive and claw back her dignity sees her suffer both physical and mental torture. The film's name has not been officially announced so far, as it has yet to be adapted for American audiences, but reports have confirmed both Ash and Streep on board.

Meanwhile, Ash appears alongside her husband and father-in-law Abhishek in Ram Gopal Varma's Sarkar Raj. RGV claims this is a strong film in its own right, despite Bollywood's first family among the cast and his previous failings with Ram Gopal Varma Ki Aag, which he admits was the biggest flop in history.

Vicky Chopra's Season's Greetings sees Raima and Riya Sen starring side by side as sisters, but the siblings aren't giving much away about the film. Shooting in Italy, Raima said: "Riya and I are finally coming together as sisters. But I'm yet to hear the script, though I've given the nod."

Riya has also commented on their bond: ""Raima and I stay together in Mumbai. There is not a thing that we don't share... if she likes someone, so do I, and if I dislike someone, she doesn't have a choice. Our friends say we should've been twins."

The pair have had offers to act together already, but were adamant that to do so should involve playing sisters. The episodic film will see six separate storylines intertwining in unexpected ways.

The figure that sizzled in a bikini in Tashan has finally succumbed to the ‘Kapoor urge for food’, according to fashion designer Manish Malhotra. The hectic filming schedules have stolen precious workout time for Kareena Kapoor, affectionately known as Bebo, who is currently shooting Main Aur Mrs. Khanna with Salman Khan, and is due to give her first public appearance at IIFA 2008 in Bangkok.

This will see her not only dancing with the likes of Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif and Govinda, but also modelling for Manish, her favourite designer, who is eager for everything to run smooth on the day; "I will be using 15 female models and 5 male models...but right now, I am concentrating on Kareena," claims Manish, "and now that she is a size one, I have to work doubly hard to get the clothes to fit perfectly."

Hrithik Roshan has become the latest Bollywood star to try their hand at TV, as goodwill ambassador for Junoon Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka, the new NDTV Imagine musical show on NDTV Imagine. There, he will lend his support to the participants of the Sufi, Folk and Filmy genres on the show.

Shailja Kejriwal of NDTV Imagine was proud to announce Hrithik's participation; "This is the first time that a channel has associated with a celebrity at this level. Hrithik's role is very unique - he is not a host, judge or performer. He is here to lend his support to the participants. What makes this association special is that we truly believe that he embodies the spirit of Junoon and epitomizes the passion which is present in all the talented artists that are part of the show."

In response, Roshan also seems far from unhappy; "I am very pleased to be associated with NDTV Imagine and Junoon. I can identify with the participants and their desire to achieve success with their god-given talent. I relate to their positive and exuberant spirit because I believe that I have a similar Junoon - be it my work or my personal life."

The show will involve teams of 6 contestants, mentored by a leading figure from the music world: namely Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ila Arun and Anand Raj Anand.

He has just won the fifth season of new MTV reality show "Roadies", and now Ashutosh Kaushik's trying out for a transfer into Bollywood. Popularly known from the series as "Ashu", he has announced: "I'm feeling great after winning. I am in Mumbai now and will be joining acting classes soon. I want to act in films."

The 27-year-old from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, who owns a roadside eatery (or dhaba), won a Hero Honda Karizma bike and nearly £3,000, but credits his victory to fellow contestant Sonel, a model who stuck with Ashu throughout the game. "She is my special friend and, yes, I still have to go on a date with her. Our relationship is very much on and I am really grateful to her," he has divulged.

Rehearsals for 'The Unforgettable Tour' are underway in Mumbai as the cast prepares for the first leg, beginning in Toronto on 18th July. The rest of the leg will take in 9 other cities worldwide, including Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Amsterdam & London.

It will be the first time the three Bachchans (Amitabh Bachchan, Abishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) appear on the same stage together. Other stars taking part will include Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Preity Zinta and Riteish Deshmukh.

Shiamak Davar will be in charge of the choreography, while music will be provided by Vishal-Shekhar.

Despite being used to the glare of attention on what she wears in the spotlight, Aishwarya Rai is finding it frustrating that this is distracting people from her main concern - her films.

Speaking from the annual Cannes Film Festival, Mrs. Rai-Bachchan commented: "To me, how I conduct myself at Cannes and how people react to me is far more important than what I wear."

"Cannes has always been a marvellous and memorable experience. This time was no different. It's never about the wardrobe for me. I don't focus on that at all."

Aishwarya has been fond of the festival since receiving a standing ovation at a screening of Devdas in 2002 and subsequent visits as brand ambassador for Loreal.

This year was particularly memorable as she was joined by the entire Bachchan family: "I spent two full days with the family. We're all so happy when we're together."

Another memorable moment came when French actor Jean Reno praised her on her film Pink Panther; commenting on Reno, she said, "these legendary actors are so hassle-free. They don't think twice about approaching you with a smile and kind words. That stays with you. So much less taxing than making an effort to avoid people."

The decision by Aamir Khan to release his nephew's debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na on July 4th, a date that has been fixed for some time by Harry Baweja for his son Harman's Love Story 2050, has upset Harry.

Harry has invested just under £10million in the film to guarantee that will launch his son to success. And, of course, Priyanka Chopra is playing female lead in the film.

According to a source close to the film, "the Bawejas were shocked," and, "had planned and strategised their film's release almost six months in advance. They had spoken to all their potential competitors."

"Harman called them up personally to make sure his film comes on a free Friday. Then suddenly Aamir showed up to create an almost Saawariya/Om Shanti Om crisis. The Jaane Tu release was nowhere in sight when Love Story 2050 was announced," claimed the source.

Harry worked with Aamir as Assistant Director on B. Subhash's Love Love Love, and made a panic call to him, who confirmed he was indeed thinking of July 4th. On the same day the Bawejas' first trailer began screening, they discovered a blog titled "Imran vs Harman" which was the first time they realised there was a date coincidence.

This hasn't dampened Harry's spirits, though: "Healthy competition is always welcome. I'd rather focus on my work. We've just started the promotion of our first song. It's one of the costliest songs ever filmed."

Aamir Khan has apologised for disclosing the fact he recently named his dog "Shahrukh" in a controversial blog entry. The entry sent shockwaves through the Hindi film industry, particularly amongst fans of Shah Rukh Khan.

Aamir told journalists "I just wrote it out of humour and if it has hurt the feelings of mine or Shahrukh's fans then I apologise to all". He also went on to say that he shares a healthy relationship with fellow actor Shah Rukh, who responded to the episode: "Earlier, people used to name their children after famous people. Somebody naming a dog after a known person is a new beginning in that direction. I don't have a copyright over this name if used non-commercially."

The company that released the music from Aamir Khan's Production’s Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, composed by A.R. Rahman, has bought the music rights of Rahman's next film Yuvraaj, set for release this Diwali.

T-Series is happy to be working with A.R. Rahman again. and wants to bring the combination of T-Series and Rahman to its music listeners through Yuvraaj. The film will be directed and produced by Subhash Ghai under the Mukta Arts Ltd Banner and will star Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan, and Boman Irani.

Amitabh Bachchan has made the first move to quell the publicity surrounding his relationship to Shahrukh Khan, leaving posts on his blog including "it is hurtful and unwanted and I wish to bring with all sincerity a final end to this much imagined ugliness."

"Despite numerous clarifications and denials from both Shah Rukh and myself through the electronic and the print medium, there seems to be no letting up," Bachchan commented. "I merely transferred talks I had with TV heads purely to seek opinion and not glory. What appeared was incorrect and loads of rubbish," he said.

Writing in his blog from the Cannes Film Festival, he went on to say "if any expression or opinion of mine, deemed or otherwise towards Shah Rukh has been the cause for any grievance then I am sorry for it."

"I have never deliberately or with any false intent ever meant or said anything towards him, or indeed any colleague or member of my fraternity in my 40 years as a professional."

Bachchan said "Shah Rukh has been and is a friend and a wonderful colleague".

The first week in August will see Veer from Vijay Galani Moviez hit the screens. In this period love film set in a war context around 1900, Writer Salman Khan will lead, opposite a new girl who is still to be decided.

Mithun Chakraborty will also play a key role, with a number of important characters to be played by British actors.

A special feature from Screen International also promoted new films from many different countries, including Jodhaa Akbar, Taare Zameen Par, Tahaan, Road, Movie and Little Zizou being selected along with other Asian material.

Deepika Paudkone is to become the new face of Aspire Real Estate in Dubai, following campaigns with leading brands like Maybelline, Levis Strauss and Tissot SA.

Harshit Kantaria, Aspire chairman, claims he is proud of having Deepika as a brand ambassador, and described their association as a "Union of Rising Stars", referring to both her escalating status in Bollywood and his company's rapid success in the Dubai property market.

Kantaria arrived in Dubai three years ago to prosper in the real estate enterprise; he now has a portfolio valued at around £770million, with developments from Business Bay to Jumeirah Village.

Shot in the US, the light-hearted film stars Jimmy Sheirgill, Rajpal Yadav and newcomers Nisha Rawal and Monishka. "The music..has caught on big time and is making its way to the countdown charts”, claims Kumar.