Sonakshi not promoted by Salman Khan, Salman won't promote Sonakshi?

Salman Khan is known to give great support to those close to him... While he successfully launched Sonakshi Sinha, talks have it that Salman is now recommending Asin - his 'Namastey London' co-star, and Zarine Khan - his 'Veer' co-star, for projects.

We are told, "Salman has launched a few careers - be it Katrina Kaif, or Sonakshi Sinha. He somehow feels responsible for Asin and Zarine Khan as well. You see, the films in which these actresses starred opposite Salman didn't rock the box office. And Salman Khan thinks he owes them something. Besides, they are talented, too." So while he has set Katrina and Sonakshi on the right path, his focus now remains on getting Asin and Zarine on the track to success.

If talks are to be believed, Sallu suggested Asin's name for 'Housefull 2', and he has also given Zarine a part in 'Ready'. However, Sajid Khan, director of 'Housefull 2' denies that Asin's name was suggested by Salman.

Not embarrassed of my love scene with Katrina

Gulshan Grover says he isn't ashamed or unhappy with the intimate scene he shot with Katrina Kaif that shall feature on the new DVD of Boom.

Memories from the past seem to have come back to hound Katrina Kaif. Especially ones that she would surely want to forget. Recently it was reported that the DVD of her first film Boom will be re-released in the market with some never-before-seen footage. And these unseen portions include an intimate scene between Katrina Kaif and Bollywood's patented bad man – Gulshan Grover.

Katrina was new and naïve then. Today she is superstar and sophisticated. It could be embarrassing for her that after all these years the explicit footage will now come out in open. Ask the other person involved in the scene, Gulshan Grover and he says, "I have never been embarrassed by that scene because I merely play a character in it. Today every talent knows that any photograph or video footage of their which they would have wanted to go unnoticed earlier, would somehow resurface with the kind of media and medium we have today. So they are prepared for it".

Going back the memory lane, Gulshan Grover says, "The scene that you talk about shot between Katrina Kaif and me is a beautiful sequence shot on the backdrop of the aquarium of Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. I am not ashamed or unhappy about it in any way".

In fact he reasons that the scene was earlier cut from Boom because of length issues. "The film was such that its eccentricities did not gel with the Indian audiences then. It was ahead of its times. In fact I make it a point to show the Boom DVD to my Hollywood friends because they seem to understand and appreciate the film better".

Sonakshi Sinha Fem's new brand ambassador, Sonakshi Sinha as Brand Ambassador for Cosmetics, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonakshi

"Dabangg" actress Sonakshi Sinha has been appointed as the brand ambassador for cosmetic brand Fem Fairness Bleach. Fem is a product of Dabur India, which has recently acquired it.

"As a consumer, I have been associated with Dabur for years now. So, it gives me great pleasure to be associated with a large beauty brand with a stature of Fem and be the face for the brand," said Sonakshi.

This is not the first time the 23-year-old has endorsed a cosmetic brand. Earlier she replaced actress Katrina Kaif as brand ambassador for beauty soap brand Dyna.

Riding high on the success of "Dabangg", the actress is busy shooting for Shirish Kunder's "Joker" along with Akshay Kumar.

Nargis causes Ranbir-Kat split, Ranbir Katrina split up due to Nargis, Ranbir kapoor and katrina split up, Nagris made Ranbir Katrina to Split up

Last week, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif split-up and the reason for their separation is said to be Ranbir’s ‘Rockstar’ actress Nargis Fakiri. Ranbir is taking too much interest on Nargis which did not go well with Kat. She is also miffed with him that he does not give her enough time.

A source close to the couple throws light on the matter, "It wasn't a surprise for anyone. They had been arguing and fighting for over a month. When the new gal got in the frame, it only got worse. Kat was totally against him spending time with her. There were times when he was with Fakhri and wouldn't pick up Katrina's calls. He said they were meeting to see the film's rushes, but later she realised he was just making excuses to spend time with her."

Ranbir’s ex Deepika Padukone is also another reason for their break up. It is believed that director Ayan Mukherjee is keen to rope Deepika as Ranbir’s heroine for his next project and Katrina does not want her boyfriend to act with his ex-flame again.

After breaking up with Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif has given100% to her relationship and even went public about her relationship with Ranbir.

Well, Kat again proved unlucky in love.

Fight between Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra in run for fun, fearless award

Bollywood beauties Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are in the run for Cosmopolitan Magazine's fun, fearless awards, to be held in Mumbai Saturday.

The three actresses are competing in Fun, Fearless Female All Time Reader's Choice Award this year.

Other categories include - Fun, Fearless Power Couple award, for which the nominees are - Kareena Kapoor-Saif Ali Khan; Hrithik Roshan-Sussanne Khan and Arbaaz Khan-Malaika Arora Khan.

There is also a Fun, Fearless Male 2010 Reader's Choice Award, and Ranbir Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Salman Khan, and Arjun Rampal are competing for the title in this category.

The event, in its third edition now, takes place annually in India, Britain and the US.

"The Fun, Fearless Female Awards is a cult, one-of-its-kind event that celebrates all that's iconic of the Cosmo woman - her attitude, drive, and the never-say-never spirit," Nandini Bhalla, editor of Cosmopolitan, said in a press statement.

The organisers are expecting a star-studded turnout at the event Saturday at the Taj Land's End, Mumbai.

"The response has been tremendous - from readers, Bollywood favourites, and the industry. The Fun Fearless Awards are a pat on the back to women (and some special men) from different areas of life-acting, music, theatre, and more.

"Last year's awards saw a great turnout - Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, and more. And this year's awards promise to be bigger, better, and more Cosmo than ever," said Mala Sekhri, chief operating officer, Lifestyle Magazines, India Today Group.

Katrina, Deepika won't speak up

...but that keeps the ball rolling

Times have changed. Once Rabir Kapoor wore Deepika on his arm, and she got RK tattooed on the nape of her neck. It was cool to show off your boyfriend. And be open about the fact that you had one. Lara Dutta spoke well about Kelly Dorjee, and was more than open to answer questions about him. Shahid and Kareena were madly in love and spoke openly about their feelings, same with Saif, who smiled as the entire world gasped at his Kareena tattoo on his forearm.

But time has gone by, and flaunting a boyfriend just isn't cool anymore. At least, nobody from the Hindi film industry seems to be doing it. Ranbir, Katrina won't admit that they are a couple and actually 'dating'. Siddharth Mallya and Deepika Padukone are spotted together everywhere but they remain tight-lipped about their relationship status; So what if Shahid Kapoor was the one who opened Priyanka's house door for the IT-officials, that really doesn't make their relationship 'official'. Lara Dutta preferred to keep mum on her torrid affair with Dino Morea, and went public with her love for Mahesh Bhupathi only very late. Now, Vidya Balan won't speak about Siddharth Roy Kapoor. And the one common thing about all these actors are: they won't confirm it, but they won't deny it either.

Deepika Padukone is very firm about keeping her mouth shut. "You give the media one piece of information, and they want to know everything else. You tell them you are dating, next they want to know when you are getting married, and when will you plan babies. They enter the bedroom directly, and won't give you your privacy. It's extremely important that we talk only about what we think should be written. I made a mistake by talking about my personal life once, I doubt I'll do it ever again."

Lara Dutta was on a no 'personal questions please' spree for a very long time. A firend of the actor's tells us, "Maybe she was fighting her own battle at that time. Even speaking to the media puts tremendous amount of pressure, because everyone else, who is not even closely related to you is then judging you and governing what you should be doing and what you shouldn't be doing without having a clue of the real story."

Sonam Kapoor, too, made a statement, that she'll never go to the press with her 'love stories'. "My mum says it's crass," said Deepika on a talk show, "It's not dignified."

Priyanka Chopra questions the media back when she is questioned: "So are you and Shahid a couple?" PC: Did he tell you that? Did I tell you that? And the story goes on. Nobody will say a thing, but yes, they'll open doors for IT officials in their boxer shorts , go for long drives and dinner dates, and even lip-lock in public, like Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma did at Shahid Kapoor's birthday bash (which PC didn't attend!), but those lips will be sealed, so what if only by pressing against their better-halves'... We guess, the speculation just keeps them in the news. And they manage to have their cake and eat it, too!

Katrina gives Anushka lift

Anushka Sharma gets a lift on Katrina's Kaif's chartered flight. Read on to find out how...

Since debuting in Boom (2003), Katrina Kaif has remained more or less aloof from and reserved with other actresses.

That attitude seems to be changing, beginning with Anushka Sharma.

You'd expect the senior actress to snark at the new actress, given that she is slowly but surely trying to step into Sheila's shoes.

Not only was Sharma's last release with Kat's fav actor Akshay Kumar, but the Band Bajaa Baraat girl was boldly trying hard to cosy upto Ranbir Kapoor, in the presence of Kat at a party last month!

Me, too?

On Thursday, the two girls were in Dhaka (Akki and Salman Khan were also present) for the Tri-Nations show (see box). Kat had to rush back to Mumbai to shoot for her YRF film Mere Brother Ki Dulhan.

Since no commercial flights were available, she booked a chartered flight for her and members of her staff to fly back. When Anushka heard of it, she hesitantly asked if she could bum a ride. Kat immediately yes."

The YRF factor

Anushka Sharma is a Yash Raj Films protegee (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Band Baaja Baraat) while Katrina has worked in New York, and is now acting in the banner's film opposite Imran Khan.

Presently, they are Aditya Chopra's favourite leading ladies (even Rani Mukerji seems to have taken a backseat).

Up until the plane ride together, they hadn't interacted with each other. But on flight the two girls had a party. They were seen enjoying each other's company, chatting like long-lost friends.

Katrina calling Aamir

Exactly a year ago when TOI asked Aamir Khan why he hadn't worked with Katrina Kaif, the actor said, "Katrina is a huge star. But no filmmaker has come forward with a proposal to cast us.''

Now the grapevine says a very established banner did suggest to Aamir that he should team up with Kat. The two even sizzled on a magazine cover a year ago where they reprised the look of the legendary screen couple Guru Dutt and Waheeda Rehman. Apparently the camaraderie between Aamir and Kat during the photo-shoot was great. Of course since it was just one photograph, so it was no big deal. Aamir knew that when it came to a film things were bound to be different.

The film executive who took the proposal to one of the most powerful men in the Hindi film industry says that the actor was a wee bit hesitant about working with Bollywood's most desirable woman because she was Salman Khan's girlfriend then. And Aamir, who owes allegiance to Salman over all else, wasn't comfortable romancing his best friend's girl on screen.

Our source says, "Now that Salman and Kat have split, Aamir may team up with the Bollywood diva." The same banner is very keen to get this super-hot jodi together. Let's see how quickly this happens.

Read more: Katrina calling Aamir

Patience is a virtue, believes Katrina Kaif

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif sincerely believes that "Sabr ka phal meetha hota hai" (Patience always pays off) -- the slogan for her new Mango Slice ad campaign. She says she adapts to it in real life too.

"When one hears the word patience, a lot of people think of 'waiting for a long time' and sitting idle doing nothing' but it is not my interpretation of patience. For me, patience is about waiting for the right thing and also about what you're doing while you're waiting," said Katrina.

"It is about actively having a plan and a goal and knowing what you want to do; it is the most important thing for me. Of course, hard work and determination are important, but having a passion for something is what makes the difference. That is the mantra I follow in my career and in my life," she added.

However, the 26-year-old stunner, who has made it big in tinsel town in a span of just seven years, also believes luck played a strong role in her life.

After a bad start with the 2003 "Boom", the British-born actress started her success story with "Namastey London" and continued with "Apne", "Partner", "Welcome", "Race" and "Singh Is King" -- not to forget her stint in political thriller "Raajneeti".

"I had a goal and I was very passionate about it, but I was not in a rush to grab anything to get there. I've also been blessed, the right opportunities unfolded for me at the right time. But still it is a step by step journey, it is a process…," said Katrina, who is a rage nowadays for her saucy dance in "Sheila ki jawaani".

She says that is also the thought behind the Mango Slice campaign featuring her.

Shot in Thailand, the Slice commercial features Katrina wearing an orange dress. Her look has been styled by designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock.

Kareena Kapoor named Bollywood's sexiest woman

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor has been named the sexiest woman by Stardust magazine.

Kareena beats actresses like Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra to win the title. The decision has been made on the basis of an extensive research and readers responses.

The latest issue of Stardust magazine features the list of top 10 sexiest women.

Last year, it was Katrina who topped the list of sexiest women in Bollywood.

Katrina out of Mallya's IPL Team?

The buzz is that Katrina Kaif, who has been the long standing mascot for Vijay Mallya and his cricket team has reportedly snapped her association with the Bangalore outfit.

TOI has heard from reliable sources that Mallya had extended her contract till season four of the cash rich tournament but Kat has cited date issues to bow out. It is to be noted that Deepika Padukone, who is very friendly with the liquor baron's son Sidhartha, has become incredibly close to the household and gossip is she might fill in Kat's shoes this year. However, top informers also indicate that since the perception is that Dips is seeing Sidhartha, she will not be asked to be a brand ambassador and it is also likely that the company will get another actress with a Bangalore connect to be the face.

An industry insider and a close friend of Kat says, "Katrina has decided to opt out since she is of the belief that she will not do justice to her responsibility towards the team."

We learn that she will be shooting in Agra for Aditya Chopra's Mere Brother Ki Dulhan during the IPL games and will not be able to make her appearances to support the team. Hence the decision to step down as the ambassador.

Katrina Kaif meets Ranbir Kapoor's grandma!

Katrina Kaif is fast becoming a favourite at the Kapoor household. And a permanent fixture on Ranbir Kapoor's arm.

While it is an open secret that Kat spends time in the Krishna-Raj bungalow on Pali Hill, the residence of Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, what came as a pleasant surprise is information that, Ranbir took Kat to meet his grandmother, Krishna at their ancestral bungalow in Deonar. Krishna Raj Kapoor is the first lady of Bollywood and a picture of dignity.

She has seen a few of Katrina's movies. And she is also aware that Ranbir and Kat are friends. Says our source, "She was more than happy to welcome Katrina to her home."

Firang girls flock Hindi film industry

American singer, Jennifer Lopez’s cousin, Caterina Lopez, apparently wants to make a career in Bollywood. This admission catapults Caterina in the long list of foreign babes wanting to woo the Indian audience on the big screen. “I am eagerly looking forward to Bollywood. India is soon going to be my second home,” says Caterina. Ask her if she has heard of her namesake (almost), London-bred Katrina Kaif made it big in Bolly land and she says, “Yes, I’ve even heard her latest item song, Sheila ki jawani. I’m glad we share a common name, the only difference being the initial alphabet and the surname.”

Actress Giselli Monteiro, a Brazilian, who was first seen as a desi belle in Love Aaj Kal, says that foreign chicks are probably attracted to B-Town because “India is at the epicenter of the world. In the last decade, India has emerged as the international entertainment hub and the movie business is growing at a very fast pace here.” And what, according to her, attracts the Indian audience to a foreign babe? “Many presumed that I was an Indian because of my Indian character. But at the end of the day, people appreciate the actor on screen and the origin doesn’t really matter,” says Monteiro.

Another actor who became a household name after an alleged link up with Salman Khan and a stint in a reality show, Claudia Ciesla, of German origin, says that the audience wants to experience “something different” in each movie. “People want to experiment different cuisines and clothes and travel locations. I think it is the same with the face they see on the big screen too,” says Ciesla, still awaiting her big break.

Ankush Bhatt, who directed Caterina for an item number in the upcoming film Bhindi Bazaar, says that since Indian movies are now offering more mature and bold content, certain roles require a face that portrays the same in an aesthetic manner on screen.

“Foreign actors are not very conscious about their body and if a girl has an Indian face, she will even connect with the audience and get the extra leverage as compared to an actor who has a typically firang face,” says Bhatt.

Katrina Kaif blew a kiss at Imran Khan?

Katrina Kaif says the kiss she blew at an awards night was in the direction of her Mere Brother Ki Dulhan co-star Imran Khan and not in the direction of his co-host that evening Ranbir Kapoor.

She is sure that the person who saw her blow a kiss towards the stage misjudged the direction of the kiss and who it was actually intended for.

Kat found Imran extremely funny is in his various avatars. Kat says she is genuinely tired of news reports of her proximity with RK Junior and she says the reports are more disturbing because no one really has any photographic evidence of them together.

Bollywood's dull plans for Valentine's Day

Bollywood is usually associated with love and romance, but this Valentine's Day celebrities are not so enthusiastic about celebrating it and most of them will be busy working. Most B-town celebs are either out of the city on Feb 14 or working.

This is what they have to say:

Shah Rukh Khan: My Valentine's Day will be in jail since on that day I'll be shooting in a jail in Malaysia for a film.
Deepika Padukone: I would be in Bhopal shooting for Prakash Jha's film "Aarakshan". So basically no special plans for Feb 14.
Aamir Khan: I will be in Berlin Feb 14 since I'm among the jury members for the Berlin film festival. So won't be here to do anything special.
Katrina Kaif: I have no plans for Valentine's Day since I'll be working on Feb 14 like all other days.
Kareena Kapoor: I have no plans and I am not going to gift anything on that particular day.
Priyanka Chopra: I think this whole idea of Valentine's Day is a little over hyped. Why wait for a single day to express your love? Everyday should be like that. So I won't be doing anything special on Valentine's Day.
Arbaaz Khan: I have no plans as of now. Let the day come and will see what can be done.
Arshad Warsi: Every day you have to keep your wife happy. So every day is a Valentine's Day.
Gul Panag: I have no Valentine. I wish I get one very soon. Till then Valentine's Day is just another day for me.

B-Town Ladies Fight It Out for Bad Boy Aamir, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra

Katrina, Priyanka and Deepika are at loggerheads to star opposite Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3.

With Aamir playing the baddie in the sequel; the race is now on to find him that perfect leading lady.

We wonder why Kareena Kapoor isn't in the running too? Coz she's doing Reema Katgi's film with the actor.

The role, which boasts of extreme stunt mania, will only be given to the one who deserves it the most.

While Priyanka with her action background is the obvious choice, Deepika's sporty image will also work in her favour. Having proved her worth with films like Don and Drona, Priyanka is for the race earlier than the other two.

Barbie doll Katrina, if chosen, will have to do some serious ground work. With no action films to her credit, the actress could surely use a change of image and kick some serious butt.

All we have to say is, may the best girl win...

Katrina Kaif says, I'm calm, I-T men just doing their job

It seems Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif wants to 'just chill' and not read much into the tax raids in her house.

Here in the capital for a promotional event, the actress faced a lot of questions on the raids but she preferred to stay calm about the whole thing.

"I think the I-T department officials were only doing their job. I have the highest regard for them. An article today says that I have been given a clean chit, so I am happy."

"I think its ok... it's fine. Everyone is just doing their job. I am very calm about the whole thing," 26-year-old Kaif said.

Her house was raided by Income Tax officials last week along with Priyanka Chopra's and celebrity photographer Atul Kasbekar's.

Kaif, who will be seen next in Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara scheduled for release on May 27, launched Next Stop Bollywood, a dance competition by Ethihad Airways, of which she is the brand ambassador.

The actress, who shed her glam looks for a serious role in Prakash Jha's Raajneeti, says she will be playing diverse roles in her forthcoming movies.