Ash NOT the Most Beautiful Woman?, Ash not the most beautiful woman: Hugh Jackman, Hugh Jackman says Aishwarya is not the most beautiful woman

Hollywood hottie and superhero of X-Men series Hugh Jackman's remark at the closing day of FICCI Frames 2011 left everyone stumped. When the Wolverine hunk got to know that he will be meeting Bollywood's most beautiful woman, he remarked, "When I came to know that I will be meeting the most beautiful woman on earth, I actually thought it was my wife," he smiled and naughtily added, "Ash is very beautiful actress but not the most beautiful actress in the world".

Yes, this stumping statement and many more such interesting stuff summed up the final day of the FICCI Frames 2011. Bollywood Baadshah Shah Rukh Khan met the Wolverine hunk, sang, danced, and discussed movies.... all in one evening. Hugh Jackman along with wife Deborra- Lee Furness was on a 4 day visit to Mumbai.


Final day of FICCI sparked off with sheer revelry as both the super heroes' matched their wits with Karan Johar moderating the chat. As an honour to Jackman, FICCI put up a small AV on both the stars and the `Australia' actor enjoyed every bit of his stay there. He enjoyed SRK's company too. So much so that he offered himself to star in a sequel to SRK's My Name is Khan which he self-titled as `My name is Jackman', and I am not a tourist. "He also offered me to star in his movie X-men," said SRK to the cheering crowd but a smiling Jackman cleverly excused from the responsibility saying he only asked SRK to finance the film and not act in it.

Hugh Jackman and SRK also shared their views on the studio system and the marriage between Bollywood and Hollywood movies. Citing an example that they are already at it, Hugh Jackman informed that while shooting for `Australia', a scene required him to kiss Nicole Kidman. "And out of nowhere came the instruction that we were to kiss in the rain! I was like `Why can't it be the sun'? And then someone told me about Bollywood movies and the natural props they use to dramatise a scene," laughed the sexist man on earth.

In one of the biggest compliment, SRK attributed `Wolverine' as his inspiration for his super hero film `Ra.One. "Must confess my movie is inspired by Wolverine. My entire family is your huge fan, including me. And my son introduced me to all your work related to X-Men series, including the video game and the comic books". Jackman complimented back crediting stars like SRK for exposing Bollywood to the outside world.

In another big confession SRK publicly expressed his fears and inability to make it to Hollywood due to his Indianised accent. "So it's better that I make films for my people here, and make them and myself happy," he said. However Jackman didn't buy that logic and encouraged him to get a ticket to Hollywood. "I do not subscribe to your opinion. You are a big and popular star and I am sure you can make it in Hollywood".

The lovely evening came to an end with SRK teaching The Prestige star how to gyrate to a Bollywood numbers, with Madhuri Dixit's `Dhak Dhak karne laga, mora jiyara darne laga' as the song. And mind you, the sexy Hugh Jackman scored over SRK and how!

Aishwarya Rai More Photos at FICCI Frames 2011

Madhuri ups her fee for 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa'

Getting Madhuri Dixit to sign on the dotted line just got costlier. After the stupendous response to her presence on dance reality show 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa', it now appears that the channel would have to considerably upgrade her already-impressive, if not astronomical, fee if the star is to appear as a judge on the next season as well.

Apparently, Madhuri's fee is larger than any offered to a reality-show judge in the history of Indian television.

Says a co-star who has worked closely with Madhuri: "And why not? She brought so much to the table when she came on board. 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' went to another level with Madhuri."

While Sony TV sources are tight-lipped about the re-negotiation, Madhuri is candid enough to admit that another season of 'Jhalak...' is being worked out.

"We're under negotiation. Nothing has been finalised as yet. Let's see...I really enjoyed my first stint on the show. I am not discounting a second season," Madhuri said.

But for now, she is looking forward to joining her husband and sons in the US.

"I don't know when I'll be back. This has been my longest stay in Mumbai away from my husband and kids. Though my sons joined me in Mumbai during Christmas, I still felt the distance. At the moment, I can't think of anything but going back to the people who matter the most to me," she said.

Madhuri also said she hasn't signed any film during this trip.

"I met directors and heard scripts. But nothing that would tear me away from my children," she said.

"I've to admit this was a very special visit to Mumbai. I felt extremely welcome. But right now, I can't say when I'm coming back," she said.

At 43, Madhuri Dixit still casts a spell

You can't be in showbiz and not be visible - but that doesn't apply to Madhuri Dixit. If she ruled the box office in her prime, the soaring TRPs of "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" now prove she is equally saleable when she is a mother of two and spends much of her time being a homemaker in the US.

"We had been trying to get Madhuri as a judge for the past two seasons. She has been known as a dancing diva and who better could we have got for a show which is all about perfect dancing," Ajay Bhalwankar, programming head, Sony, told IANS.

"She has added a lot of freshness to the show and she is an extremely honest judge. In all our four seasons, this season has been the highest TRP earner thanks to Madhuri," he added.

Madhuri's India sojourn is coming to an end with the "Jhalak..." finale set to take place in the first week of March. But her stay has proved that the graceful actor's charm hasn't faded even after 25 years, marriage and a sabbatical.

Ever since she set foot again in India in November last year, she has been hogging the limelight.

The 43-year-old broke many hearts when she tied the knot in 2002 with Shriram Madhav Nene, a doctor based out in Denver, US. Post- marriage, Madhuri featured only in "Aaja Nachle" because she got busy with family and children.

The beautiful actress was after all a rage in Bollywood. Despite her garish clothes and loud makeup, the trained kathak dancer lit up the screen with her million-dollar smile, dance and her performances in "Tezaab", "Ram Lakhan", "Sajan", "Beta", "Dil" and many more.

When Rajshri Productions, which had launched her in 1984 with "Abodh", teamed up with Madhuri a decade later in "Hum Aapke Hain Koun!", they created history by giving Hindi cinema one of its biggest grossers. The audiences lapped up the movie, which ran about a year and earned over Rs.600 million.

Another turning point in Madhuri's career was when Yash Chopra roped her in for "Dil Toh Pagal Hai" and paired her with the king of romance, Shah Rukh Khan. The dream merchant gave her a makeover, presenting her in a stylish manner. The love saga was a box- office bumper and the lead pair repeated the success story with "Devdas".

In 2000, the multiple award-winner became the actress of the millennium. And the Madhuri magic hasn't faded even now.

Rani Mukerji, a successful actress herself, surprised everyone when she lay prostrate before Madhuri on "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4" to show her love and admiration for the diva.

And Priyanka Chopra paid a glowing tribute to her at the Filmfare Awards.

Ravina Kohli, creative head of Yash Raj Films TV, said: "Madhuri definitely has an undying charm. Even after being in the industry for so many years, all she has to do is smile and she takes us back to the same time when she was the number one in Bollywood. This charm of hers will never go because her smile adds a lovely warmth to her personality."

There are many who still want to work with her. From her co-star of many films Anil Kapoor to southern superstar Rajnikanth, she has got offers for movies from many and even shot a commercial for Hindustan Lever.

There was a black patch when Madhuri landed in tax trouble after her name was found in Chitresh Shrivastava's record for a Rs.3-million payment. But it failed to diminish the Madhuri aura.

"She is a a very down-to-earth lady and a great actor to work with. She is very honest. She is the most beautiful actress. She respects those who are good at their work," said makeup artist Bharat, of Bharat and Dorris, who is working with her for a Basmati Rice ad.

Mona Singh, the "Jhalak..." co-anchor, told IANS: "I have hosted a lot of shows before...but this season of 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' is like a dream come true. I was super nervous when I had to face the camera in front of her...but her presence is comforting as she is very encouraging.

"She is a big star, but was humble enough to tell me that she had seen 'Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin' and that she likes me since then."

Madhuri in Remo's musical

Madhuri Dixit and Remo D'Souza, co-judges of the reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa are now taking their professional acquaintance a notch higher.

Reportedly, Dixit will feature in D'Souza's upcoming song and dance film. When contacted, D'Souza tells us, "It's my dream to direct a musical film, unlike the way we usually define a musical in our Hindi films.

It will be a Broadway styled musical with the characters expressing themselves through song and dance, instead of dialogues. I can't imagine making a musical without Madhuriji. According to me, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun is one of the finest expressions of human aspirations in song and dance. That is the kind of musical I want to do with Madhuri."

Madhuri Dixit didn't want to play Rajnikanth's sister

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit turned down a film opposite Tamil superstar Rajnikanth because she didn't want to play his sister.

"Would have loved to do a film with Rajnikanth, but the role was that of his sister... need to wait for the right role," Madhuri wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

Madhuri has previously worked with the 61-year-old star in "Uttar Dakshin" in 1987.

Priyanka goes gaga over Lady Gaga

Actress Priyanka Chopra seems to be completely smitten by American popstar Lady Gaga after she got an opportunity to attend her concert in New York.

"Hey guys. I'm in my most favourite city in the world. NYC baby! Went to the lady gaga concert at MSG (Madison Square Garden) last night," Priyanka wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

"She's so hugely talented, completely crazy and so unapologetic. That was awesome. She's also totally sweet which was nice to c. Go gaga! (Sic)" she added.

Sonakshi, Akshay play paintball

One-film-old Sonakshi Sinha seems to be having a gala time while shooting for Shirish Kunder's "Joker" in Chandigarh with co-star Akshay Kumar.

Recently, when the cast and crew had some free time on hand they decided to play paintball.

"When the cast and crew had some free time on hand they all decided to have some fun and so they went to play paintball," said a source.

"Before starting the game, Akshay was heard telling everyone that well all know whose daughter Sonakshi is and so to make sure no one troubles her or else they would get a lot of 'Khamosh'. Everyone had good laugh and both Sonakshi and Akshay made sure that the atmosphere was light and fun after a hard day at work," the source added.

Paintball is a sport in which players try to eliminate opponents by hitting them with capsules containing food colouring and gelatin (referred to as paintballs) propelled from a device called a paintball marker.

Haarsh Nagar debuts with SRK's 'Always Kabhi...'

Haarsh Nagar is making his big debut in a supporting role in "Always Kabhi Kabhi", which is being produced by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment. The newcomer will also feature in a Coke ad and is very excited about it.

"Cricket to us was more than a sport, it was a worship and that's one reason I'm doing the TVC for Coke Pakistan for the Cricket World Cup in 2011," said Nagar.

The debutant also spills the bean on how cricketing fever gripped the cast and the crew of his film.

"The entire cast and crew were great cricket lovers including (director) Roshan Abbas. This energy not only motivated us but the entire crew of 'Always Kabhi Kabhi' and we started following it as a daily regime during our free time," he said.

"It was a pleasant sight to watch Roshan Abbas play a jovial cheerleader as compared to the thorough professional he portrayed while shooting. In fact, we were so excited with the whole cricketing concept that we requested him to make us all a part of Shah Rukh's IPL team (Kolkata Knight Riders)," he added.

Haarsh has previously played a lead role in director Arnaud Selignac's Hollywood movie "The Queen" opposite actress Mylene Jampanoi. It will be aired on HBO in Europe shortly.

Rekha to romance Rajinikanth in Rana, Rajinikanth triple Role in Rana

After Madhuri Dixit turned down offer to play one of the leading ladies of Rajinikanth for ‘Rana’, evergreen actress Rekha was approached to play one of the heroines of the film. ‘Rana’ is a bilingual film to be made in both Hindi and Tamil. Long legged actress Deepika Padukone will play one of the ladies.

This is not the first time that Rekha and Rajinikanth will be sharing screen space. In 2000, she worked with Rajini in ‘Bulandi’ and both have worked in the film ‘Phool Bane Aangaray’ also.

Rajinikant will play a triple role in the film. Anushka is being considered for the third actress.

Madhuri says no to Rajnikanth

MUMBAI: This season everyone in Bollywood fell prey to the charms of the 44-year-old Madhuri Dixit who flew in from the US to judge a dance reality show on television.

Besides the Khans, Kapoors and Kumars who poured praises in Mads' honour, the other man who was reportedly enamoured with her is the Tamil megastar Rajnikanth. Madhuri and Rajni have done Uttar Dakshin in 1987.

TOI announced just a few days ago that when Rajni came calling to Mumbai for one night he did attempt to meet a few Bollywood stars.

A distributor says, "Besides casting Deepika Padukone and Sonu Sood from Mumbai, Rajni Sir was also keen to have Madhuri Dixit in Rana. However she turned down the offer. She excused herself saying that she was missing her sons Arin and Raayan too much and wanted to fly back to the United States." Rana as everyone knows has Rajni in a triple role. Madhuri naturally would be cast opposite one of the older characters that Rajni is playing; whereas the 25-year-old Deepika will romance the younger character.

Rishi and Madhuri set the stage on fire, Madhuri Dixit, Rishi kapoor

What would happen if two of the Bollywood's dance legends come together on one stage? The stage would indeed be on fire. Something similar happened on the sets of Sony TV's Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 4 when veteran actor Rishi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit danced together.

Rishi, who was on the sets of the dance show to promote his new film "Patiala House", and Madhuri set the stage on fire as they both performed to the popular song Ek mein aur ek tu from the movie Khel Khel Mein.
The duo have done handful of films together like Sahibaan, Yaraana. Their last film together was Premgranth in 1996. Rishi is known for dancing on his knees and the actor reveals that it helped him in impressing his actress wife Neetu Singh.

With just Sushant Singh Rajput, Ragini Khanna, Mahi Vij, Yana Gupta, Ankita Lokande, Shekhar Suman and Mieyang Chang left in the field, the competition has got tough. Earlier, these celebrities were just giving one performance and now they have to give two. Besides Madhuri, the judges panel for the show includes Remo D'Souza and Malaika Arora Khan. The episode will be aired Tuesday.