By Jilawatan

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is all set to play lead in Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming venture ‘Ragini MMS’, which is based on the infamous MMS scandal in a prestigious Delhi based school, Zee News reported. According to a report on spicezee.com, apparently, Kangna Ranaut had been approached by Ekta Kapoor to play the lead role. “When the former showed uneasiness on hearing the explicit content of the film, Kangna Ranaut chickened out at the last minute. However, Ekta Kapoor was quick to find Kangna’s replacement in Vidya Balan,” the website reported. The report further revealed that while talking to a daily, a source confirmed the news and said, “Kangna walked out of the film, perhaps because she had developed cold feet about the movie. This is a bold movie and it needs an actress who can do justice to a strong portrayal. Vidya can deliver such intense roles with confidence. She is anyway doing ‘Dirty Picture’, based on the life of Silk Smitha, with Ekta, and her company felt that she`s appropriate for the role. So, they`ve approached her.” When contacted, the CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, said, “I don`t want to say anything at this stage. But the film is definitely on.” After playing the power-packed role of Sabrina Lal, sister of Jessica in ‘No One Killed Jessica’ and sex-siren Silk Smitha in ‘Dirty Picture’, it seems Vidya is keen on a serious image makeover and has become a hot favourite of Bollywood filmmakers, the website reported. daily times monitor

By Jilawatan

Buzz is that Vidya Balan was replaced by Kangna Ranaut in Sanjay Dutt’s home production, Rascals, because she had dropped out of Double Dhamaal, in which she’d also been paired with Dutt, over the question of a price hike. The actress refutes the rumours: “I wasn’t even offered Rascals. How can I be replaced when I was never in the film? I’m very fond of Sanju (Dutt) and had he asked, I would have happily done his film.”

She admits that she was approached for the Dhamaal sequel, but things didn’t work out. “Director Indra Kumar has made some
memorable films and hopefully and he’ll come to me with a Beta (1992) or Raja (1995) soon,” she smiles.

Balan doesn’t believe her “no” to Double Dhamaal pushed Dutt into dropping her from Rascals. “Sanju is a professional and would not take something like this personally,” she retorts.

Ranaut is also said to have stepped in for Balan in Venus’ Bullet Train. “The dates didn’t work out. I had committed to Sujay Ghosh’s film that will be shot in October,” she says. “But Priyan sir (director Priyadarshan) and I did an ad recently, and all is well.”

Munnabhai 3 is likely to flag off next year with Dutt and Arshad Warsi. Will Balan be a part of the cast too? “This is news to me!” she exclaims. “I can’t imagine anyone, but Sanju and Arshad as Munna and Circuit. As far as I’m concerned, I have no clue.”

What about the Ishqiya sequel? “Is that happening? If it is, they better have me or I will take my screen role literally and shoot them down. ‘Abhishek (director Abhishek Chaubey) agar jaan pyaari hai, to mujhe film mein le lo’ (If you value your life, sign me),” she laughs. “That’s one sequel I’m looking forward to since we had such a blast making Ishqiya.”

By Jilawatan

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who has recently walked out of the movie ‘Dhamaal 2’, has lost a solo heroine role in ‘Rascals’, which is the first film of Sanjay Dutt Productions (SDP).
David Dhawan is directing ‘Rascals’ and Sanjay Dutt is one of the lead actors of ‘Dhamaal 2’.
Initially, the actress agreed to be a part of ‘Dhamaal 2’ but asked for a whooping amount of INR 1.5 crore as fee. The producers refused to pay such a huge amount and she walked out of the movie. She was replaced by Mallika Sherawat.
It is reported that when Vidya came to know about ‘Rascals’, the actress expressed her desire to be a part of it to the director David Dhawan. But, her refusal to star in ‘Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who has recently walked out of the movie ‘Dhamaal 2’, has lost a solo heroine role in ‘Rascals’, which is the first film of Sanjay Dutt Productions (SDP).
David Dhawan is directing ‘Rascals’ and Sanjay Dutt is one of the lead actors of ‘Dhamaal 2’.
Initially, the actress agreed to be a part of ‘Dhamaal 2’ but asked for a whooping amount of INR 1.5 crore as fee. The producers refused to pay such a huge amount and she walked out of the movie. She was replaced by Mallika Sherawat.
It is reported that when Vidya came to know about ‘Rascals’, the actress expressed her desire to be a part of it to the director David Dhawan. But, her refusal to star in ‘Dhamaal 2’ cost her the movie because Sanjay Dutt was not happy with her decision. Dutt and Vidya have worked together in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ and her debut movie ‘Parineeta’.
The lead female role in ‘Rascals’ required a youthful charming woman so everyone in the unit wanted a fresh face. Sanjay Dutt, Dharam Oberoi, who is the business manager and CEO of SDP, and director David Dhawan shortlisted Anushka Sharma, Lara Dutta, and Kangna Ranaut for the role.
Kangana Ranaut bagged the role.
David Dhawan said, “Vidya Balan was not suitable for this role even though she is a fine actress. This is the only reason we did not sign her for ‘Rascals’. I am sure Vidya does not mind as she is a good friend, we will work on another film together.”’ cost her the movie because Sanjay Dutt was not happy with her decision. Dutt and Vidya have worked together in ‘Lage Raho Munnabhai’ and her debut movie ‘Parineeta’.
The lead female role in ‘Rascals’ required a youthful charming woman so everyone in the unit wanted a fresh face. Sanjay Dutt, Dharam Oberoi, who is the business manager and CEO of SDP, and director David Dhawan shortlisted Anushka Sharma, Lara Dutta, and Kangna Ranaut for the role.
Kangana Ranaut bagged the role.
David Dhawan said, “Vidya Balan was not suitable for this role even though she is a fine actress. This is the only reason we did not sign her for ‘Rascals’. I am sure Vidya does not mind as she is a good friend, we will work on another film together.”

By Jilawatan

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who has recently walked out of the movie Dhamaal 2, has lost a solo heroine role in Rascals, which is the first film of Sanjay Dutt Productions (SDP). David Dhawan is directing Rascals. Sanjay Dutt also stars Dhamaal 2 along with few other actors.

Initially, the actress agreed to be a part of Dhamaal 2 but asked for a whooping amount of Rs 1.5 crore as fee. The producers refused to pay such a huge amount and she walked out of the movie. She was then replaced by Mallika Sherawat.

It is reported that when Vidya came to know about Rascals, the actress expressed her desire to be a part of it to the director David Dhawan. But, her refusal to Dhamaal 2 cost her movie as Sanjay was not very happy with her. He did not wish to take her in this film. Earlier Dutt and Vidya have worked together in Lage Raho Munnabhai and also in her debut movie Parineeta.

The lead female role in Rascals required a youthful charming woman so everyone in the unit wanted a fresh face. Sanjay Dutt, Dharam Oberoi, who is the business manager and CEO of SDP, and director David Dhawan shortlisted Anushka Sharma, Lara Dutta, and Kangna Ranaut for the role. However, Kangana Ranaut got lucky finally to bag the role.

David Dhawan said, “Vidya Balan was not suitable for this role even though she is a fine actress. This is the only reason we did not sign her for Rascals. I am sure Vidya does not mind as she is a good friend, we will work on another film together”.

By Jilawatan

It is common knowledge that Priyadarshan is only too eager to make a film ‘The Bullet’, and has already cast Ajay Devgn and Vidya Balan for it. However, talks have it that Vidya hasn’t been able to sort out her dates and so her cousin, actress Priyamani was signed on for the role. And all hell broke loose.

Apparently, Priyadarshan who has given an opprtunity to many a South actress in Bollywood is facing flak for the same. The producers of the movie, too, put their foot down and insisted that they wanted a Hindi film actress to play protagonist in this one. Priyan has given in to his demands and has opted for Kangna Ranaut to work with him.

Kangna is excited about the opportunity. With the ensemble in place now, it’s just a matter of time before this team begins shooting ‘The Bullet’. Let’s watch out for this one.

By Jilawatan

Actor Vidya Balan has acted in two back-to-back movies that deal with the sensitive subject of sex that has been handled in two different ways.

In the case of Paa, she played a single mother who had premarital sex and had the courage to keep the baby rather than aborting it, and in Ishqiya, she plays a conniving woman used her seduction to take revenge. Vidya says if she feels convinced, as an actor, she would go even further bold on-screen.

“I haven’t defined my limit as an actor. If I’m fully convinced that the script needs me to go bolder than what I have done so far, I will do it. As an actor, I feel I should never limit myself. I feel the audiences are also maturing and they can handle such topics and scenes only if it’s required. Audiences have a mind of their own and they can judge whether the scene was important or placed just for the sake of it,” Vidya tells DNA.

She adds, “Pre-marital sex is a taboo in India and handling of such a subject in India has to be sensitively done. It is like blasphemy, but films have managed to handle it well. It is an extremely delicate subject to explore but it is a reality in India nonetheless. The way we are going forward is just right.”

Meanwhile we have learnt from close friends of the actor that Vidya, who is constantly busy with her movies and other commitments, is finding it difficult to spend quality time with her family. But the star has made sure she makes up for it and has promised her family a peaceful holiday soon. A source reveals, “Vidya has been so busy with her professional commitments that she has had little time to spend with her family. She has promised them a leisurely holiday.”

The holiday destination remains undisclosed for now.

By Jilawatan

Vidya Balan is out of Inder Kumar’s next Dhamaal 2 . The buzz in the trade is that Vidya was neither too happy with the money she was being offered for her role, nor with the role per se. A source says, “Vidya asked for a price which she deserves after she catapulted to the top bracket of actors, post the success of Paa and Ishqiya . She asked for Rs 1.5 crore (approximately). Like any other actor would in her place, she too has hiked up her market price.”

According to the film industry standards, the market prices of Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are believed to be Rs 1.5 crore (approximately) and that of Priyanka Chopra’s around Rs 1 crore. Hence, given Vidya’s career graph in Bollywood, it is surprising that neither Inder Kumar nor Ashok Thakeria, the producer of the film, objected to Vidya’s exit from the film. “Inder and Ashok failed to understand the need of the hour. Despite discussions, the makers of the film and the actress could not meet at a common consensus,” adds the source.

Meanwhile, Vidya’s friend insists the actress quit the project for qualitative reasons. She stands up for Vidya and says, “Yes, the news is true. Vidya is definitely not doing Dhamaal 2. But that’s simply because she didn’t find any meat in the portrayal of her character. She would have loved to attempt comedy with this film but it’s okay. There is always a next time.”

Interestingly, Vidya has locked horns with her Dhamaal 2 co-star Kangna Ranaut in another film Bullet Train, which is to be directed by Priyadarshan. Bullet Train, which stars Anil Kapoor and Ajay Devgn, is largely going to be shot on a train from London to Glasgow.

Producer of Bullet Train, Ratan Jain has clearly worked out the economics of his film much in advance. He has no qualms in giving the lead role to the actress who is willing to settle for the price he has to offer. He confirms, “Between Vidya and Kangna, whoever agrees to do the role at a lesser price, will get to play the part in my film. The availability of dates will of course be another important factor.”

Despite repeated calls and text messages, Vidya remained unavailable for comment.

By Jilawatan

Indra Kumar’s Dhamaal sequel is finally taking shape. The Sanjay Dutt, Ritesh Deshmukh, Arshad Warsi, Javed Jaffrey film has two new additions.

Vidya Balan and Kangna Ranuat are all set to join the cast as the leading ladies opposite Sanju and Ritesh. This would be the first time these girls would be working in the same film. Here’s hoping there are no catfights.

Meanwhile…

Finally the mystery behind Kangna Ranaut’s very different looks at each event is out.

She says, ” you know if I go to a party with my hair left loose, and then go to the ladies room and come out with my hair tied, people say, “OMG you look so different.”

I love that reaction. Some people fail to recognize me even. And that gives me such a high.”

By Jilawatan

It needed the Bombay Times to make this happen… bring all of Bollywood that was in Mumbai on December 4, under one roof for the
merriest party of the year! They came to celebrate BT’s 15th anniversary. And to say the party rocked would be an understatement. True, the who’s who of B-Town have made it under one roof for several causes and celebrations in the past. But what made the BT bash exciting and exclusive was the camaraderie that was witnessed between the legends, the badshahs and the beauties of Bollywood at Mumbai’s historic landmark, the Taj Mahal Hotel & Tower, that night.

The sultry Bipasha Basu promised she would there at 10.45 pm with hunky beau John Abraham, and this striking twosome did exactly that. Ajay Devgn wrapped up his shoot at 10 pm on Versova Beach, took a detour to Juhu to fetch wife Kajol who had just returned from Sydney. And before the clock hit 12, lo and behold — this superstar couple were with us.

Karan Johar made a solo entry, looking dapper as always, talking animatedly on his cell phone, unmindful of the bevy of beauties who longed for him to include them in his power gaze. Priyanka Chopra came in like Pretty Woman with her efficient entourage trailing silently behind. We were warned that Shah Rukh Khan would make a back door entry; gates were checked… and yet nothing could check the madness and the mayhem when the Badshah arrived. Akshay Kumar was almost making it to another location, or so said his manager… but the Khiladi rarely goes wrong when wife Tina is around. So there they were in the midst of our revelry, this handsome pair… cordoned off by their own personal security, causing a mini pandemonium.

The security cordon at the Taj gates crumbled for a few minutes when the biggest Bollywood phenomenon to have walked the earth arrived. Fresh from the accolades of Paa, and driving down from Lonavala just for us, Amitabh Bachchan came with his superstar son Abhishek. And, as if on cue, the diminutive bundle of talent Vidya Balan followed, causing a flutter in the lobby. Next morning, even while Bollywood slept off the effects of its BT hangover, the energy-plus Big B flew off to Chennai.

Aamir Khan, of course, warned us he’d be late. But for the second time in one evening the crowds on Apollo Bunder outside the Gateway of India broke into a midnight dance when the numero uno drove in. Dressed in a Tee-shirt that he designed, Aamir came in solo from his own fashion show…

Interspersed by the glittering arrivals in between of Bollywood hotties Sameera Reddy, Kangna Ranaut, Shriya Saran, Neetu Chandra, Payal Rohatgi, Anupama Verma, Riya Sen, Mugdha Godse, Sushma Reddy, Sherlyn Chopra, Shenaz Treasuryvala, former Miss Indias Parvathy Omanakuttan and Simran Kaur Mundi, Miss World Diana Hayden… this was a show that even the most hardcore cynic would have to admit was the party of the year. Tellyland’s glitterati also turned up in force, from Ronit Roy to Urvashi Dholakia. Truly, if the BT Party was filmed, it would have a golden jubilee run..

Kangana Ranaut ’s fashion taste has been unconventional, to say the least. But now it is bordering on the zany.

The parallels are now drawn between Vidya Balan and Kangana’s style of dressing. The latter has caught eyeballs many a time for her dressing sense. On the eve of 53rd Filmfare Awards night, she appeared in a lovely off-shoulder white empress dress with golden neckline, giving her personality a royale disposition and accentuating her freezy hair and plain jane look. IIFA Awards 2008, too, witnessed Kangana in a shiny olive green-coloured gown with wide deep neckline flaunting her no-cleavage style which is quite in vogue in Hollywood.

Fashion pundits now think what’s wrong with her. At the launch party of Madhur Bhandarkar ’s flick Fashion , it was ironic to see her oddly clothed in a yellow short dress which was not quite a match to the gaudy red high-heels, a red clutch, and similarly coloured flowers on her head.

Even if colour-contrast is in fashion, to play with hues like yellow and red is nothing short of zany.

However, others from the film’s cast – like Priyanka Chopra and Mugdha Godse – were looking stunning that evening with no fashion faux-pas.