By Jilawatan

Bollywood is considered to be a superstitious lot, not willing to take risks especially when it comes to trying to ensure the success of their films at the box-office.

Apart from auspicious mahurat dates and naming of films, even casting of actors considered lucky mascots for the makers is increasingly the norm. So, what happens when both the leading actor, as well as, the film-maker have their own ‘lucky’ stars. Well, they simply cast both! And according to the buzz that’s what happened in Anees Bazmee’s Thank You. The film that stars Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Bobby Deol also has a surprise cameo by actor Vidya Balan, apart from an item number by Mallika Sherawat.

Apparently, while Bazmee considered it was lucky to include Mallika as she she had made a cameo in his earlier hit Welcome, Vidya is considered to be lucky for Akki and reportedly that is what helped the director zero in on her for a vital role opposite Akshay. A source reveals, “Akshay and Vidya have had two superhits together Bhool Bhulaiya and Heyy Babyy and hopefully the combination will click again. So the makers agreed immediately and cast Vidya.” In fact according to another insider, the length of her character was considerably increased and even a song was thrown in after Vidya agreed to come on board. The source adds, “Vidya’s also of course a talented actor, so it was like a win-win situation for the film. So things fell into place, even though Anees already had his own lucky actor Mallika in the film.”

But Sherawat and Balan are not the only ones. Rani Mukerji and Kajol too have been considered film-maker Karan Johar’s lucky charms, although he has gone on record claiming Shah Rukh Khan to be the luckiest mascot. In fact, according to Bolly-lore, if Kajol tripped while shooting for a film, then the film was bound to be a super hit.

Actor Salman Khan is the lucky boy for the Barjatyas, while Katrina Kaif’s been proven lucky for Akshay. Anushka Sharma’s now being considered lucky for her film-makers too. Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali swears by his heroine Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, while actor Sridevi was apparently the lucky mascot for the Chopras. Actor Madhuri Dixit was considered to be lucky for Indra Kumar, but then so was a particular tree in Ooty that he featured in all his films, while Urmila Matondkar was both the muse and the mascot for Ram Gopal Varma.

By Jilawatan

Rumours are rife that superstar Rajinikanth has signed Vidya Balan to do be his second heroine in daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth produced KS Ravikumar directed Raana.

In the film the superstar is doing triple role.

There have been a lot of speculations in the media as far as the female casting of Rajinikanth’s Raana is concerned.

While Deepika Padukone has been confirmed as one of the heroines there were rumours that Asin, Madhuri Dixit and Rekha were also offered to be a part of the film.

Vidya Balan met Rajinikanth at NDTV’s ‘Indian of the year award’ in New Delhi. She was literally gushing over him.

It was shown on NDTV how Vidya called out to her mom who was sitting among the audiences to come on stage to meet the superstar.

From there it was easy for the producers of Raana to rope in Vidya Balan

It is more or less confirmed that Vidya Balan will play the love interest of the middle-aged Rajni, while Deepika will be paired with the youth Rajini.

Now only father Rajini has to find a heroine!

By Jilawatan

After Madhuri Dixit, Tabu, Amrita Rao and Anushka Sharma, MF Husain has now found a new muse in Vidya Balan. Reportedly, he plans to paint Vidya posing nude. Sources said that Husain has put in a special request with the actress to capture her on his canvas with all her assets revealed and interestingly, it is heard that Vidya has accepted the offer. Apparently, she has assured Hussain that after completing her much-in-news film Dirty Picture’,she will do the nude posing.

By Jilawatan

One Dirty Picture later, there’s a “dirty proposal” for Vidya Balan.

After Madhuri Dixit, Tabu, Amrita Rao and Anushka Sharma, MF Husain has found a new muse in the Paa actress.

According to reports, the 95 year old artist – known for his controversial depictions of Hindu goddesses – wants to paint Vidya in the nude.

Sources say that Husain has already sent a proposal to the actress, who is putting the curves back on for her role as Silk Smitha in Dirty Picture. To everybody’s surprise, the actress has agreed to pose in the buff for Husain after filming wraps.

FACT: MF Husain has watched the Madhuri Dixit-starrer Hum Aapke Hain Kaun 73 times and Amrita Rao-starrer Vivaah 20 times.

By Jilawatan

Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 4 is getting to be one of the most interesting dance shows on the telly. The dance reality show that is aired on Sony Entertainment Television is creating a great platform to all the contestants as they are able to explore their talents not only in certain patent dance moves but also in very experimental dance forms.
The episode on Monday was a tad bit sad for the evicted contestant Renuka Shahane and her partner, but apart from that it was a mind blowing experience to see the other contestants shaking their legs in almost a varied form of dances that has never ever been seen before.
The episode had Sushant and his partner mesmerizing the audiences with their amazing dance moves in a dance form called the Chau, which was inspired from a movie. The two had reportedly called in a professional to teach them the right moves as the show organizers had allowed anyone who wanted outside help to get it in this particular round. They scored a perfect full on the score board with the best dancer of the day title.
The other contestant who made a distinct mark was Ragini. She along with her partner were excellent in a Tollywood number and most deservingly were awarded a full 30 on 30 by the judges along with the best dancer of the day award too.
The highlight of the episode was Rani Mukherjee and Vidya Balan’s presence.

The two had come to promote their forthcoming film No One Killed Jessica, and were astounding with their moves too. Rani Mukherjee got really mesmerized with Madhuri Dixit and declared that she was a self proclaimed fan of the great actress.
The episode was indeed a great refreshing one so tune in to Jhalak Dikhla Jaa every Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:pm IST.

By Jilawatan

After finishing the research work, now US-based Indian filmmaker Krishna Shah is looking for the right face to play main lead in his biopic on late prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Titled Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story, it will be a big-budget two-part movie on the life of the Indian leader who was known as Iron Lady. Shah earlier wanted Vidya Balan to play Indira, but changed his mind after consulting Hollywood make-up artist Greg Cannom, Shah’s publicist said in a press statement here.

The filmmaker is again hunting for the right face.

“Casting is very critical for the role of India Gandhi. As it stands today, only two actresses in Bollywood are on the scanner. One is Kareena Kapoor and the other is Priyanka Chopra. Both are equally suited to play Indira Gandhi,” Shah said.

“I haven’t yet met with either of the stars. I hope to meet with them soon. Now everything depends on their response, their dates and the deal. I know whoever plays the role will be an Oscar contender. She will be remembered through posterity as Indira Gandhi,” he added.

The first preference for the role, however, was Madhuri Dixit, who could not accept the project due to personal grounds.

Part one will focus on Indira Gandhi’s political career till the 1971 war, and the other will show her personal life as a mother to her sons — Rajiv, who succeeded her as the prime minister after her assassination in 1984, and Sanjay Gandhi.

By Jilawatan

Filmmaker Krishna Shah seems to be going around Bollywood offering the Indira Gandhi role to all and sundry.

After approaching the likes of Madhuri Dixit, Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor, we hear he even asked Vidya Balan to reportedly essay the role of India’s most dynamic political leader. Of course, Vidya refused.

Her current venture is keeping her well occupied. Vidya has started work on Sujoy (Alladin) Ghosh’s new film where she plays a pregnant widow seeking vendetta. Sounds like some Kill Bill idea?

By Jilawatan

After directing Gajagamini with Madhuri Dixit and Meenaxi- A Tale Of Three Cities starring Tabu, renowned painter M. F. Husain is to direct a comedy with Vidya Balan, who apparently is his latest muse. However, when contacted, Vidya said that she hadn’t met the 94-year old artist yet and she will decide only after meeting him. She is however, keen on working with him.

The Indian artist, who some months back accepted the citizenship of Qatar, is presently doing a series of paintings on 100 years of Indian cinema besides work on Arabian and Indian civilisations.

By Jilawatan

After Madhuri Dixit, Tabu and Amrita Rao, MF Husain has found a new muse. The 94–year-old artist has reportedly watched Ishqiya (2010) 12 times already — he had earlier seen Dixit’s Hum Aapke Hain Kaun…! (1994) 70 times—and is fida over the gorgeous Vidya Balan. He wants to paint her and wants her in his next directorial venture.

The actress admits that they have spoken and Husain has been extremely generous with his compliments. “I was so overwhelmed when I heard this, I remember reading about him painting Madhuri years ago. And a painting by Husain saab would immortalise me, though I don’t know how to react to the word ‘gorgeous’,” Balan laughs.

She admits that though she has been exposed to his art, she hasn’t seen his two earlier films, Gaja Gamini (2000) and Meenaxi—A Tale of Three Cities (2004). “But I will definitely watch both the films before we meet,” she asserts. “I’d love to work with him and I’m hoping we can get started on the movie by next year.”

Inspiring Sabrina
Meanwhile, Balan who is being felicitated at every award function for Paa or Ishqiya, has almost wrapped up No One Killed Jessica in which she is playing a character reportedly inspired by the late model’s sister Sabrina Lall. Lall, for 11 years, continued with her crusade for justice and was finally vindicated when the accused, Manu Sharma, was found guilty and got a life sentence.

Contrary to rumours, Balan says she hasn’t met Sabrina Lall yet. “She’s never visited the sets, I’d have known if she had, but she’s definitely the face of the Jessica Lall case,” Balan asserts. “Her fight has proved that you have to be the change you want to see in the world.”

In her own way, Balan points out, she too has fought to live and work on her terms. It wasn’t easy veering away from the
conventional stereotype and choosing to do films like Paa and Ishqiya. “But I defied the rules and today I am in a unique position where little kids address me as ‘Paa ki maa’ and young men see me as Krishna whose ‘gaalis’ are sexy,” she laughs.

By Jilawatan

Both hottie Katrina Kaif and the demure Vidya Balan are two gorgeous women of Bollywood planet riding high on the success their respective careers. While each is ascending the ladders of fame steadfast and hastily, both have hit the fancy of the renowned painter M. F. Hussain.
Yes! After immortalising Madhuri Dixit in his canvas, he is desirous of flicking his brush once more; this time to use his palette of colours to paint the charming temptress Katrina Kaif. Katrina has, hitherto, conquered so many male hearts that it’s no surprise that even the heart of the 90-plus man has been struck by the cupid’s arrow.
Her tremendous acting display in her latest box-office jolter Rajneeti has earned her a place in the good books of the iconic painter. It’s only ironic that her ex flame Salman Khan never got the chance to put her on a canvas (given the fact that Katty’s ex Partner has a profound penchant and passion for painting).
Hussain had also disclosed his longing to give colours to the portrait of Vidya Balan, however, his brush is still awaiting the beauties. Other beauties who have been canvassed by the legendary painter include:
1. Madhuri Dixit (the Dhak Dhak mania got over Hussain too)
2. Tabu (her poise and purity arrested his attention)
3. Urmila Matondkar (the sexy petite gal)
4. And Amrita Rao (the unearthly Indian beauty who created ripples with Vivaah)