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.

It was reported recently that Vidya Balan had a nervous breakdown of sorts on the streets of Kolkata where she’s shooting Sujoy Ghosh’s ‘Kahani’ — touted as a desi ‘Kill Bill ‘ (a pregnant woman seeking revenge). Apparently Vidya who is grueling hard for this film as well as dubbing for ‘No One Killed Jessica’ snapped and had a crying jag in front of the crew.

A few weeks ago there was another incident involving Katrina Kaif. Cornered by the media to clarify Salman Khan’s alleged remark that they’ve broken up, she could not handle the heat and broke down in a press conference.

You’ve got to feel for the ladies. Being a Bollywood heroine is a tough job. The stakes are high and the shelf life very short. There are only that many films they can do with top heroes who anyways are on the look out for younger and newer heroines. Added to that, they have to constantly manage an image and also decide how they want to play their personal life.

After foraying into Bollywood with ace Mani Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’, followed by Ram Gopal Varma’s ‘Rakta Charitra’, the national award winning actress Priyamani is signing more projects in Hindi.
Rumour-mongers insisted that she will be the heroine opposite Salman Khan in the sequel of his 2009 super hit ‘Wanted’ (tentatively titled ‘Wanted 2′), directed by Prabhu Deva. However, the dusky beauty has already denied these reports.
“I wish someone had approached me for the role in ‘Wanted 2′; sadly no one has as yet! But if I get an offer, I will grab it instantly! Who will want to miss out on the chance to act with Sallu bhai?” Priyamani was quoted as saying.

Salman Khan, the handsome hunk of bollywood who rocked in films like ‘Wanted’ opposite young cute thing Ayesha Takia, is being wooed by classical Indian beauty Vidya Balan.

Of course, Vidya Balan’s desire is only limited to celluloid and there is nothing personal about it, but even that desire is difficult to fulfill. Sources say that Salman Khan has decided in principle to work only with upcoming young things, who could provide some freshness to the whole project.

The main reason for this is the type of Salman Khan’s movies. In fact, Salman Khan’s movies have generally male oriented themes and seasoned actresses like Vidya Balan will hardly serve any purpose there.

Generally, heroines are used as an arm candy of Salman Khan in the film. It was obvious in Prabhu Deva’s ‘Wanted’, wherein Ayesha Takia had hardly anything to do. Movie was out and out action and had Salman everywhere.

Similarly, his upcoming ‘Ready’ has Asin, who is also relatively fresh face for the industry.

The buzz doing the rounds in the industry is that despite of Vidya Balan showering Salman Khan with lavish praise; it is very hard to get a role opposite Salman Khan.

Even his upcoming ‘Dabangg’ features svelte and suave, young Sonakshi Sinha, and not anyone of Vidya’s contemporaries.

Sources say that Salman Khan’s choice of younger heroines like Ayesha Takia, Asin and Sonakshi Sinha has been dictated by his advancing age and a need to keep balance on the celluloid.

These young actresses are bubbly and fresh and fully complement Salman Khan’s macho image in public.

There is no dearth of actresses who don’t have Salman Khan on their wish list of actors they want to work with. And the sexy seductress Vidya Balan is no different. We hear the actress, who is herself on the wish list of every actor in tinsel ville, is desperate to romance the hottest hunk Salman, on-screen of course.

Apparently, the actress is going around declaring that Salman’s like the quintessential lover and she wants to do a romantic role with him. While complimenting Salman is fine, Vidya’s act is being seen by many as too hard an effort to attract his attention. However, with Salman now sticking to doing films with fresh and young faces like Sonam, Ayesha, Sonakshi and Asin, we wonder if Vidya stands a chance!

Vidya Balan’s a romantic, and she does admit to sounding corny! The actress, who was in Delhi recently, said if she ever wrote a romance, SRK or Salman would star in it.

Five years into the industry and you’ve got an ardent fan and future director in MF Husain…
I know that Husainsaab wants to narrate a script to me, but it depends on when we meet. Because I’d probably travel to London or one such place, where we could meet and discuss. Right now, we haven’t met because I had a slightly hectic schedule and so did he. But there’s no question of starting this September, like it’s being reported, because we’ve not even met. I’ve spoken to him on the phone, though.

Was he as generous with compliments on the phone?
He’s been extremely generous with his compliments. He told me that he watched Ishqiya quite a few times. I was extremely flattered. I think his stroke is so sensual; he’s probably the best judge of sensuality. To get a compliment from him, and to be told that he watched the film 12 times for me, is like a big, big thing. I really don’t know how to react. I just kept saying, ‘I don’t know what to say…’ My God, I still don’t know what to say!

What did you think when the call ended?
That I hopefully will be immortalised not just through one medium, but two. My family, especially my sister, is thrilled. She says she wants one painting in her name. People have started making deals with me!

And what would you ask him for?
That he signs about 200 autographs for me, so that I can become a multi, multi zillionaire. That signature’s all I need. I’ll use it on a wall and make an empire out of it.
How do you keep yourself grounded with such admiration coming your way?
I think I’ve got enough weight to keep me grounded! Jokes apart, I feel it’s a blessing to receive a compliment from an artist of his repute. I feel very humbled. These moments, like any compliment….like when any fan walks up to me for an autograph, I feel overwhelmed. But later, when you go back to those moments late at night, you think – that’s what I work for.

Late at night?
Oh yes. I am not a morning person. I’m usually my most active between 1 and 3am.

And what do you do between 1 and 3am?
I read, I watch films. If I’m not watching a film, I’m writing my diary and if not that, then I’m probably talking to a friend. Sometimes, I just plug in my iPod and take a walk on the balcony.

Are you a regular diary-keeper?
I’ve been writing the diary since I was a kid. My dad used to tell me that it’s a very good habit. Initially, I didn’t know what to write. So, everyday, except Sunday, I’d write, ‘went to school, went to school … ’ But of course, now it’s sometimes about what I did, and then if there are some thoughts I really want to share…

So your diary is your best friend?
No, actually, my best confidante. And the best thing is that the diary doesn’t dispense advice! Sometimes, you just want someone to listen to you without them saying anything. I got into serious diary-writing since 2000, so it’s been 10 years that I’ve been chronicling my feelings. It’s interesting to see how I’ve changed over the years. I’m probably more childlike now. I truly believe that Capricorn-girls are actually born women and progress into being girls. I think it’s a reverse aging that happens with us. A month ago, I was going through my diary from 2004, and I think I took life far more seriously then, than I do now.

What’s been a constant in your diary?
There’s that Vidya in there that sometimes even I’m amazed at. The constant in my life and diary is, I think, my love for life.

Is that something you zealously guard?
Absolutely. That and my ability to trust. It hurts at times, but that’s okay. We are human and to hurt is also part of life. The ability to trust people and believe in the goodness of people is something that I wouldn’t want to change.

Do you love people unconditionally?
Yes, but I do go through my angst moments, even though those are much less now. I used to take life seriously, but I’m literally enjoying life now. There are problems and stress, but I’m very happy.

Last year’s been a joyride professionally, with Paa and Ishqiya. How was it personally?
I can’t draw a line between my personal and professional life. My profession gives me great joy in my personal life. I feel fulfilled when I see pride in the eyes of my parents, sister, brother-in-law. When I see that pride, every moment of everything that one goes through, all the hardship, becomes worth it.

Is it time now for a break?
Actually, I’ve been on a kind of break from shooting for the past few weeks, since I went back from Delhi. I didn’t want to go out of Mumbai because I wanted to enjoy my house. I hadn’t spent time with family since we shifted into the new house. So, I’ve been helping decorate the house, reading, watching lots of films, meeting friends, going on dates (winks)…..

Dates?
No yaar, I’m kidding. I just wish, I just said it aise hi … Honestly, there’s nothing. That’s why I winked!

Okay, so how many boys do you reject everyday?
I wish! Such good fortune…But, where are the boys, really?

There was a recent survey on a website which said that you are the most appropriate bride for Rahul Gandhi, provided he buys you a lifetime’s supply of Sabyasachi saris. What do you say to the prospect?
If that happens, I’ll not wave at people. I’ll just raise The Hand! But seriously, I’m not thinking of marriage right now, though I definitely believe in the institution. It’s not even on the agenda because I haven’t met anyone who has inspired that in me. First, I need to be with someone for a while. I need to romance without the bindings of marriage – there is a lot to do before marriage.

What kind of romance?
Long drives with music that I enjoy in the rains, and maybe buy ourselves cups of chai from a thela. That’ll be the perfect romantic date.

What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone?
Can’t think of anything.

The most naughty?
Let’s not go there!

When did you go on your last date?
Not so long ago that I can forget, and not so recently that I can remember.

You don’t discuss your relationships…
No, I don’t. A relationship is between two people and should remain like that. The problem is that today, everyone is discussing relationships so openly. I don’t like that. Anyway, I think I should become a writer besides being an actor. A romantic novel perhaps, or actually a romantic film. Maybe I’ll start the film in five years when there’ll be a little more experience of romance in my life…

And the hero would be?
Salman Khan. He’s a chhata badmaash, he’s the quintessential lover. Actually, perhaps Shah Rukh. He’s the ultimate romantic. Ufff….I’m a cliched romantic and how…

How?
I’d love for him to look into the mirror when I ask him, ‘Chand dekha?’ and he’d say, ‘Haan, aayine mein dekho…’ I know, it’s corny!

What drives you?
At work, the only thing that drives me is the experience of being someone else. The beauty of being an actor is that you can live so many different lives and you experience so many things, without compromising on your own. Personally, the love of those who matter drives me. I’m still scolded at home, where I’m just my parents’ daughter and my sister and brother-in law’s first child, literally.

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)

Bollywood has only two self-confessed insomniacs — one is Amitabh Bachchan and the other is Shah Rukh Khan. For years now the sleeping habits or rather the waking habits of these two phenomenons has been discussed endlessly. That the Big B reads or blogs incessantly through the night, and that SRK plays games or tweets till sunrise, is something everyone knows. However, a new breed of sleepless beauties and hunks have now descended on tinsel town. Some by default, others by design.

Vidya Balan says, “I’m very much a night bird. If you message or call me at night, I’ll promptly answer. But try doing this to me in the morning and you won’t even get a response.” Vidya also reads late into the night and on occasion has long winding chats with her friends including designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Aamir Khan and Salman Khan also (and only) socialise post midnight. Sources say when Aamir keeps his security staff waiting after 11.30 pm, you should know he is likely to pay a visit to Salman’s Galaxy Apartments. The two buddies then go pub crawling (now Aamir doesn’t drink) and motorbike riding in the middle of the night. Their sessions usually end with Salman landing up at Aamir’s home in the wee hours. Of course, if Aamir’s wife Kiran Rao Khan is home, then the early morning activity continues at Salman’s bachelor pad.

After superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Salman Khan, actress Vidya Balan has come out in defense of the Aamir Khan starrer 3 Idiots, saying that it does not encourage students to commit suicide.

“The film 3 Idiots gives out a message to the society that the rat race for higher grades has no meaning in life and the important thing is acquiring knowledge,” Balan who is in Indore to promote her film Ishqiya told reporters.
She said that suicide depicted in the film is not a “suggestion”, but a “reflection of the society”. Balan said that it is a matter of concern that large number of students commit suicide due to the pressure of studies.
“They end their lives at an age they should start dreaming about it,” she said.

There’s something about Bollywood couples that they just can’t remain friends after breaking off. Till today Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor aren’t on talking terms, while Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan don’t even look at each other.

So one can understand the awkwardness that Shahid and Vidya Balan – the two were linked during the days they worked in Kismat Konnection – felt when they found themselves on the same flight from Delhi to Mumbai a few days back.

Needless to say, the two didn’t exchange pleasantries or even acknowledge the other’s presence. Reports say they simply looked through each other as if the other person did not exist at all.

Definitely no Konnection left between them.