Films go wrong, not filmmakers: Akshay

As he talks about his hits and misses, Akshay Kumar says he's all set to get back to action movies, doing what he loves most - dishum, dishum

In the post-" Dabangg" months, every actor worth his six pack is turning to action. The sky-diving, the kicks, the punches and the dialogue-baazi are ruling the big screen. Akshay Kumar who'd turned his back on the action genre, now wants to reclaim his crown. And the timing couldn't be better. The audiences are lapping up the dhishum dhishum. He talks about his faults, films and future plans. Read on...

You're working with newer lot of filmmakers, like Prabhu Deva and Dibakar Banerjee. Getting out of your comfort zone?
You can say that. It is a deliberate decision to work with directors with a different sensibility. I realized that I was doing the same kind of films. That happens to an actor without realising. A certain kind of film works, and you think this is what the audience likes, or wants, and you keep following that pattern. Especially, when you get success in that genre. And then you settle into a comfort zone. I started enjoying doing comedy films. The same thing had happened when I was just doing action films. Now I want to get out of my comfort zone, and that is why I have signed up with directors I haven't worked with before.

Until last year, you were said to be the highest paid actor. Are you making exceptions now?
I think every actor does that. When I began as an actor, I was very clear that I was in it for money and fame. Those were the driving factors. But that changes after you reach a certain level. For me, things changed after "Sangharsh". I really loved the part, and I accepted it. It hasn't been about money for a long time. It's not about money anymore.

Were you happy with the response to your last film, "Thank You"?
No. honestly, I wasn't. I thought the audiences would've liked it more. I still don't know why it fell short of the people's expectations. I tried to figure out the problem. With "Tees Maar Khan", I know why it didn't work. I think audiences found it too over the top. Though it's not a flop, I spoke to people who saw "TY", and have taken the feedback seriously.

About mistakes, you keep making films with directors with whom you've delivered flop films. Why?
I believe that films go wrong, not filmmakers. After "Chandni Chowk To China", Nikhil Advani made a "Patiala House", which was appreciated. You can't write off a filmmaker, because one film goes wrong. I am working with Tony again after "Blue", because I still think that no Indian film has looked the way "Blue" did. Also you can't just blame the director. I had faith in the scripts too, so I should get equal share of the blame. Actors get credit for hits, and let the directors take the fall for flops. That's not fair.

Every actor is doing action now. But you have steered away so far. Is "Rowdy Rathore" the answer?
Yes, I want to get back into the action space. I haven't done one in the last few years, and I have been missing doing stunts and I am itching to get back to it. I want to do fight scenes, chase scenes, crashes, jumps, kicks... There is a newness to it. Action has been redefined since I last did it, and that is exciting. It will be challenge to push myself to perform those scenes. I have always done my own stunts, and I am looking forward to some challenging sequences.

There were reports that you and Shah Rukh were working on a joint production. What happened?
There was no such project. We have never talked about it.

Salman Khan hasn't worked with director Kabir Khan and producer Aditya Chopra before and we hear that the situation is kind of awkward for the duo who will soon start filming Ek Tha Tiger which also stars Katrina Kaif.

Since Salman is not a phone person, Adi seems to have decided that the best way to communicate with his hero is through Kat.

Since Kat shares a good bond with the having worked with them before, she doesn't mind playing the messenger between them and her ex-boyfriend. Buzz is that both Khan and Chopra haven't really opened up to each other. Perhaps it has something to do with the producer being close to his rival SRK. We are sure things will improve once they begin shooting for the film.

Ash dashes to the sets

Aishwaya Rai Bachchan is a workaholic. She came back to Mumbai from Russia late at night, did some meetings that very night and was seen shooting for a commercial early morning.

Ash is back in town from Russia (she flew there after she dazzled the red carpet at Cannes) after pleasantly surprising her hubby Abhishek Bachchan, who is busy shooting for Players, refused to relax even after a hectic travel schedule and cancelled her weekend off too, to hit the sets. She has been shooting for back-to-back five nights.

Sheila's Jawani gets revived!

If you thought Katrina and her Sheila's Jawani has been done with, you are mistaken! BIG Star IMA awards on Star Plus will see a completely revamped avatar of Katrina as Sheila.

Ace choreographer Ganesh Hedge came up with an innovative Broadway version of Sheila Ki Jawani to keep this chartbuster number alive. Katrina will be seen in a sizzling new look that will take your breath away.

Says Ganesh Hedge,' Sheila ki Jawani is an extremely popular number even after months of its release and I wanted to use this song for the awards. However I wanted to create something that has never been done before and thus the Broadway version. It's all about some interesting choreography and Katrina just adds the right spice to it."

Garam Masala girl gets hitched

The " Garam Masala" girl, Daisy Bopanna who played one of Akshay Kumar's love interests in the Akki-John Abraham-starrer directed by Priyadarshan, has tied the knot with Priyanka Chopra's former secretary Prakash Jaju's son Amit.

Amit, a senior manager in the fraud and investigations wing of an advisory company, married the actress in Indore on Saturday.

Considering Daisy couldn't make much headway in Bollywood after her debut movie, maybe her father-in-law can now take charge of her career. After all, he has had some practice with one of the A-listers of today! What say?

Nikhil's the new baddie in B-wood

Bad is the new good and none another than Nikhil Dwivedi is trying to revel in this fact.

He will be leading in not one but two back-to-back films with grey shades. The success of "Shor In The City"has finally done this talented lad some good, and he is raring to go again. Our sources have given us a whiff that the first venture with which the " Raavan" and "SITC" actor goes on the floors is a sort of '"Bunty Aur Babli" on acid', our very own answer to "Bonnie And Clyde".

Nikhil is actually being lauded by many as somebody who has waited out patiently for interesting roles in different films rather than going the mainstream way, where he did not meet with much success after his debut film, "My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves", even though his performance got noticed. Says noted trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "I was really surprised to see his performance in "Raavan", and he has taken it a notch above with " Shor In the City." These two films have brought his talent to the fore, but this needs to be further tapped. It should be noted that both the films had multiple characters, despite that Nikhil registered a strong impact in both films. He's certainly here to stay.

Madhur Bhandarkar's reclusive heroine

Madhur Bhandarkar's star cast for his much talked about project, Heroine, is about to get bigger. The director has envisioned a new supporting character, based on the life of the late actress, Nadira.

And so, his search is on for a 70 to 75 year-old actress to essay this Bollywood diva, who retired from the industry and lived a reclusive life, as she reveled in her former silver-screen glory, in her small apartment.

Our source revealed, " Madhur Bhandarkar has changed the character's name, but she is clearly modeled on Nadira. It's a role of a yesteryear actress, who led a lonely, isolated life, without family and friends.

She simply relived her glorious days as a screen queen with people who visited her. It's the frightening face of Bollywood - the other side of the glamour business, much after all the star attention fizzles out."

Nadira's performances in Sri 420 and Aan made her an icon of the 1950s. And so, Bhandarkar's search has not been easy, as many of the actresses of that time have passed away. However, the director is reportedly keen on one of the two surviving divas Nimmi or Shyama. When contacted, Bhandarkar remained unavailable for comment.

Big B - Arjun team up for a thriller

Amitabh Bachchan and Arjun Rampal will be seen together in Pritish Nandi Communication's (PNC) untitled film. According to an industry insider PNC's has revived its shelved project with Big B with a completely new script.

Pritish Nandi's son Kushan Nandi will make his directorial debut with this thriller. It can be recalled that a film based on Bollywood starring Mallika Sherawat opposite Big B was announced last year. Unfortunately, the film got shelved in the scripting stage and it is believed the same film has been revised with a complete new script.

Arjun and Big B have been signed to play the key roles while the leading lady is yet to be finalised. The duo has earlier worked together in films like Aankhen and Ek Ajnabee. Their next thriller will go on floors by late 2011.

Arnie never touched me: Ex-nanny

A former nanny to Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver has claimed that the governator had a wandering eye, but never got physical with her or any other female staffer.

The nanny - who worked with the couple during the Mildred "Patty" Baena years – told TMZ the actor was a strict one household staffer type of guy.

Arnold "was a flirt, but he never touched me inappropriately, or anyone else that I could tell," she said.

The former staffer believes Patty must have aggressively pursued Arnie since - as far as she could tell - he was "respectful" of all the other female staffers.

Ben Kingsley to act in Lankan film

Oscar-winning actor Ben Kingsley would star in a movie made by Sri Lankan filmmaker Chandran Rutnam that would depict a terror attack on the capital city.

The movie "A Common Man" revolves around the character played by Kingsley. The plot features an attempt by terrorists to blow up Colombo, Rutnam told Xinhua.

The film is a co-production between Hollywood and Sri Lanka.

"The story is adapted from a concept that has been done before. But I have taken that concept and turned it around into a situation in Sri Lanka. This is a rare opportunity for Sri Lanka because this is the first time we are directing Hollywood actors. We shot the whole movie within 27 days," said Rutnam, who also wrote the script.

Rutnam's company - Film Location Services - has in the past facilitated international movies being shot in Sri Lanka including " Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom" starring Harrison Ford.

But this is the first time he or any Sri Lankan is directing a Hollywood movie.

Rutnam said the doors have opened for Sri Lanka to be used as a film location, and he expects a lot of movies being shot in the country.

He urged Sri Lankan filmmakers to look beyond just the domestic market and think of the international audience as well when making a film.

Snooki’s car crash sends 2 cops to hospital

'Jersey Shore' star Snooki was questioned by the police after she allegedly sent two Italian police officers packing in hospital after she rammed into their patrol car.

The 23-year-old was driving the Fiat Multipla with co-star Deena in the front seat and production crew at the back when the accident happened.

Police denied reports that she had been 'taken into custody' but they revealed that she might face charges at a later date, reports the Daily Mail.

The accident happened in the Renaissance city of Florence where the crew arrived earlier this month to film series four of the hit MTV series that will be screened later this year.

According to an insider source, drink and drugs were not believed to have been the cause of the accident and a test for both was carried out.

Olsen twins to open their first store

Actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who co-run two fashion ranges - The Row and Elizabeth, and James, are keen to open their first store.

"I think every designer would say they'd love to open their own store, just because when you produce a collection, this whole room will be filled with God only knows how many racks and 150 pieces.

"What hits the stores is maybe ten pieces, in different colourway. So it would be nice to be able to represent it in your own way," contactmusic.com quoted Ashley as saying.

"But it's all a matter of timing and when it makes sense, and it's a really big undertaking, so it depends," she said.

Salman Khan in trouble again

The actor may have unwittingly bought land which legally cannot be bought or sold as it belongs to the entire village.

On Thursday, more than 250 villagers gathered at the talathi's office in Panvel, protesting what they say is an illegal sale of their land to a political leader and actor Salman Khan.

The actor, who is embroiled in two other court cases, may be looking at a protracted legal battle again, because according to the rule book, buying or selling of land which belongs to any village is a cognisable offence.

The sleepy Vaje village near Panvel, home to 307 families, is putting up a spirited fight for 83 acres of surplus land they were given by the government to be tilled.

The Panch along with the villagers were joint custodians of this land till it was sold off to Congress leader Harbhans Singh and Salman. Villagers allege they were conned into parting with their land by the Panch, who convinced them that the alternative to selling was allowing the government to confiscate the land.

"The government gave the land to poor farmers for cultivation. Sometime back our Panch told us that government was planning to take the land back and in order to meet the expenses of putting up a fight, we need to sell a part of the land.

Recently we found out that 2.5 acres of the land had been sold to actor Salman Khan without even seeking any clearance from us, which is mandatory. Nobody knows where the money went," said Vishnu Patil, a resident of the village.

The villagers allege that the remaining 81 acres was also sold off unscrupulously. "The Panch gave us the same story and we agreed assuming that it was in our interest. We were conned into signing documents.

It was much later that we found out that the land was being sold to a political bigwig for profit," said Ganesh Patil, another resident, adding, "Though we did get some money from the second sale, we are all against letting outsiders grab it. We want all our land back."

The resolute villagers have filed complaints with Collector of Raigadh district who in turn has ordered an inquiry into the transactions. The inquiry is based on a circular dated January 2009 issued by the Raigadh District Collector, which says this about the vast tracts of lands owned by villages: "Since names of all the villagers cannot be put on the land records only names of Panch are put on them.

However, it has come to our notice that Panch or their kins sell off such land claiming to be theirs. These vast stretches of land are for the benefit for of public at large and not property of handful of people."

It further states, "It has been found that not only such sales have taken place but local Talathis and Circle Officers have given clearances to such sales. In some cases even the names of new owners have been added to land records.

This is a cognisable offence. In future no such sale or purchases should be allowed and would be considered as offences and action would be taken."

The panch however claims to be ignorant of the existence of any such rule. Bhagwan Patil, a member of the Panch, said, "We had no clue this circular. We are uneducated villagers. The officials who registered the names of new owners should have at least warned us. If we are being held responsible for this, so should they."

Patil also maintained that the decision to sell the land was taken in order to meet the expenses incurred during taking care of government formalities. "Every penny from both the sales was accounted for," he added.

The 7/12 land extract bearing Salman Khan's name
The Collector's office confirmed that an inquiry has been ordered. "Land belonging to the entire village cannot be sold or bought. In this case the villagers allege that they were conned by the Panch. Now we are hearing out the villagers, next we will question the Panch and buyers," said Chandrasen Pawar, Nayab Tehsildar of Panvel.

"We will finish the inquiry and recommend for both the deals to be scrapped. There is no doubt that the deals are in violation of the law," said a senior revenue department's official.

When Mumbai Mirror contacted Harbhans Singh, he said, "I had no idea of any such law. The deal was cleared by the then Tehsildar and even our name is on 7/12 extracts. I have paid the entire value of the plot to the village and I should not be blamed."

Several attempts to get in touch with Salman and his father Salim Khan, who manages the actor's property matters, did not yield any results.

Meanwhile both Khan and Singh have started work on their plots. A trip to the village revealed that they were constructing compound walls to demarcate their properties.

Who will romance Aishwarya?

Madhur Bhandarkar is having a tough time deciding on an actor to play Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's young lover in Heroine.

While Arjun Rampal has been signed to play a male lead, there's another role for a younger actor who Ash romances and gets into a serious relationship with, in the film. The three actors in running for this role are Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan and Prateik.

A source says, "Ash has a very interesting track with a young actor who falls in love with her. He basically uses her to climb the social ladder and make it big in the industry. There are also a few romantic scenes between the actor and Ash. It's a role that's being battled for between the three actors."

While Imran and Ranbir were the two obvious first choices, Prateik's name has given the development an interesting twist. None of the mentioned actors have worked with Ash and the pairing would be a first time. The source adds, "The decision is yet to be made but it will be one of these three guys. Madhur is still in the process of casting and will be making his decision in the coming weeks."

Madhuri buys a mall in Florida

The industry is abuzz with the news that Madhuri Dixit has invested in a mega property in the US. An insider swears that the dhak dhak actress has bought a mall in Florida worth millions of dollars.

The source gives details, "The mall is in downtown Miami. Though Madhuri lives in Denver, she decided to buy the mall in Miami, Florida as it is one of the hottest places for recreation and sees a lot of tourists which means shopping, and good business for a mall! It's purely for investment purposes. She doesn't plan to run it herself. She has also taken a loan from a bank. Big businesses may be taking a hit in the US, but she is determined to make it a profitable venture. Madhuri's children are growing up and she wants to establish herself as an entrepreneur as her acting career is already on the wane."

The source adds that for accounting reasons Madhuri's mall project is under wraps. "Madhuri has been instructed by her financial advisors not to talk about it. She has been signing TV reality shows and is keen to sign films to pay interest for the bank loans every month. Her husband, Dr Sriram Nene, is a major source of support for her and he's also an advisor in the project."

Madhuri's business manager Rikku Rakeshnath however maintains, "Madhuri hasn't invested in any property at all in the USA or India."

Meet the gossip boy 'Abhay Deol'

Those who think Abhay Deol is the sort of guy who is above gossiping, and someone who takes himself seriously, you are mistaken.

Despite the type of roles and his brooding image, friends of the actor reveal that Abhay's a party animal and also loves to update himself on the gossip in B-town.

Whenever he's at a party, he makes sure he is kept abreast on what's happening in the industry. We hope that he manages to keep the gossip to himself and not pass it around.

Salman: 'Politically incorrect'

Salman Khan in a candid chat with TOI

You seem to drive interviews pretty much on your own track, with the interviewer being a bystander.
At home, when I give interviews, I make sure that I don't say anything that is rude or offensive; I run it according to what the sense of humour (acceptable) in the family is. They shouldn't get offended, shouldn't think yeh badtameez hai, I run it that way. My father could not whistle in front of his father. Today my father gives me the right to have a drink with him. These are the guidelines I follow in interviews or in other things.

And then there are questions on things – on a song that has nothing to do with me, because the song's lyrics go "Character Dheela Hai". There are questions on and on about marriage – nobody knows when they will be born, when they'll die, what will things be like tomorrow, but I'm expected to declare when I'll be married. These are just questions to egg people on... There are hazaar ways of making interesting interviews. You don't need to cheapen it.

This has been happening quite a bit with the "Character Dheela" song. I have no contribution to the song. The music director has made the song; I thought the lyrics were funny. Now, I have to make up things. I am asked – haan toh bataiye, iss industry mein kiska character dheela hai? Now, do you seriously think someone like me will ever comment on that?

In an earlier interview, you spoke of people egging you on like kids teasing a lion in a zoo, to get a reaction.
Yes, but I tell them, I will give you something for your promo anyway if you simply ask me. Don't need to ask silly stuff. I am not boring because I will say what I believe, I say things which are very politically incorrect – which is the most correct thing to do. The whole world would be knowing something and still pretending that it doesn't happen – that's all bull****. I'll be honest.

In some questions the degree of honesty has to be restricted because on TV or in a paper there's no "A" certificate. If everyone who read or saw what I had to say was my age group, thought like me, I'd give a completely honest reply to all questions. But there are kids following us. Eventually everyone's gonna grow up, but it's good for them not to grow up before their time.

This is the same argument you have used when you were angry at someone clicking you with a cigarette?
Yes, it happened in Delhi itself. I said, why do you want to glamourise it with a cool photo? It's the worst thing ever. Once you think it's cool and start it, it's the most difficult thing to quit. Everyone says cancer, cancer – but everyone keeps on smoking. You know, a friend said this to me – the guy who's given you your first cigarette, you always hate that person for the rest of your life. The guy, and it's always a senior guy, who said "oh, come on, come on, just have one" – at that point, to fit in, people start. And then, it's with them for the rest of their life.

Do you disagree with this?
No, not really.

Two years back, in an interview to DT, you said you get tired of the same questions, about why you are 'misunderstood' and how the media has decided that you're the 'bad boy, but with a heart of gold'. Has anything changed?
Nothing. Nothing. Now it is, "Character Dheela Hai". When are you getting married? Sometimes you feel sad for those asking. I don't mind them, I see it as a timepass thing. There is no meaning to this. It is the same as the baba and bhoot stories on channels. Everybody knows it is bull but they still watch it.

I heard from a cine source that for all the branding Salman has got because of the black buck case, the reality is that in a group of people, all of whom were equally involved – or equally not involved – one guy chooses to say, I'll carry it all on my head, you can walk off.
(Silence for a minute)
I don't know the jungle. I am from Bombay. If you put me in a forest, or if you even put me in a street in Mumbai itself – Kandivili, Dharavi, Virar, Kolaba – I may not know how to get back. You're expecting me to go 30-40 km in the middle of the jungle, in the middle of the night, driving a Gypsy, with a searchlight in my hand, without a driver, without anybody. While driving, find the animal, chase the animal, shoot the animal, put it back. So it's night, I'm driving with one hand, I'm holding the searchlight with the other, and I'm shooting with which hand?

I don't even know the route back to the hotel if I am in the middle of the jungle. There is nobody to ask at midnight. And, in the middle of the same forest, they have some 370 witnesses. Come on... And it's sub judice for me. And for others, whatever information they want to spread, they can spread, true, false, anything.

How come you haven't got mainstream political offers?
I've got offers, but I'm not interested. I am very keen to take Being Human to a different level. I've friends in various political parties whom I have known for the longest time. If I know 15-20 people and they are doing good for their people in their own constituencies - it's more than enough.

I've also gone to canvass for elections for people whom I have known. If a wrong person for a 5-year term, the people suffer hugely. Even if I could bring in one extra vote, it's a social thing for me. For me to leave my house, take planes all over the country, go and stand with them – when I could instead spend that day at work and make loads of money for myself - I must believe in the person. And I think a candidate should be made to sign a legal document to make him commit that he will actually do all the things he promises to do.

So you'd rather do your own stuff than enter the political field full-time?
Ya, my projects. From watches and t-shirts, now we're starting off pens...

What's the structure of Being Human? People know it's to do with you, but there's a grey area about charities...
See, it's a charitable trust, which is the Being Human charitable trust, which is totally separate. Then there are the watches, the profits that come in from them comes into that account, then after tax is paid, whatever is there goes into that specific trust.

So from each type of activity that I do under this – I plan to open Being Human cafes, for example... My appeal is, you in any case will buy a t-shirt or a watch, so why not buy this? Instead of the money going to one guy, it goes back into helping someone. You can buy something and do charity at the same time.

People have this impression that Salman ke paas bahut paisa hai so we don't get too many donations directly for the charitable trust right now. Friends and all come in and put in money. I have put in a lot of my own money into it.

Apart from the impression that you already have the money, what hassles are you facing?
Even before we launch properly, there are fakes out in the market! In the interiors, when I go for shooting, I find people wearing fakes. I feel the biggest kameena out there is the one who is doing something like this – the money which should go to a trust, he is keeping it, which is not his idea, not his product, nothing. I get so angry when I see people selling fake tees on the road, I want to stop the car, take my lighter, thwack the hell out of them and burn all the t-shirts. But then, I say, what the...

"Dabangg" rocked, you're the star of the moment. Did the industry stand by when things were not so rocking for you?
Everybody's got their own lives to go back to. Eventually, from where I see it, it's often all about the votes. This guy is so popular...If you've actually done something, you deserve to go inside. But if you've not done anything, then what is the thing?
Two people tearing posters or fifty people tearing posters is shown as if the whole country has gone against you. But what about all the other people who are in support, who are praying for you? That's not taken in account.

You'd said to us you'd buy an IPL team if it came up. A team did come up, but you didn't even bid?
I was not interested by then. I was selfishly thinking of it as a Being Human activity. But then I realized I wouldn't be able to handle that business model.
Sohail has picked up a team, the Celebs League. They play serious cricket.

Cricket apart, you had become the ambassador for football in India. Phir kuch suna nahi uske baare mein. What happened?
Nothing, I don't know. But I believe in the next 5-6 years, football is going to be a huge sport in our country.

Arre, if you're keen on it, how come nobody's utilizing your services to promote it?
Abhi cricket-cricket itna hai ki if you go football-football, it won't have that hype, it'll just be a waste. There has to be the right time to get into it. Like we have so many stars in cricket right now, we don't have any in football.

" Wanted", "Veer", "Dabangg", now " Ready"...
Cinema like this keeps you fit, rather than doing romantic comedies.
I never thought these characters would turn out to be superheroes. I never thought that a Radhey Mohan or a Veer or even a Chulbul Pandey would be the character it finally became...

The typical Salman entry anywhere, hands in pocket, that stride, the shades - even when you're not posing, just stepping out at the airport, the pictures scream "star". Acquired or natural?
That's the way I always walk, even when I was in school...!
Do people write roles for you, the current action hero?
No.

No?
Everybody, when he comes to you for a film, is not going to say that I had offered this film first to so-and-so and he refused to do it so I came to you. He'll come to you and say, this is a script written just for you, and if you don't agree, we won't make it. I've tried that, ok, so I won't do it. Now you won't make it? And they are like, arre, sir, picture toh banani hi padegi. Sab bolne ki baatein hai. We are family, we are friends...

Who are your friends?
My family are my friends first. Sanju and me don't meet very much but we're still very close. Aamir, Monish Behl. We don't meet for months and months, but when we do, we connect hugely.

Your friends in their 20s, your gang – how differently do you see them, how do they see you, now that you're this big?
You know, when people make it, they say I had this instinct, I had this intuition, it's all humbug. Things don't happen just because you're sure it will happen. Nobody knows what the future holds.

Did your friends then think you would get this far?
Nobody believed it. Nobody believed I was going to make it. But today, when you speak to them, it will all be – 'oh, we knew he worked so hard, he was so dedicated, we always knew...' But I remember the conversations of that time!

A lot of celebs seem to take to rather fancy models of stress management, breaks, and so on. You still sleep for just 3-4 hours a day?
Ya, that's the amount of sleep I get. And I don't understand this – people study or work their a** off to succeed, to become what they have to become, and when they make it, and suddenly they go, 'Oh, man, so much work, so much stress.' What is the other side of it? No work. How would you handle that stress? So if you're doing something you like, you shouldn't be stressed about that.

How has the body handled the stress and the ageing, from the day you first did that one-handed push-up on screen in " Maine Pyaar Kiya"?
I've done that again in "Ready". After "MPK" the first time I tried it was in "Ready", and I've done that in the movie.

How much effort does it take now?
A lot more; a lot more. You have a lot more energy in your twenties. You are more energetic, more agile. Now, every year, you're expected to compete with what you did one year earlier. That one year, very soon, for me has added up to twenty years – and I'm still expected to compete with that year, 20 years back. To do at 45 which you did at 25 is very difficult – but then, all the guys are managing it. There's Aamir, there's Shah Rukh, there's Akki, there's Sanju.

What's the industry's response to the Morani's name coming up in the 2G scam?
I've done a huge number of shows with them. In fact, all actors have done a lot of shows with them. They've been very good to everyone. If there is something, if there are documents or whatever, there should be an enquiry, and if they are innocent, their name should be cleared.

I've been to jail, Sanju's been to jail, many people in the industry have faced court cases, etc. Making money out of somebody's misery is the biggest profession right now. As soon as you are stuck, it just goes on, goes on. Even if you are innocent, people are scared to let you go. They say: If we let him go, the press will say they are big people, you must have taken money. Decisions about anyone should be made on facts, not under pressure.

You'd got some things installed in Jodhpur jail?
No, I wanted to do that, but I couldn't. I'd submitted details of what they needed, of what we could do. But they didn't want it. I offered to get solar heaters, to build bathrooms. Because I know the way people live inside. The human rights activists should go into jails to realize how people live inside.

And the tragedy is that I hear that in monsoons, poor people do petty crimes to be put in jail, because their life out of jail is worse, inside at least they have a roof and three meals a day. The conditions inside jails are the worst.

I'd even offered that people who are eligible for bail – for a bail amount of four, five thousand rupees, he can't afford it, so he is in jail – we could arrange those amounts. I asked, if the person is such a criminal, surely he can arrange that money? But he can't. And when we offer to, the argument is that, what if he he comes out and does something else? Arre!

This is the sort of thing I really want to do, but somewhere, I've not been able to pull it off. But there will be a time when I will do this, I will pull it off.

It's stayed on your mind.
Yes. I'm asked why do you want to do things only for jails? Why? Because I've been there. And while there are criminals, there are also a lot of innocent people in jails. There are guys who are in jail for 20, 30, 40 years, they don't know what to do if they come out! A jail official told me that 70% of the people behind bars are innocent. And the ones who are the real crooks – they say, we will go back and continue to do this, but why are these people in here, who have no idea what crime they committed? People are picked up as terrorists who have no idea what they are in for.

They should do a survey someday on how many people have given how many government officials – from judges to income-tax to police to others – how much amount of money. The masses do it to make their lives slightly easier, and now, the other side has got used to it.

Am assuming stuff about your relationships and your rivalries doesn't affect you – but when you speak on something like 26/11, and people begin to tear into you, surely that must be unnerving?
Yes, and all these things are raised at the time of the release. Obama came and he said the same things. Obama ko bhi jaa ke pakarte na. Who am I to give a clean chit to anybody, yaar? What I'd heard in the news, I was saying exactly that. If by me saying that I am sorry if I've hurt your sentiments, it helps, I will do it...
We live in India. Born, brought up, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents. We are facing terrorism here. People there are also facing it. I am talking about the common man. I'm not talking about the politicians. If the politicians had the capability to sort it out, they'd have sorted it out a long time ago. I am talking about common people working from morning to night to support their families.

Would you keep quiet on things that impacted you, worried that it may lead to another controversy?
No, if it matters to me, I will speak out. I think people who do adulteration of food and drink should be hanged, I feel very strongly about that. And I think the press should be more worried about such things than the great national issues of when is Salman Khan getting married, Salman and another actor don't get along, Salman has broken up with his girlfriend. These things people know.

Rahul Bhatt's tell-all on Headley

Rahul Bhatt is writing a book. Now before you ask who Rahul Bhatt, perhaps the context of the book will help.

The younger Bhatt, who suddenly grabbed headlines for his association with dreaded terror-mastermind David Coleman Headley, is now in the process of putting this whole experience in a tell-all.

Entitled 'Inside Lashkar-e-Taiba: How I Befriended The World's Deadliest Terrorist', the book is touted to give a blow-by-blow account of Headley's growing fondness for the Bhatt boy. Little wonder then that Headley had confessed in his interrogation that he wanted to train Rahul to be an ISI agent.

"As I look back I wonder how I came close to this man without ever suspecting what he was really up to! So much has been said about what happened. I'm writing the whole sequence of events down so it would help me to understand the situation better," says the reticent Rahul.

The news itself has got Rahul "tempting offers" from three publishers. But he hasn't yet decided on anything. "It may be of great curiosity-value for others. But my experiences with Headley are not just a story for me. It is that part of my life which has forever determined my relationship with the outside world. I trusted and believed in Headley completely without knowing who he was and what his intentions were. Now I can never trust anyone I meet. I've become wary of human contact."

No wonder he's now spending all his time writing the book. Apparently the book will chronicle details about Rahul's interactions with Headley, that have yet not been revealed to the outside world. "I'm trying to piece together the entire period of my life when I knew him. While we interacted I never guessed what his intentions were. Headley kept saying he sees a reflection of himself in me. It was only later that I realised he was trying to create a replica of himself in me. In hindsight it is a very scary thought. I could've been completely destroyed by the experience."

And with a book coming, can a movie be far behind? Rahul Bhatt's book 'Inside Lashkar-e-Taiba: How I Befriended The World's Deadliest Terrorist' will also be the basis of the script that Rahul will write for a film where he'll play himself. Rahul wants his mentor Salman Khan to play Headley. Now, that would really be deadly.

Deepika is daddy cool

Has Deepika Padukone had enough of men already? In her forthcoming release, Prakash Jha's Aarakshan that deals with the issue of reservation, the leading lady is torn between her two lovers (played by Saif Ali Khan and Prateik) and her screen dad Amitabh Bachchan.

What if she had to face a similar situation in real life, who would she choose - dad or lover? "Father, Father's love, of course, rather than the lover's, because father's love is more permanent.," said the tall dimpled lass without batting an eye-lid. Ranbir, Sid..and all you guys there.. are you listening? And then you can imagine Deepika's expectations from you considering her dad badminton champion Prakash Padukone was an achiever and world renowned sports figure. Deepika's co-star Saif seemed taken by surprise with her answer, he was seen shaking his head in disbelief.

When Katrina met a shark

She developed a fear of that particular marine species during the shoot of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

Katrina Kaif has a new-found fear. And no, it's not about never having a second chance at love. Reportedly, the actress has developed Selachophobia, fear of sharks. In Zinadagi Na Milegi Dobara, Katrina plays a diving instructor. Initially, she was very enthusiastic to indulge in the sport, until of course her first brush with a shark.

Our source told us, "Katrina had no idea what awaited her in the sea. When she was offered the role of Laila, the sexy diving instructor in Excel Entertainment's Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, she was very excited to start shooting. Closer to the start of filming, Katrina, had a private instructor, who trained her in deep sea diving, at Otters Club, in Bandra.

She was under the impression that 'this is easy' as all she had to do was practice to breath in the deep-end of the pool. But when she landed up for the actual shoot, she was in shock. During the shoot, the weather was acting up. There was a storm at sea. Two hours into sailing, the instructor asked her to jump into the sea.

When she looked up, everyone was frantically gesturing to her. She thought they were making fun of her. She swam around, mesmerized by the aquatic life. After the shoot, the crew confessed to her that when she took her first dip, a shark passed from above her. She was shocked that nobody told her to get out of the water. The thought of the incident alone was enough to mortify her."

When contacted, Katrina said, "When Zoya had told me about my character, I had to practice deep sea diving. So, I went to Otter's Club in Bandra with a coach. In the swimming pool, I ventured into the deep-end. I even sat there and practiced, but nothing prepared me for the big ocean.

We were shooting for three days to get the shot right and I lost about 3kg due to the mental strain and fear. I was really scared. In the shot, I am supposed to hold Hrithik's hand and walk, but if you look closely, I was clutching his hand because I was scared."

Salman's live gig inspires Aamir

Just recently, Salman Khan and his Ready gang announced their plans regarding a Live Mad Concert in Mumbai so that Khan's fans get up, close and personal with him.

The agenda is to promote Salman's forthcoming film Ready. And for a film the music of which is already making waves, what better an idea than a live concert? The event to be held on June 2 will have Salman performing live on stage on the hit tracks from the film with Asin and Zareen Khan. Music director Pritam and singer Neeraj Shridhar will also join in and complete the gang.

To see Salman come up with such unique promotional fundas is truly surprising. But what's even more interesting is that he is now the source of inspiration even for the likes of Aamir Khan, who's known for his out of the box promotional ideas.

An industry source reveals that after Sallu came up with the idea of a live show, Aamir Khan's production house too is mulling over taking the same route to promote Delhi Belly. The source revealed that the song DK Bose from Delhi Belly has caught up with the youth and it has rock elements in it. Therefore the promotion team working on Delhi Belly is giving the idea of a rock show a thought.

We hear that if the plans materialize, lead stars Imran Khan, Vir Das and Kunal Roy Kapoor will perform in front of their fans joined by Ram Sampat, the composer and singer of DK Bose.

Would Aamir Khan join the gang too to increase the star power? Only time will tell...

It's a very stressful time for my family: Zoa

For 23-year-old Zoa Morani, life changed lanes suddenly when dad Karim Morani, director of Cineyug Films, was named an accused in the 2G scam.

She was getting ready to promote her debut movie, " Always Kabhie Kabhie", when she found herself surrounded by controversy. Since then, she's been paying regular visits to Delhi for her dad's trial, even as she balances promotional events for her films across the country. DT caught up with her on Saturday, when she was here.

"I landed in Delhi for a few hours, after which I had to go to Mumbai for promotions. Then I came back to Delhi and had to go back again. This whole week, I've been going up and down and trying to find a balance between papa's trial and my promotions." She adds, "No one anticipates anything like this, you know. It's all been so unexpected. I've always been the apple of my father's eye and beech mein, while growing up, I became a little bratty. But then around two years ago, I felt that I should again get back that status of the 'apple of my father's eye' and I started working really hard. This movie means so much to me because I want to make him proud. But the situation is so terrible right now. I don't understand how it all changed so suddenly. He's not by my side when I need him the most."

Zoa says that she's "literally floating through time" and doesn't know how she really is dealing with the uncertainty of her dad's future. "I'm completely spaced out. And I know papa too is very hassled, even though he wants to focus on the release. But he cannot – he doesn't know what will happen. I'm having a conversation with God as to why he made me face such circumstances. I know this too shall pass, but one does wonder why one had to face all this."

Zoa adds, "It's a very stressful time for my family and me. My mother is a very strong woman, my younger sister's also dealing with it, and so am I. At times it all becomes really strange – one minute I'm in court for Papa's trial, and then the next, I'm facing cameras to promote my film and then I'm travelling across cities, and coming to Delhi to be by his side. It's at moments like these when you need to hide your emotions and bring out the actor in you. It's really difficult to manage it like this, but we are all standing firm because we know he's innocent."
But it's his health that she says she is most worried about. She says, "No one seems to understand how bad his health is. He's had heart trouble since he was 30. We are used to waking up in the night and calling a doctor for him. But who will do all that now? He takes blood thinners and daily exercise is very important for him; not adhering to all this could prove fatal. But who will take responsibility for all of this during the trial? That's stressing us the most."

Morani's friend Shah Rukh Khan has stood by him, and the family, says Zoa, is grateful. "SRK has stood by my father and that's the time you get to know who your real friends are. He's been a pillar of support. And the statements he's given about standing by papa's side – you know he is someone who truly values friendships."

Hilton feels bad for Brooke Mueller

Socialite Paris Hilton sympathises with her friend Brooke Mueller, estranged wife of Charlie Sheen, who is struggling to overcome substance abuse problems.

Mueller was filming for Hilton's new reality show "The World According to Paris" at the time and the hotel heiress admits it was difficult to watch her friend suffer.

"You know, it was a lot of things going on during that whole Charlie thing during the show and I think she was going through a lot," Hilton said on " The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno.

Mueller has turned to professionals to help her.

"Right now she's in treatment and I'm wishing her the best. She's going through a lot. It has (been hard to see). It's definitely been something that she has been struggling with since her teen years and it's a daily struggle,"

Willis to play 'lamest hitman' in Looper

Actor Bruce Willis' character in new movie "Looper" is the 'lamest hitman in the world' says director Rian Johnson.

Willis will play a contract killer, or Looper, in the new time-travel thriller. His character executes people before they technically exist, but director Rian Johnson says that it doesn't mean it's a glamorous role.

"In truth, a Looper is more of a garbage man. They have the lamest hitman job in the world. Calling a Looper a hitman makes it romantic," contactmusic quoted Johnson as saying.

Explaining the film's time-travel theme a little further, the director, says that the concept will be "very illegal" in the movie, but only in the future.

"In the film time travel won't have been invented yet, but 30 years down the line from that it definitely will be - and when it is it's going to be very illegal.It will also be difficult to dispose of a body, so criminals will have to go back in time and assemble a team of assassins, called Loopers. They kidnap the guy, zap him back 30 years and the Looper shoots them dead. Its' the perfect crime! The Looper kills someone who doesn't technical exist yet, so that person vanishes from the future," he said.

The film also stars Bruce and Joseph Gordon-Levitt playing the same character in different times. "Looper" is set for release in 2012.

Garson's son never wants him to get married

American character actor Willie Garson says that he and his adopted son Nathen are so close that the nine-year-old doesn't ever want his dad to get married.

"I warn Nathen that in five years time, he isn't going to want to talk to me. He says, 'You can never get married.' He wants me all to himself - and I quite enjoy that," contactmusic quoted Garson as saying.

The 47-year-old,who is known for playing Carrie Bradshaw's flamboyant best friend Stanford Blatch in the movie " Sex and the City", also admits that he will not feel upset if never get the chance to marry.

"My feeling has always been that it's fine if I never get married.'ve got close to it, but I'm glad we didn't. I was in a relationship, she didn't want to have kids and it ended. Not because of that, but it was always an issue," he added.

I don't get approached: James McAvoy

James McAvoy has revealed that he hardly ever gets noticed when walking down the street.

The X-Men: First Class actor, who spends most of his time in London, explained that he rarely gets approached when he is out.

The actor who shot to fame after his phenomenal performance in The last king of Scotland and Atonement is quite popular with the girls and thus his this revelation came as a surprise.

He told a magazine: "People have been asking me about fame since I did Narnia. It never seemed to happen.

"I've been recognised on the streets maybe about ten times since then. It never really worries me, that stuff. I'm standing outside school gates going, 'Recognise me, recognise me, please!'"

McAvoy's co-star Michael Fassbender, who plays Magneto in the movie, said that he also receives minimal attention, but added that were he to become a more recognisable face, there would not be much he could do about it.

Priyanka's old world charm in Kunal Kohli's next

It seems actress Priyanka Chopra is set to create the old world charm with her looks in Kunal Kohli's yet-untitled next.

A picture of the actress on the sets of the film in Mumbai shows her in a pink fish cut lehenga, a short blouse and Mumtaz-style draped dupatta. She also sports the classic bouffant hairdo, complete with white flowers to add grace, something seen in the movies of 1970s.

If the grapevine is to be believed, Priyanka and Shahid Kapur are expected to play four sets of characters each in the romantic film, the story of which spans four cities.

It seems Priyanka is trying to master the art of playing multiple roles, and carrying different looks in a single film. First she played 12 different roles in "What's Your Rashee?" and then she was seen in seven looks in Vishal Bharadwaj's "7 Khoon Maaf".

Currently, she is busy shooting for Kohli's film with Shahid at the Mehboob Studios and other locations in Mumbai.

Kardashians: When It Comes to Engagement Rings, ‘Kim Wins’

Kim Kardashian wasn’t the only one surprised by Kris Humpries’ romantic proposal; the reality star’s family was equally shocked — and awed — by the 20.5-carat engagement ring stunner that he gave her. “We had no idea [about the engagement],” Kourtney Kardashian told PEOPLE yesterday in L.A. during a Keeping Up with the Kardashians junket with sister Khloé. “We were both surprised at the dinner when Kim came out with her big rock and she started waving it in the air!” Bling was already all in the family for the Kardashians. Matriarch Kris has a major rock of her own and Khloé’s engagement sparkler from Lamar Odom totals 12.5 carats. But don’t expect any serious bling competition among the Kardashian ladies. Says Kourtney with a laugh: “Kim wins! Kim’s is the largest!” –Reagan Alexande

Another hairy moment for Katie Price

KATIE PRICE's hair problems continue.

The glamour model's locks looked an unsightly mess as she was seen leaving a friend's home in London last night.

Heaped into a BRITNEY-esque bun on top of her head, Katie's extensions were clearly visible.

There also appeared to be a noticeable change in colour between the roots and the hair pieces.

Katie's not had a great run of form with hairdressers, most recently threatening to sue a top Hollywood hair salon after a botched £11,000 hair extension job.

Katie - aka JORDAN - jetted 3000 miles to the States last December to see Lea Journo, one of the area's most in-demand coiffeurs.

However she claims the expensive treatment - which took 48 hours, over a period of five days - left her hair so damaged that she then spent £45,000 trying to sort it out.

After visiting a pal, Jordan was driven home by toyboy LEANDRO PENNA.

While her hair's condition is deteriorating, their romance is still going strong three months after meeting at SIR ELTON JOHN's post-Oscar party.

Lindsay Lohan’s flat on her back

BOOZY LINDSAY LOHAN is flat on her back again - but this time it's all in the name of art.

The troubled actress, 24 - under house arrest in Malibu for her latest brush with the law - got a remarkable tribute from director RICHARD PHILLIPS.

He said: "Lindsay has an incredible emotional and physical presence on screen that holds an existential vulnerability while harnessing the power of the transcendental, the moment in transition.

"She is able to connect with us past all of our memory and projection, expressing our own inner eminence."

He is directing a 97-second arty short showing her larking around.

Don't expect shots like the one below.

Has Cheryl already bagged a BBC job?

She’s been ditched from the US X Factor and she's already back in the UK and in talks with ITV1 about the UK show – but now it seems the BBC have stuck their oar in and have said they want Cheryl Cole to become a judge on their new talent show, The Voice.

The Daily Mirror have exclusively reported that Chezza is in the front running for the new show – and that it might just be the ultimate decision that will get Simon Cowell back for humiliating her with the whole sorry US episode.

The Voice is planned for early next year and is already a hit over in America. And now the BBC are hoping for the same success over here - and they think Chezza just might be the girl for the job.

Despite reports that Cheryl’s been demanding a huge pay rise to return to the X Factor this year (with some publications even saying she’s asked for double her old salary – crikey) ,The Mirror claims she has actually found out that she’ll be taking a hefty pay cut if she decides to return - not good.

So understandably, Cheryl’s record label, Universal, prefer the BBC’s plan as they have a huge part in The Voice and are reportedly raging at Simon for allowing Chezza’s dream to come crashing down. A insider at the label said, “Universal are heavily involved in recruiting judges for The Voice when it moves to the BBC and they are urging Cheryl to be the big star of that show. It would be a fresh start for her and it would mean she could work with people she trusts and who have her best interests at heart.”

Blimey, well it seems Cheryl’s career could indeed be sorted if she agrees to the BBC deal and it might just be the new beginning she needs away from all this X Factor palaver. How do you folk feel? Would you like to see Cheryl on a new panel or should she go back to her old job? Or should she just stick to the singing? Do tell.

Example wants to collaborate with The Wanted

Blimey, here’s a pair up we never thought would happen. It’s sounding more and more like Example will be teaming up with those nice young boybanders, The Wanted, on their new album.

And neither party are being secretive about it either (thanks for that guys, we do like knowing what’s going down). In fact, Example took to Twitter yesterday to tell pal Siva Kaneswaran that he’s very much up for working on the boys’ new record which will be out later in the year.

“I defo want to be involved with the new album,” Example, aka Elliot Gleave, tweeted (to Siva). Prompting the welcome reply of, “I’m on it mate. Follow so I can DM you.” And just like that the conversation went private and we will have to wait for tales of studio laughs and lyric-writing until the album itself comes out.

So, would does this make you more curious about The Wanted’s talents? Or are you shocked that a manly man like Example has offered his services to a young band? Who else would you like to see feature? Should Max’s lady friend Michelle Keegan get her own lead in a track? Tell us good heatworld folk… and we might even let The Wanted know what you, er, want…

Ryan Reynolds breaks his silence on his divorce...

Up until now, Ryan ‘hot-bod’ Reynolds has remained extremely tight-lipped about his break up from Scarlet Johansson, but he’s opened up in the new issue of US title Details - and he seems very, very sad about it all.

The Green Lantern actor said (rather glumly), “What was happening privately was the exact opposite of what was being reported. There was no story and no scandal so the narrative was just created for me. That was the most disturbing part. I wasn’t angry. I absolutely predicted every beat of it.” Oh no! How much do you want to take him to your bosom right now and stroke his head while he talks to you (just us? OK then…)

The star also admitted he’s not ready to move on yet – saying a divorce can cause a lot of pain and that he knows it eventually gets better. “I’m not out of it yet,” he revealed. “At all. I have no interest in dating right now. It just seems so kind of alien to me at this point… I don’t think I want to get married again.” Aww, poor Ryan, anyone else’s heart breaking for him right about now?

The fact is, it really can’t be easy for Ryan - especially when he's seeing his ex all together and smiling with Sean Penn. The new couple haven't eactly been keeping things on the downlow - and in fact, is it just us or does Scarlett seems rather settled with Sean already? What with them attending the Whitehouse Correspondent's dinner together too... But we don’t doubt there’ll be a whole host of ladies trying to make Ryan feel better. And we’ll be at the front of the queue – we’re sure we’ll see you there. Ryan, babe, we’re here for you…

Has Cheryl Cole really been sacked from X Factor US? Sinitta’s not sure...

The entire gossip loving world is convinced that Cheryl Cole has been booted off the American version of The X Factor, but one person who isn’t convinced that Cheryl is a goner is Sinitta.

Speaking on ITV1’s Daybreak the 80s pop star, who is of course a very good friend of Simon Cowell’s, spoke about the current situation – although sadly she wasn’t in a position to actually tell us exactly what the deal is. “There is something going on,” continues Sinitta, “All I can say is Simon and Cheryl are very close and I believe they are in talks to try and sort something out. As soon as they agree on something then we will hear about it.

"They are having private conversations. Simon really, really wanted Cheryl on the American show. He really fought to have her there."

"They are talking and they are working on something that they will agree on. Simon was 100% behind Cheryl and I am sure that very, very soon, maybe today, we will find out what that decision will be.

"When I spoke to Simon a few weeks ago all he spoke about was how well it was going and how much he was enjoying the show."

"Personally if she is not going to be on the American show then it would be great to have her back here - I know that's what her fans want."

So really we're things aren't actually any clearer - well thanks Sinitta. We just wish someone, somewhere would make an official statement and put an end to all the hoo-ha.

Elton John and David Furnish first gay couple to be nominated for celeb dad of the year

Bless. Elton John and his hubby David Furnish who adopted their son Zachary at Christmas this year (a babies a bit nicer than a pair of socks eh?) have been nominated for Premier Inn’s Celebrity Dad of the Year award, this is nice because 1. Well, it’s just nice and 2. They’re like totes the first ever gay couple to be nominated. Woo. We’re not 100% sure what Premier Inn has to do with Celebrity Dad’s but it’s very good all the same.

Other people to be nominated include Peter Andre (who won in 2010), Gavin Henson (yes, he’s still alive) and David Beckham, in fairness he is a really good celebrity Dad – think of all of those pics of him doting over his super cool kids - but we don’t like to think of him that way because it ruins our fantasies of getting off with him when we remember how happy him and VB are.

Because we had five minute we thought of some reasons why we wish that Elton John had adopted us instead of Zachary:

• He has a lot of money
• He is friends with Lady Gaga
• He has a lot of money

If you, like us, are killing the time until the end of the day when you can go drink in a pub then you can vote for who you think will be the best celeb dad at www.facebook.com/premierinn with the winner presented with their award at an exclusive presentation ceremony in London on 16th June 2011.

We’re hoping by writing this we’ll get invited and the fit Dad’s might have friends? YEAH?