Howzat!!! Andrew Symonds dating B-town hottie Minissha Lamba

Buzz is that Minissha Lamba and Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds could be more than buddies

Now this is some fodder for gossip. Buzz is that Minissha Lamba could have something special going on with Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds. And this is the same Andrew who had enraged Indian cricket fans with his racist remarks against Harbhajan Singh.

A little birdie chirps to say that the two have been spotted in different parts of the city on more than one occasion.

The birdie says, `Andrew was chilling around with Minissha at her birthday bash at a lounge on Friday evening along with lots of other close friends till the wee hours of the morning. The two were again spotted partying at a suburban club on Saturday evening and the revelry went on till next morning.`

Insiders say that the two have been close friends for more than a year and have many common friends. A friend of the actress says, `Actor Harman Baweja is a common friend.`

On another occasion Minissha was seen dining with the Aussie cricketer at a suburban hotel and the two were looking quite comfortable in each other's presence. Minissha was seen laughing and chitchatting throughout. Recently, the two even went to watch a film together. 

MOVIE MURDER 3 PICTURE

REVEALED: Who is Subhash Ghai's 'new find' Mishti?

Subhash Ghai's 'new find' Mishti from his film 'Kaanchi' is actually Bengali starlet Indrani Chakraborty

A few days ago, Subhash Ghai gushed in a daily about his 'new discovery' Mishti. The filmmaker apparently handpicked the Bengali newbie for his new project, touted as one of his most expensive and ambitious ventures.

Incidentally, Ghai who is known to be obsessed with the alphabet M, also stated how Mahima Choudhary was the only actress ever who he renamed.

However our sources indicate a very different picture. We are told that Mishti is actually a Kolkata-based Bengali starlet.

 Indrani Chakraborty

A source says, `Indrani is no fresh face, as claimed by Ghai. The starlet is part of a Bengali project that was being shot in UK. She has Prosenjit Chatterjee and Joey Debroy as her co-stars.`

Our sources from the Bengali film industry add that veteran director Basu Chatterjee's daughter Rupali Guha was helming the project. Incidentally, the reason why Ghai scouts for fresh talent for his projects is because he apparently hates 'begging' established actresses for dates.

The source points out, `Ghai's film goes on the floors on February 18. Indrani has to complete her Bengali film too. We wonder how the filmmaker will adjust his dates this time.` 

Movie Review: Don't Miss 'Akaash Vani'

In one of the film's high dramatic moments shot on a small deserted railway station in the night, the film's protagonists, now estranged by an unfortunate series of circumstances, sit on the bench and. . . well, they sob. Yes, they simply cry their hearts out. 

First, the girl. Then in a melancholic celebration of the me-too syndrome, the boy, now alas no longer a boy (and he smokes to prove it) also breaks into little sobs that build up into a wail as the shehnai, indicative of a cruel marital joke, plays in the background. . 
The sequence in the hands of a lesser director would have fallen flat on its sobbing face. Luv Ranjan has the punch-filled boys-will-be-boys saga Pyaar Ka Punchnaama behind him to prove his solid grip over the grammar of the hearts of the young and the confused. 

Akaash (Kartik Tiwari) and Vani (Nushrat Bharucha) seem clueless about what they really want out of life, or from each other. Is Akaash fooling around with her in the college ? Is he serious in his filmy antics? Or filmy in his serious antics? 

Ranjan's screenplay takes the lovers from the corny escapades and frigid philosophizing of the college campus to the precipice of heartbreak. The journey given a vivid visual manifestation by Sudhir K Chaudhuri's fluid camerawork, is made with ample feeling and remarkable restrain. 

Unlike other contemporary celluloid raconteurs Ranjan is not fearful of silences. He doesn't fill up every conceivable nook and corner of the storytelling with words and music, though I must state here that Hitesh Sonik's background music and the songs in the later part of the film go a long way in building an appealing case for the lead pair's star-crossed relationship.

If Akaash and Vani seem so lost without each other it's a lot to do with the way their emotions are pinned down by the words and the music that underline the course of their togetherness. 

On many occasions Ranjan allows the lead pair to share silences. A rarity in today's cinema where it is presumed that the average moviegoer has the attention-span of a sparrow looking for twigs before the rain starts pelting down. There are long meditative stretches of just simple non-verbal communication between the protagonists. It's a risk to allow audiences to get restive. But a risk worth taking. Ranjan's lovers come across as people who do what they do not to impress others but simply because their heart tells them to behave the way they are shown. Both the lead actors are extremely

affective in showing their character's innerworld.

Nushrat Bharucha has the author-backed role as the girl who must sacrifice her love to make her parents happy. Not exactly the most novel of ideas. The sincerity with which the young almost-new actress approaches her part propels the part to a level beyond the mundane. Yes, you feel the girl trapped in a marriage of compromise where the cruelty is so intangible and prone to sarcasm that it seems negligible from the outside. Director Luv Ranjan shows Vani's suffocation through some disturbing scenes of marital rape. Outwardly Vani's husband is no brute. She carries no signs of his cruelty on her body. It's worse. The soul gets wounded. 

In a languorously-shot lengthy stretch of post-marital escape into Utopian happiness we see Vani united with her lover again. They spend time together, frolic in the snow, live out some of the dreams they had dreamt during courtship. They don't talk much. And when they do the words are never meant to impress us. For a change the couple seems to be talking to each other rather than to an imaginary audience. 

Though the film belongs to the female protagonist, Kartik Tiwari manages to hold hisown with an endearing performance far removed from what he attempted in the director's Pyaar Ka Punchnaama. Both Kartik and Nushrat are here to stay. Though there are patches of aridity in the relationship (what was Akaash doing while Vani was suffering in malfunctional domesticity? ) this is a very good film about a bad marriage,or what havoc a wrong decision about one's life can create. 

To his credit director Luv Ranjan is able to hold the lovers' predicament in place. He has a keen eye for the inner life of his protagonists. Their inner turmoil is palpable and urgent. Seldom since Sanjay Leela Bhansali's have we wished so intently to see two people in love to be united.

Ranjan quietly sucks us into the story of Akaash and Vani. Suffused in contemplative silences and deriving its dramatic energy from the age-old debate on arranged versus love marriages, Akaash Vani is thoughtful and absorbing not prone to tripping over with nervous anxiety and excessive energy to hold our attention. 

The world of Akaash Vani is far removed from the bantering bawdy backchat of Pyaar Ka Punchnaama. But that is the beauty of the second film. It tells you that the director is not frozen in his initial world. With first-rate performances by both Nushrat and Kartik this is one love story you can't afford to miss.

Movie Review: 'Race 2' is gripping but doesn't win the 'Race'

Cast: Anil Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Ameesha Patel, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rajesh Khattar, Dalip Tahil

Directed By: Abbas Mustan

Review By: Faisal Saif

Ratings: * * *

Whoever is a Die-Hard Fan of Race, Is definitely looking forward for Race 2. This goes with me too. The excitement and anticipation ends here. As usual, Without using Pseudo Intellectual words, I will start my review being as simple as i can. 

They say Revenge is a dish, Best served Cold. This proverb exactly follows the film Race 2. You have beautiful looking Cars, Stylized Men, Gorgeous and Seductive Women which is accompanied by Cheat, Lust, Sex, Betrayal and Survival.

Ranveer (Saif Ali Khan) and Sonia (Bipasha Basu) (In a Cameo) were in love and living their life. But suddenly Sonia get's killed in a mysterious circumstances and Ranveer begins the quest to find her killer. Ranveer is helped by his old friend Robert D'Costa (Anil Kapoor) and his secretary Cherry (Ameesha Patel). Robert D'Costa is no more a Cop but now a refined Club-Owner living a luxurious life with his Fruits. 

Ranveer lands up in Turkey where the Indian Mafia is run by Armaan Malik (John Abraham) and his lover Elena (Deepika Padukone). Armaan has his own Revenge Story to tell.

The Entry Scene of every actor in the film is filmed with a Brilliant Manner. The first half of the film belongs to Saif Ali Khan every way. 

John Abraham's performance is another Plus Point. Anil Kapoor rocks as Robert D'Costa once again with his double-meaning jokes and Fruits (Not to be missed). 

Deepika Padukone, Ameesha Patel and Jacqueline Fernandez are 'Drop-Dead' gorgeous in the movie, Out of all three, Deepika Padukone steals the show. I will not reveal much about her part as that would ruin your interest, But Deepika in a different avatar is a treat to watch. 

However there are some slow moments in the film especially the John Abraham fight (Which is almost there for 5 good minutes), But might be a 'Treat' for John Abraham fans? 

Director duo Abbas Mustan re-creates their magic of Suspense Thriller genre again. Every scene in the film belongs to them. Ravi Yadav's camera-work is eye catching and well crafted. The music of Race 2 is already a Rage. The Music becomes more poisonous once you watch the songs on the Big Screen, Especially 'Lat Lag Gayee'.

Race 2 cannot be compared with Race, Especially for the Chills, Thrills and Twists the first one had, But Race 2 continues to be a High Octane thriller with Fantastic Star value and performances. Race 2 too keeps you hooked on your seat's edge till it ends.

New mommy Aishwarya isn't bothered about the weight gain

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is back in action though her mind keeps oscillating between work and baby Aaradhya. Sreya Basu in conversation with the actress in Mumbai

The award season has started in Bollywood. But you don't have a nomination this year. Any regrets? It's true I have no nominations for the first time in my career as I had no releases this year. I have not done a film for a year or two; but then, it's for the most special reason of my life, and that's having Aaradhya.

Do you remember your first award?
I came into the industry with a lot of expectations. I did not have the conventional launch; I did not live the life of a normal newcomer because I was already working on a number of films even before my first release (Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya, 1997).

I got my first Filmfare Award for Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (in 1999). To get such an award so early in my career was really prestigious for me. I still remember the excitement all around me.

Do you think Indian film is finally getting its due respect?
Cinema is almost a part of our culture today. We grew up on it. It's a part of our tradition and festivities; we enjoy the music, the emotions shown on screen. I don't think anybody will shy away from acknowledging how much he/she enjoys cinema. And today Indian cinema enjoys global recognition retaining our identity on the world platform with absolute pride.

Now-a-days the industry is spilling with new talents. What's your take on this?
The industry has always welcomes new talent in every area, be it acting, or filmmaking or music, editing, cinematography, writing or choreography. It's wonderful that there is such influx of talents these days. It's great to know that people today are professionalizing their creative ambitions. 

When will we see you on screen again?
In our industry, no one can even guarantee the release date of a film because everything keeps changing here. I am saying this not as a sign of any disrespect but in good humour. But what I am trying to say is there can be no guarantee in a creative field like this.

It's a long process which starts from the time you read a script, then the team comes together, then the film is made. There are so many reasons which define the release of a film.

When I am onboard with a film, you will definitely know. I am reading scripts now, gradually. But you know, motherhood is time-consuming and time just flies when I am with Aaradhya. 

Is it difficult balancing career and motherhood?
I am clear on my priorities and I stay committed on whatever responsibility I take in life. I have always been committed in my professional and personal life and that's how it will always be in future as well.

How has motherhood changed you?
Motherhood is a blessing and the most beautiful experience of life.

Lots have been written about you post-motherhood weight gains.
I don't even bother myself thinking about all these. I am not staying hidden; I have chosen just to remain natural and accept the course of life. 

Salman proposes, Kangna Ranaut accepts

 

Upon Salman Khan's request, the busier-than-ever actress will continue being the face of his brother's cricket team

Buzz is that Salman Khan considers Kangna Ranaut his lucky charm. And that's the reason why Kangs will once again be the face of Sohail Khan's brother's celebrity cricket team this year. The actress will be present for most of the matches the team plays and is taking time out, especially for her friend.

A source says, `Though the first season last year wasn't good, the team managed to win the matches for which Kangna was present at the stadium. Salman has requested her to continue being the team's face and attend as many matches as possible to bring luck to the team.`

And we hear that despite a crammed timetable, Kangs has agreed to give in to Sallu's request. Kangna remained unavailable for comment. Maara chowka!

 

Sohail's team also gets five fresh faces this season. The team captained by Suniel Shetty will include Aditya Roy Kapoor, Yash Tonk, Indraneil Sengupta, Samir Kochhar and Rajneesh Gupta as the new players.

However, it still remains to be seen who will be replacing Riteish Deshmukh as the vice-captain of the team.

A source says, `Anna and all the other players are working very hard on their practice and fitness sessions and they hope to do better this time.`