Apelaboo.....!

Is it Angelina Jolie or is it Halle Berry. Who is the most beautiful international female celebrity? Here is what a recent list revealed.

Angelina Jolie has been named the most beautiful international female celebrity by Who magazine. It is not the first time that she has topped the list of world's most beautiful women. This Academy award winner actor is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency too. Text courtesy: ANI In photo: US actress Angelina Jolie waves to photographers as she holds a press conference in Tokyo Friday, Jan. 30, 2009. Jolie is in Tokyo to promote Clint Eastwood's latest film, 'Changeling,' in which she stars. (AP Photo)

Second on the magazine's list is Kate Winslet. Winslet, who is critically acclaimed for her movies like 'Titanic' received the Academy award recently for her flick 'The Reader'. In photo: Kate Winslet arrives at the premiere of "Revolutionary Road" in Los Angeles on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008. (AP Photo)

This is not the first time that Jessica Alba has come among the top of the most beautiful women list. Her name figures frequently name on the on the "Hot 100" section of Maxim and AskMen.com. She is third on the list. In photo: In this March 29, 2008 file photo, Jessica Alba is shown at the 21st Annual Kids' Choice Awards in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

Halle Berry is the fourth in the list. She has on many occasions been the 'Sexiest Women in The World'. In photo: Actress Halle Berry attends the Calvin Klein 40th anniversary party during Fashion Week in New York, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008. (AP Photo)

Jennifer Aniston: This Golden Globe and Emmy award winner, rounds off the top five. In photo: Actress Jennifer Aniston arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar party on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, in West Hollywood, Calif. (AP Photo)

From Michelle and Barack Obama to Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, here is a look at some of the most famous married couples. (AP Photo)

Michelle and Barack Obama : US First Couple Barack and Michelle Obama are seen as a perfect married couple. Michelle, who was working at law firm, was assigned the role of advisor to a summer associate from Harvard, Barack Obama. Michelle Obama is quoted to have said, 'Barack didn't pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he's delivered.' He sure did - he has made her the First Lady of the United States! In photo: President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance together at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Abhishek and Ash : When they first came together for the role in 'Dhai Akshar Prem Ke', they were both in love, but to different people. Ash was dating Salman Khan and Abhishek was dating Karishma. And over the years, fate brought them together. Their friendship flourished. And before long, there were whispers of Abhishek spending extra time with Aishwarya. Abhishek proposed to Aishwarya after the premiere of their movie ‘Guru’ in Toronto and Ash did not have to think twice before saying 'I do'. In photo: Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan and his wife Indian actress Aishwarya Rai arrive for the premiere of the film 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' during the 61st International film festival in Cannes, southern France, on Saturday, May 17, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Victoria and David Beckham: He went down on his knee to propose to her. And they both shed tears after they got married. The romance between Posh Spice and David Beckham got off as a low key affair but ended in a marriage. Though the wedding was a low key 'all family and close friends' affair, the reception was extravagant. In photo: David Beckham and wife Victoria Beckham arrive at the ESPYs Awards on Wednesday July 16, 2008 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Aamir and Kiran Rao: Aamir, it is said got close to Kiran on the sets of his super hit movie 'Lagaan'. Kiran was assisting director Ashutosh Gowariker in the production of 'Swadesh' while Aamir was working on his movie. It was in the sleepy town of Panchgani that they met, fell in love and it was here that they married too. The wedding had the who is who in entertainment industry in attendance. And things have been perfect till now. In photo:Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, right, and his wife Kiran Rao, second left, meet guests at their marriage reception in Bangalore, India, Monday, Jan. 2, 2006. Khan tied the knot with film director Rao last Wednesday at simple ceremony in Bombay. Khan, 41, met Rao during the making of his 2001 hit film 'Lagaan' or 'Land Tax,' which was nominated for an Oscar in the foreign film category. (AP Photo)

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes: It was a whirlwind romance for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes since he proposed to her on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The marriage was solemnized at a castle in Italy, according to Scientology rites. And it had their close associates flying down just for the wedding. In photo:U.S actor Tom Cruise, right, and his wife U.S. actress Katie Holmes pose for pictures during the red carpet premiere of Cruise's most recent film "Valkyrie" in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009. (AP Photo/ Ricardo Moraes)

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle : Akshay Kumar, the action hero of Bollywood, was romantically linked with many Bollywood actress before he fell for actress Twinkle Khanna. They had a whirlwind love affair and got married. While Akshay retains the action hero title, Twinkle has settled down as an interior designer and co-owner of The White Window store. In photo: Actor Akshay Kumar, left, and his wife Twinkle Khanna arrive at a screening of the feature film "Chandni Chowk To China" at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, Calif. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)

SRK and Gauri Khan: What makes Shah Rukh Khan's marriage tick? He says, 'Gauri and I have one thing in common. I like me and she likes me.' May be that is the secret of their successful marriage. Even though they both hail from different religions, it has never been an issue between them feels Gauri. She is the face of the fashion line, 'Aftershock' and has also appeared on cover of the Indian edition of Vogue magazine. In photo: Bollywood actor Sharukh Khan, left, and his wife Gauri Khan, right, listens to Mushtaq Shiekh, writer of Shahrukhs biography Still Reading Khan, during its release in Mumbai, India, late Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006. (AP Photo)

Mumbai, April 12 (IANS) Prachi Desai has teamed up with mentor Ekta Kapoor for 'Once Upon A Time', in which she plays a don's wife. Prachi did a lot of homework for the role of a Muslim working class girl in the 1970s, including visiting Muslim localities.

Prachi said she took up the role as she was bored of playing conventional roles. Playing a don's wife was something she could'nt resist.

The role requires Prachi to look like a Muslim working-class girl in 1975 who gets involved with a don. Prachi along with Ekta has been catching up on all the video footage and hunting for clothes all over to prepare for the role.

She went to the Muslim localities of Mumbai last month, including Haji Ali, to pick up salwar-kameez suits.

'This character is from a time that existed before me. Yes, I've done plenty of reading on my character. I want to look and feel like Mehjabeen. And it's such a challenge,' Prachi told IANS.

While Ekta is producing it, Milan Luthria will wield the megaphone.

'Doing a film with Balaji is like coming home. Shobha aunty, Jeetu (Jeetendra) uncle and Ekta are like family. I remained connected with them when I did 'Rock On!' because it was made by Ekta's cousin Gattu (Abhishek Kapoor).

Though she didn't want to play wife again, Prachi couldn't resist this role.

'That's true. I didn't want to get into yet another wife's role after 'Rock On' and 'Life Partner'. Come on, yaar! I'm so young. I want to have fun and I keep getting these serious roles. But playing the don's life partner in 'Once Upon A Time...' was a challenge that I couldn't resist,' said Prachi, who made her big screen debut as Farhan Akhtar's wife in 'Rock On!'.

'My second film 'Life Partner' has Ekta's brother Tusshar Kapoor as my co-star. And now I'm finally doing a Balaji production,' said Prachi who started her acting career with Ekta's popular TV series 'Kasamh Se'.

Rakhi Sawant will get married in a novel way, at least to the present generation. The actress will select her groom on the television show Rakhi Ka Swayamvara. The suitors, 15 of them, will be put to a series of tests that will determine their character, personality, physical fitness, compatibility and talent.

The viewers can also help Rakhi decide on her groom by voting for them. On the final week, the actress will wed the winner on television.

Speaking about the show, Rakhi said that she is excited about it because all her fans can witness her wedding on the television.

The Rakhi Ka Swayamvara will be produced by SOL Productions Private Limited.

Film: 'Jhossh'; Cast: Rakesh, Poorna, Alok, Amit, Akshay, Vishnu, Achyutha, Sreenivasa Prabhu, Thulasi Shivamani, Sudha Belawadi, Karibasavayya; Story-Screenplay-Direction: Shivamani; Producer: Sanjay Babu, S.V. Babu; Camera: Santhosh Kumar Pathaaje; Music Director: Vardhan; Dialogue: B.A. Madhu; Rating: ****

Veteran film director Shivamani makes a grand comeback with youth oriented film 'Jhossh'. The film introduces a number of fresh faces to the Kannada screen. Shivamani had organised an elaborate talent hunt programme to find the right cast for the film.

Shivamani's earlier films were technically good but failed to click at the box office because of weak scripts. But in 'Jhossh', the director has ensured that the script is good. It has surely helped the film.

What makes 'Jhossh' a special film is that all the fresh faces have effectively portrayed their roles. And the film looks real as the narrative ably reflects the aspirations, frustrations, adolescence, dynamism, confusions of the students who have just entered college life.

Shivamani's narrative doesn't deviate from the main goal of showing problems of teens. As a screenplay writer he has managed to hit the bull's eye by packaging real life incidents with some commercial elements.

Santhosh Pathaaje's cinematography is brilliant and is one of the highlights of the film. And debutant music director Vardhan's compositions are also top class. Songs like 'Mera Bharath Mahaan', 'Than thane' and 'Hey maga' are sure to become chartbusters.

The film, however, has a few flaws that could have been avoided. For instance, Robo Ganesh's ragging antics irritate. The first half could have been trimmed. And Sharan's comedy in the first half is not up to the mark.

The film revolves around Rakesh who is very popular among his friends but he doesn't focus on his studies. Rakesh falls in love with his classmate Meena and is so obsessed with her that he spends maximum time wooing her.

But Rakesh has a setback when Meena starts ignoring him to concentrate on her studies after her father counsels her. After being rejected by Meena, Rakesh tries to woo another girl Meera who tells him they can be good friends but she can't marry him because he is not serious about his future.

Finally, Rakesh's friends make him realise his mistakes.

Newcomers Rakesh, Veena, Nithya, Alok, Amit, Akshay, Vishnu and Rambo Ganesh have given good performances. Shivamani has been able to extract the best out of these artistes. Veterans like Ninaasam Achyutha, Sudha Belawadi, Thulasi Shivamani, Sreenivasa Prabhu, Karibasavayya, Jaadhav have adequately supported the young cast members.

'Jhossh' is certainly one of the best original films released in recent days. It is certainly a benchmark for youth oriented films in Kannada. The film has all the elements to attract a large audience.

As she unbuttoned the top few buttons on her husband's jeans at a fashion show recently as part of the campaign, Twinkle Khanna never expected the kind of uproar that one gesture of hers would create. She and her husband Akshay Kumar, along with the show organizers, were booked for obscenity.

According to sources, Akshay is out of the country but Twinkle is believed to have tried to avoid the arrest for a while. But on Wedesday she was arrested by cops and then released on a bail of Rs 950. The actress was accompanied by her lawyer to the police station in Vakola where the case was registered. The entire episode of arrest and bail took about a couple of hours. The cops are now waiting for the "khiladi', who is expected to be back in the city this week and will also give the cops a chance to arrest him and complete the legal formalities. This is not the first time that such obscenity cases have been lodged against models and actors. The most famous of these was the Milind Soman-Madhu Sapre case. The two models were charged with obscenity for a sports shoe commercial that they did together. Another such case was that regarding Malika Sherawat. She was charged with obscenity for her New Year appearance at a five star. Anyway, but this drama still has its last act to be played out as Akshay's arrest is still pending.

Few days back a shocking news about Akshay Kumar-Twinkle Khanna fall out was published by some newspaper. As per the news things weren't going fine between the couple due to which Akshay moved out of his place and stayed at a hotel for four days. This news has definitely annoyed the couple. They have decided to take a legal action against the publication. Pertaining to the news, the spokesperson for Akshay and Twinkle released a statement which says, "They will not stand for fall and malicious reporting by any publication anymore. They have sent a legal notice to the concerned publication for the false report that they published on 24th July 2007 and they will take them to court."

The petition in this regard is being filed in the court today i.e. 26th July 2007.

Mumbai Mantra Media Ltd. and White Feather Films Pvt. Ltd. announced the completion of their film 'Acid Factory'. The release date of the film will be announced at the forthcoming IIFA Awards. Presented by Mumbai Mantra and produced by White Feather Films, 'Acid Factory' is one of the most awaited films of 2009 and is slated for a post monsoon release this year. The film stars Irfaan Khan, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Dino Morea, Manoj Bajpai, Danny Denzongpa, Dia Mirza and is directed by Suparn Verma.

"White Feather Films is one of the most consistently successful production companies in the industry today. From 'Kaante' to 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' and now, 'Acid Factory', Sanjay & his team have created a label that attracts the best talent in the business & stands for unparalleled quality. We believe that 'Acid Factory' will be the most kick ass movie of the year and we are collectively working towards making it a path breaker in the thriller genre.'' says Andrey Purushottam, CEO Mumbai Mantra.

Commenting on the association with Mumbai Mantra, producer Sanjay Gupta says, "I am particularly excited about the synergy of the two companies with similar cerebral associations. White Feather Films has always been associated with machismo and style from Kaante to our latest offering Acid Factory. We are proud to begin this exciting new association with Acid Factory the mother of all thrillers. We are glad to push the envelope and challenge the limits with this film and our new partnership".

The film promises to be an outstanding exhilarating suspense thriller.

She admits that no position in the film industry is permanent but at the same time Kareena Kapoor is excited after replacing Aishwarya Rai in Filmfare's power list. The actress says the position is both flattering and scary as it comes with a lot of responsibilities. (Content Courtesy: IANS)

'I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it's a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I'm definitely going to try my best to hold that position,' Kareena told IANS.

Kareena, who was seen in last year's hit 'Golmaal Returns', admits the power comes not just from the movies, but also the products that one endorses.

'But I make sure the products reflect my personality. I'm endorsing 10 brands. Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We're going easy on signing together,' she said.

Q: It's quite an honour to zoom to the top 10 of the power list and to be the only woman there.

A: It's flattering. And it's scary. Lots of responsibilities. My power comes from my honesty to myself and to my work. I've always done things that come naturally from my heart. It's amazing that I'm in the power list although I've never applied much thought to the process of getting there. I'm all heart, as you well know. At the end of the day, being true to myself is very important.

Q: Earlier Aishwarya Rai was in the Top 10 list.

A: Yes, I know. Everyone has a chance to be in a certain position. I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it's a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I'm definitely going to try my best to hold that position.

The position makes me feel very responsible. I want to keep doing the kind of work that will keep me in that list. Last year I was seen in a successful film 'Golmaal Returns' where I didn't have a pivotal role. Strangely audiences expect me to take centre stage all the time.

Q: How much of this power comes in a package with beau Saif Ali Khan?

A: We can't deny he's also one of the hottest actors in the industry. I think we are blend of looks and spirit. Saif and I are very alike. He also follows his heart and is very honest in what he does. Whether it's his professional or personal life, he comes clean.

Q: The power comes not just from the movies but also the products that you endorse.

A: I agree. But I make sure the products reflect my personality. My products are young, zestful, fun and classy. Yeah, I do a lot of endorsements. I'm endorsing 10 brands. Curiously Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We're going easy on signing together.



Q: So will you continue to be known as Kareena Kapoor after marriage?

A: I haven't thought of it. Kareena Kapoor Khan sounds good. I leave the decision to Saif.

Q: Did (close friend) Amrita Arora's marriage make you wishful for your own?

A: I am with Saif constantly. For us, marriage is just a piece of paper.

John Abraham set the ramp on fire as he walked in a Rohit Bal sherwani at the recently held Kolkata Fashion Week. Our correspondent catches up with the model-turned-actor about women, his 'hot bod' and of course, Bipasha. You are mostly into western wear. But just now, you walked in a heavily handworked sherwani . Are you comfortable? I am wearing a Rohit Bal outfit...do you think there is even the slightest scope for discomfort. But then, I got what you mean...see, I am into show business and when it comes to looking good on ramp or on camera, we are ready for anything. Here, the idea was to connect to every Indian man and I think I have been able to do that. Text Courtesy: Glamsham.com

What if the men in the audience suffer from 'Dostana' syndrome after this show? I am very cool with it. But would love it if you girls too cheer for me.

Do you enjoy Indian wear? Yes, I enjoy wearing Indian clothes; especially the sherwani Rohit has given me is too lovely. I would love to wear it at a red carpet event. But then, to be very honest, Indian outfits are too heavy and gorgeous, very contradictory to the hot and humid climate. So it's really difficult to carry them on a regular basis. But I do wear ethnic stuffs on certain occasions.

What do you prefer wearing on a regular basis? I am a blue jeans white T-Shirt guy regularly. But does that make any difference? Rohit (Bal) just told me backstage that to look well; I don't need to wear anything. (Smiles mischievously)

Why is that you always say Kolkata is D-city for you? Because, as compared to Mumbai, Kolkata is very relaxing. Here after a day's work, you can really retire to bed, do nothing but relax. At times, you really go desperate for a break and some peace, and this city offers you that in plenty.

Would you like to walk the ramp together with Bipasha? Yes definitely...I would love to walk the ramp with her. Bipasha had been a great, in fact one of the best, models of her times. She is superb. Honestly, walking with Bipasha Basu will be walking with a supermodel. She looks hotter than me anytime on the ramp

What is fashion to you? Just enjoy the clothes you wear and feel comfortable. If I am enjoying my walk on the ramp today, it's because I am enjoying the outfit.

Actress Ayesha Takia, born of a Gujarati father and a mother who is half British and half Maharashtrian, is an Anglo-Indian Muslim who grew up in Mumbai. Text courtesy: Movietalkies.com

She began her career when she was just sixteen in ads like the one for the health drink Complan with Shahid Kapur- I'm a Complan Boy! I'm a Complan Girl! She next appeared in Falguni Pathak's music video and one for the video, Shake It Daddy.

Film offers poured in after this and she is believed to have signed a contract for Imtiaz Ali's Socha Na Tha opposite Abhay Deol and Taarzan: The Wonder Car. However, delays in making Socha Na Tha meant that Taarzan was her first release.

She bagged the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award in 2004 for her performance in the film. Subsequently, she has done quite a few films which did not fare very well at the box office.

But the 2006 film, Dor, directed by Nagesh Kuknoor, had the critics raving about her performances yet again. Her recent films like, Sunday and De Taali have not fared very well at the box office. But she will soon be seen in a movie called Paathshala opposite Shahid.

She recently got married to Farhan Azmi, a restaurateur.