Adnan Sami issued notice on his Mumbai estates

Adnan Sami has been issued a notice by the ED for owning eight flats and five car parking areas in Mumbai.Adnan Sami said: “I have received an order from the ED which says my estates will be confiscated if I do not file an appeal in the next 45 days.”He rubbished media reports claiming that his flats have been confiscated.”The order was received Dec 21 and we have 45 days from then to file an appeal, which we will move at the earliest. But the properties have not been confiscated yet,” said Adnan Sami’s lawyer Vibhav Krishna.The ED order describes that Adnan Sami’s petition for buying property in Mumbai was declined by the Reserve Bank of India in 2003 owning to his Pakistani nationality.

Adnan Sami, however, denies any knowledge of the rejection.Adnan Sami owns eight flats and five car parking spaces in Oberoi Sky Garden in suburban Andheri.Shifting the onus on the builder, Adnan Sami said: “I was friends with Vikas Oberoi, the builder of Oberoi Sky Garden. In 2003, I had told him I want to buy a property in Mumbai. He had told me about his upcoming project and that his legal team will take care of all the formalities if I want to buy property.” “In actuality my bank loan was also cleared and the property registered in my name. I had no plan that the RBI has refused my petition.”Adnan Sami had purchased the flats in 2003 at the cost of Rs.2.53 crore and had taken a loan of Rs 1.5 crore for the purchase.

Adnan Sami has been served the confiscation order under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Vikas Oberoi could not be contacted despite repeated tries.

Katrina Kaif: Rs 3.5 crore offer dance for New Year

Katrina Kaif: Rs 3.5 crore offer dance for New Year: Katrina Kaif cannot sacrifice her New Year celebration at any cost. Quite literally, the lady turned down an offer of Rs 3.5 crore to dance on her ‘Sheila Ki Jawani’ anthem from ‘Tees Maar Khan’ on this New Year eve. While Malaika Arora Khan postponed her New Year vacation with husband Arbaaz Khan, when an entertainment group offered her a large undisclosed sum for her ‘Munni’ gig, Kat chose to stay away from the drunken revelers on December 31.

A source close to Katrina revealed, “A suburban luxury hotel offered her Rs 3.5 crores for the gig. Frankly, Katrina was tempted. But she backed out in time.”Interestingly, the stunning ladies, both acquainted to Salman Khan have revealed a contrasting attitude to their dance numbers.

On asking Katrina about any dancing offer at this New Year eve, she said, “Are you crazy? I am not dancing at any hotel on New Year`s eve. To be entertaining a live audience that night instead of enjoying oneself as another year slips in - how sad is that! It`s almost like you are telling the audience, `Hey guys, I don`t have a life.”“It`s true I am not going on my annual family holiday, but the reason is not a lucrative dance offer,” she added.

Sonakshi Sinha demand for film maker

Sonakshi Sinha demand for film maker: Sonakshi Sinha is the flavour of the season. 2011 looks like a terrific year for this star kid. She starts to shoot Joker with Akshay Kumar early in the year. She joins the unit of Race-2 in July with Saif Ali Khan and then goes into Kick with Salman Khan. Rumours say that she is also kicked about the fact that she is being considered for Kunal Kohli's film with Shahid Kapoor, Prabhu Devaa's film with the Khiladi Kumar...and wait there is more. We now hear that Sonakshi may be seen in Anurag Basu's film Silence (the title is being changed shortly) alongwith Ranbir Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra.
Yup, this is the same film that Katrina Kaif turned down because she felt that Piggy Chops had a better role than her. Neither Sonakshi nor her manager are willing to comment on her films with Shahid and Ranbir. But the industry is buzzing with the news already.

Kangna Ranaut & Mallika Sherawat parcel frigid vibes

Kangna Ranaut & Mallika Sherawat parcel frigid vibes: Her recent films like Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam, Fauj Main Mauj and Hisss... may have been damp squibs at the box office, but that has not stopped Mallika Sherawat from throwing her weight around. After a couple of international ventures and making place for herself in Hollywood, Sherawat believes in having a high handed attitude. And Kangna Ranaut has been subjected to some unfriendly treatment by Mallika. The two actresses share screen space in Dhamaal 2. Our source said, “Mallika and Kangna kept their distance from each other from day one. On the sets, the two shared cold vibes. Yet, both actresses were thorough professionals. They did their shots and retreated to their respective vans."
At a recent press conference, Mallika Sherawat refused to share the dais with Malaika Arora Khan. The two are to perform at a New Year's eve bash. The organisers had to have two separate press conferences. During the shoot of the Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor starrer Welcome, Mallika and Katrina Kaif too shared cold vibes. This diva sure knows how not to get along with anyone.

Priyanka Chopra & Rituparna Sengupta parts the same part in Kolkata

Priyanka Chopra & Rituparna Sengupta parts the same part in Kolkata: Bollywood siren Priyanka Chopra was in Kolkata on Wednesday to inaugurate a hotel of the ITC Group. At the launch of Fortune Select Loudon, the glamorous actress was accompanied by Tollywood’s Rituparana Sengupta and Union Minister Sultan Ahmed. A fashion show marked the evening.

Vidya Balan: Happy adolescent are no longer sitting amenity activists

Vidya Balan: Happy adolescent are no longer sitting amenity activists: 'No One Killed Jessica' actress Vidya Balan says she feels glad that today's youth are not just clear about their opinions but know how to voice them and drive the government to act - as was seen in the Jessica Lall murder case.

'I think it's very interesting that youth are voicing their opinion on issues and willing to participate through blogs, SMSes and even social networking sites. And the media has helped youth a lot in mobilising public opinion. I am glad youth are not armchair activists saying justice should be meted out. Youth of today say, 'We can be part of the process to make sure justice is given'. It's wonderful,' Vidya told IANS in an interview.

The 32-year-old has a vivid recollection of youth participation during the over-a-decade-long legal battle following the murder of model Jessica Lall, who was shot dead by Manu Sharma, the son of a Haryana politician in 1999.

'Back then all of us felt very strongly about it. I remember college students were incensed by what had happened. I am talking about the time a little later than 1999... the case was still going...and there was a fervour across the country. Sitting in Mumbai, people were doing signature campaigns and everyone felt involved in some ways. So it's nice to see youth have force,' she said.

In Rajkumar Gupta's 'No One Killed Jessica', releasing Jan 7, Vidya will be seen essaying the role of Sabrina Lall, Jessica's sister who fought day in and day out to get justice for her younger sister. After living the part in the reel, she hopes no one goes through the experience in real life.

'I would not want anyone to go through any legal battle for so long because the legality aside, it is emotionally draining. I do think that the verdict reassured my faith in the judicial system of the country, but, again, as a citizen I wish justice had been meted out earlier than it was,' said Vidya, who has teamed up with Rani Mukerji in the film. Vidya never got a chance to meet Sabrina Lall in person before or during the shooting of the film.

'Rajkumar Gupta was very clear that all I needed to know was the facts of the case. He wanted me to chart out an emotional journey of Sabrina on my own. Also, we didn't want to misuse her kindness because she was kind enough to go through our script and give her consent to our film. Sabrina's emotional journey is the core of the film. But, yes, it is a feature film...it is about stirring people's emotions,' she said.

Does she hope the film will inspire youth to be more vocal? 'I have never thought how inspirational could the film be for viewers. If it happens to inspire, great! But we have not set out to make the film for that purpose. What really inspired us was the spirit of Sabrina... spirit of all those people who played a role in the case,' Vidya added.

Madhuri Dixit to do a flick?

Insiders have it that actress Madhuri Dixit Nene is on the brink of signing a movie soon. According to our source, top filmmakers from Yash Chopra to Sanjay Leela Bhansali have shown interest in casting her in the lead. Our source said, “Madhuri will sign a movie soon. There are meetings on with filmmakers. But it is too early to say anything.”

Interestingly, the actress has already shot for an endorsement. “Yes, she did shoot for an endorsement of a leading brand. There are other brand endorsements in the offing too. In fact, lucrative offers are pouring in by the dozen but the actress is being very choosy,” said our source.

Presently, the only thing Madhuri is looking forward to is spending quality time with her children, Arin and Ryan. She has missed her children and wants to be with them.

Hrithik Roshan nervous about Agneepath

Walking in the footsteps of giants can be a challenging task. And justifiably so, Hrithik Roshan is nervous about essaying Amitabh Bachchan’s national award winning role in Agneepath. “I am nervous but at the same time it’s a good challenge for me. I hope I live up to his expectations. I would be happy if I can talk to Amitji before taking up the role. I would like to discuss a few things about it,” he informs.

Hrithik says, “Dad is working on the script of Krrish 2 and we are planning something new. I am looking forward to doing some action – it’’s been a long time. While his last two films have been duds at the box office, the actor says box office failure or success does not bother him. “I put in my best attempts. I got crucial understanding for my work. I am now looking forward to these movies next year,” he concludes.

Cold war betweet Kangana and Mallika Sherawat

After a few of international projects and making place for herself in Hollywood, Sherawat believes in having a high handed attitude. And Kangana Ranaut has been exposed to some unfriendly treatment by Mallika. The two actresses share screen space in Dhamaal 2. Our source said, “Mallika and Kangna kept their space from each other from day one.

On the sets, the two shared cold vibes. Yet, both actresses were thorough professionals. They did their shots and retreated to their particular vans.” During the shoot of the Akshay Kumar and Anil Kapoor film Welcome, Mallika Sherawat too shared cold vibes.

This actress sure knows how not to get along with anybody.

High Court lets Bigg Boss air at 9 pm

Bigg Boss 4 got a massive reprieve from the Bombay High Court following orders that it can continue to air on the prime time slot at 9 pm. Presenting the case on behalf of the concerned channel, senior councel Ram Jethmalani’s arguments nullified the fresh directives issued to the channel by the Information and Braodcasting Ministry.

A vacation bench of justice SJ Kathawalla and justice UD Salvi allowed Colors channel to air the show at 9 pm till December 27 while directing the Ministry of Information and Broadcast (I&B) to submit its respond.The court said that the channel could air Bigg Boss at 9 pm, provided they give an undertaking that they shall not screen any dialogue that is required to be beeped or any obscene gestures made by the participants.

Before, I&B had issued notice to Colors channel on November 16 directing it to shift the reality show away from the prime time as the show was unpleasant, highly objectionable and not fit for kids.

Aishwarya to take lawful action against Elle magazine

Aishwarya Rai is in a foul mood and it’s all owing to her latest Elle magazine photo-shoot that spurred very a racial row. The actress, who appears to be a several tones fairer than her original skin tone, is peeved with the publication for making her look a few shades lighter. The actress, who is always politically correct and rarely indulges in any show of emotion, has been fuming ever since the cover hit stands.

Confirming the news, a source close to her told a daily, “Aishwarya’s first response was shock. She believed that these things don’t happen any more.Not in this day and age when women are recognized for their merit, and not for the colour of their skin. She is presently confirming this skin-whitening claims. If there is any evidence of this, she might even take action.”As per reports, the doctored image was brought to Ash’s attention by her fans, who flew into a rage after they saw that their icon was made to look ghastly white on the cover.

However, this isn’t the first time that the magazine has preached Caucasian standards of beauty. It might be recalled that in September this year, the US edition of the same magazine had featured on its cover an African-American actress, Gabourey Sidibe, with a much paler complexion.

Katrina Kaif rules Bollywood as monarch bumblebee

Katrina Kaif rules Bollywood as monarch bumblebee: A listers like Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor and Bipasha Basu came up short to lure crowds this year, while woman luck's favourite Katrina Kaif and item youngster Malaika Arora Khan plus some newcomers maintained to keep the ticker ticking for Bollywood brave women.

Katrina Kaif: Ramp to rampage - this model-turned-actress has taken Bollywood by storm. Continuing her habit of turning a movie into a hit, the gorgeous face with a stiff upper lip that has now gone desi rocked the box office with her chaste Hindi volleys in Prakash Jha's political thriller Raajneeti. And if that wasn't it, she stood out to wipe out mankind with her pelvic thrusts in the item number Sheila ki jawani from her latest outing Tees Maar Khan. Katrina is leaving no stone unturned to enchant the public with her best.

Malaika Arora Khan: She has the look, the moves and knows how to groove. If Bollywood is synonymous with 'jhatkas' and 'matkas', it doesn't get bigger than this as Malaika left audiences gawking with her hump...her hump, her hump in the item number Munni badnaam hui from Dabangg. Have feet, will dance but won't act. And did one notice, this one's got a surname too to hang on to - Khan.

Vidya Balan: If the leading ladies in B-Town hit the gym with a vengeance to shed the extra kilos, Vidya hogged until she turned herself into a deglam, voluptuous and conniving woman for Ishqiya. Mouthing expletives soaked in chemical derivatives, this Parineeta girl turned femme fatale and left men scratching their brains.

Kajol: There is nothing that she can't do. Daughter, actress, wife, mother - Kajol's dormant comings and goings on the big screen took a surprise turn when the dusky beauty returned with three outings this year, My Name is Khan, We Are Family and Toonpur Ka Superhero. No matter the box office fate, she is one performer the audience would give anything to watch. However, leaving them wanting for more, the mother of two is now headed for a three-year sabbatical.

Konkona Sen Sharma: She already has to her credit powerful movies, the scripts of which some actresses wouldn't even dare read. And Konkona, as she is fondly called, surprised the masses with her metro wifey avatar in the comedy Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? before enacting a lawyer in Right Yaaa Wrong and a sexually aggressive woman in Mirch. Talk about her acting prowess, if one had a parameter to judge, this one deserves nothing but a 10 on 10.

Neetu Singh: As calm as a river and still sporting the fresh glow of the morning sunshine, yesteryear heroine Neetu Singh made a full-fledged comeback in Do Dooni Char 27 years after bidding adieu to celluloid. Bringing a smile on one's face with her acting nuances and immaculate chemistry with actor hubby Rishi Kapoor, she just proved she still has it in her to win people's hearts.

Kangana Ranaut: Perhaps the most unfortunate of talents this year, she was almost jostling for space in multi-starrers like Kites, Knock Out and No Problem but believe you or not, this golden gem did make her presence felt with her glitter in Milan Luthria's retro underworld saga Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai.

Shalini Vatsa: Ever thought Dhaniya from Peepli Live would have an M. Phil degree? No one did, but this full time theatre actress left audiences applauding at her rants in the satire with her splendid portrayal of a rustic, illiterate, short-tempered mother of three with zeal.

Malaika Shenoy: Model, actress and voice-over artiste, this Mumbai-based girl got her due with Peepli Live. Her experience as a TV presenter in reality came handy to bring out the poise, panache and perfection of a star reporter in the black comedy which she edgily used to cast a dig at one real female scribe. Thanks to her involvement in the vibrant English theatre movement in Mumbai, her performance simply couldn't go unnoticed.

Sonakshi Sinha: What would you do if your debut project was with none other than Salman The Khan? Hit the metal and cut down flab! Perhaps the perfect example of fat to fab, Shatru Shotgun's daughter made a Dabangg debut in the year's highest grosser. Getting into the star mode day by day, this one's sure a dark horse.

Anushka Sharma: Petite, pretty and now pricey. This 22-year-old couldn't have asked for more. In two outings with the Yash Raj banner in the year - Badmaash Company and Band Baaja Baaraat - she managed to persuade audiences of her potential with her Delhi 'kudi' role in the latter.

Anushka Sharma Hit flop score: A bright begin of a lifework

Anushka Sharma Hit flop score: A bright begin of a lifework: Shahrukh Khan starrer ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ was the introduction vehicle of the feisty performing artist Anushka Sharma. Notwithstanding ‘Rab Ne…’ did for her what ‘Om Shanti Om’ did for Deepika or ‘Dabang’ did for Sonakshi.Anushka got off to a flying start in her very first film that had the stamp of Yash Raj banner and the omnipresence of the King Khan. Anushka, as per reports, had a 3 film contract with the Yash Rajs and even though she may deny this piece of news, there is no denying the fact that her next two releases have come from the same factory.

After the super hit ‘Rab Ne…’ which gave Anushka the platform she needed, she tried to conjure up something special with ‘Badmaash Company’. The film, however, sank and the only thing that got noticed was her yellow sarong and her bed scene with Shahid Kapoor.

But just when the critics were about to write her off, ‘Band Baaja Baraat’ happened and the equations changed. A refreshing take on wedding and romance, Anushka was the only well-known face in the low-hyped film. But despite being a slow-starrer, BBB picked up momentum after being given rave reviews. Anushka’s performance earned her many brownie points.

So, with 2 hits out of 3, her score is pretty impressive at the moment and it is to be seen how the future augurs for her. She shall be next seen in the February release of ‘Patiala House’ opposite actor Akshay Kumar.

SRK to be mark envoy of XXX Energy Drinks by following year

SRK to be mark envoy of XXX Energy Drinks by following year: JMJ Group firm XXX Energy Drinks Limited today said it plans to rope in Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan as the brand ambassador of its products as it embarks on a Rs 100 crore expansion plan by next year. The company, which is looking to garner a sales of Rs 100 crore from the brand by 2015, said it is looking to set up its first production facility for which it is scouting for location.

"We are in talks to get Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador... We will officially announce in March or April next year," JMJ Group Vice Chairman Sachin Joshi said. Earlier this year, the brand has been associated with Khan's IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as its principal sponsor. He, however, did not give further financial details on the contract and the time frame of it.

The company said it is looking at setting up its first facility, planning to introduce more brands in the near future, besides expanding its presence in the overseas markets by next year. "To set up a manufacturing facility, we need to do a substantial business first. By 2012, hopefully we would start setting up a plant, which could entail an investment of USD 10 million (Rs 45 crore)," he said, adding that the capacity of the plant will be around three million cans a month. It could be either in Pune or Dubai , where it currently manufactures its products through third party, he added.

Besides, the company is also introducing products at price points between Rs 25-30 as part of its plan to tap into the mass market and expand its presence into the smaller cities. "We will be launching one more brand soon. One of the main reason for the slow growth of energy drinks in India is the high price. So we are looking at introducing an brand which could cost around Rs 25-30," he said.

At present, the firm sells four brands -- XXX, Rejuve, Nicofix and Minus in India and abroad. On expanding its international presence the company said it is looking at taking to products to around 14 countries across the globe, including UK, African countries and Singapore by the end of 2010. "We will also be increasing our marketing spend to USD 10 million (Rs 45 crore) from USD 8 (Rs 36 crore) million by next year. We are tying up with a lot of events as part of our marketing activities," he said.

Katrina Kaif & Akshay Kumar perform togather in UK

Katrina Kaif & Akshay Kumar perform togather in UK: Bollywood’s much awaited Christmas release Tees Maar Khan seems to have received good response at the UK box office as the film is approaching a staggering100,000 pounds (Rs 7 crore approx) declaring it to be one of the highest yielding Bollywood films in the UK so far.

For a few shows scheduled on December 21 and 22 at selectedtheatres the film, directed by Farah Khan and starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif has already grossed 71,623 pounds (Rs 5 crore approx). “This makes the film already one of the highest previews ever for an Indian film in the UK,” the producer said. Akshay’s role in the film is inspired by English folk lore hero Robin Hood.

Veena Malik on her fellowship with Ashmit Patel

Veena Malik on her fellowship with Ashmit Patel: Performing artist Veena Malik caused a buzz with her moves and alleged ‘friendships' and closeness with her male competitors in particular Ashmit Patel in a reality TV show.Commenting on her ‘friendship’ with co-contestant and actor Ashmit, she says, “Ashmit and my friendship started when I came to know that he is a Thalassemia patient.

I was the ambassador of such an organisation in Pakistan, that worked for thalassemic patients. I started interacting with him often and gradually realised that he is a very fine human being and now we are very close. I love him (Ashmit) but I also want to add that the fact is we are just very good friends.”When asked about the fact that the Pakistani media reported about how they felt Malik’s behaviour on the show was disgraceful, she quickly replies, “I am an individual who loves to play and have fun and that is what I have been doing in my life and on the show.

So was her conduct on the show fake as claimed by some other contestants on the show? “I don’t understand why my fellow contestants said so about me. I am just a normal girl and I am sure all young girls behave like this. I didn’t do anything that will bring shame to me, my family or my nation.”

Ask her if Bollywood is on her mind and she says, “Yes, if I get offers I will be honoured to do films in Bollywood. I had never planned this but if it happens, nothing like it. I’d love to do an action-comedy film.” When asked if she would do an item song, she says, “Yes, definitely! I love dancing and people have seen a glimpse of that. So if I get to dance I will. But I will be most happy if I get to dance with (actor) Salman Khan.”

Why did Jaya Bachan get angry?

It has for long been reported that the Bachchans and Salman normally skip each other by a whisker when they have to attend the very same occasion. It has been also said that whenever Salman and Big B have met, they have been very cordial to each other, Jaya and Salman Khan do not share the same vibe though.Not only Salman, even the reports of writer Salim Khan accusing Amitabh Bachchan for not acknowledging his efforts in making Big B the angry young man of Bollywood.

This has got some attention from the media. So, when they confronted her with the question, she threw the mike and even criticised the reporters for asking such questions. Evidently upset, Jaya was in no mood to let folks probe her personal space.

Salman Khan to host a Bigg Boss bash

Trust Salman Khan to do strange things. Since he has been hosting Bigg Boss for the past 3 months or so, Salman has also been watching the show regularly. Now with the show is coming to an end in the first week of January, the actor has decided to have a large party with all the contestants at his Bandra residence.Our source said, “Salman Khan is in contact with all those who were evicted from the house including Hrishant Goswami who has been seen partying at Salman Khan’s residence.

Although Salman Khan is not pleased with the remarks made by Manoj Tiwari after his eviction, where he blamed Salman Khan for his ouster from the show, he will invite him for the party as well. Past attempts to get all contestants of the show collectively after eviction have failed. Will Salman Khan succeed?

Shahrukh Khan will promote Energy Drinks

JMJ Group firm XXX Energy Drinks Limited today said it programs to rope in Bollywood celebrity Shahrukh Khan as the brand ambassador of its items as it embarks on a Rs 100 crore growth strategy by the coming year.The firm, which is looking to garner a sales of Rs 100 crore from the brand by 2015, said it is searching to set up its first generation ability for which it is scouting for location.“We are in talks to get Shahrukh Khan as brand ambassador… We will formally announce in March or April next year,” JMJ Group Vice Chairman Sachin Joshi told PTI.

Earlier this year, the brand has been connected with Shahrukh Khan’s IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as its main sponsor. He, however, did not give further economic details on the agreement and the time period of it.

Aishwarya paid a big cost to expose all in her biography

Aishwarya Rai has been booked or so it seems as the sassy actress has been offered a whopping amount to reveal all about her life in her autobiography. Contacted by a top international publishing house, the gorgeous beauty was handed out a blank cheque by the publishing house asking her to quote her price for the project. However, even though Ash in not sure about the project she hasn`t rejected the offer yet.

Confirming the reports a source told a daily, “Ash remains a worldwide icon who has managed to be at the leading of the game for years despite constant good work from younger actors like Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. Though the industry feels that Kareena is the numero uno celebrity in B-town, in terms of worldwide presence Ash wins over them all. Publishers want to explore the possibility of an autobiography of her journey from modeling to movies and her connections to wedding.

They feel here is a fantastic real-life story to be told.”“Ash is uncertain whether it is the right time to write a book. She respects her privacy and this is the major roadblock in closing the offer,” adds the source. What’s more is that Aishwarya too verified that she got the offer but rejected to give a definite comment by saying, “There is a right time for everything to happen”.