NEWS OF THE WEEK
     ____________Talking Pictures

Even as badi beti Shilpa Shetty finally earns accolades for her performance (Dhadkan), and as choti beti gets ready to stand in the spotlight (for Mohabbatein which will open in October), pretty mummy Sugandha Shetty is now being offered movie roles. The lady who until now escorted her betis to outdoor shootings and filmi parties has been, rumouredly, offered a part in a film opposite yesteryear’s heart-throb Rajesh Khanna. The film-maker in question is K. C. Bokadia — who interacted with Mrs Shetty during the making of Lal Badshah in which Shilpa starred — and he won’t take no for an answer. The grapevine also suggests that Mummy Shetty is game, and is waiting for than nod of approval from her husband, who, one hears, is rather taken aback with all this sudden attention his family is receiving!

THE HRITHIK UPDATE: That Hrithik Roshan’s pa-in-law to-be Sanjay Khan has roped in Hrithik up for a dotcom venture is old news. One recently discovered that his girlfriend’s sister Farha Khan (not to be confused with the choreographer) is working on a two-hour documentary based on the popularity and hype surrounding her handsome jeeju. Tentatively titled Hrithik-mania, the documentary will include comments from hysterical fans, opinions of film-makers and co-stars, even some secrets on Hrithik’s life... Incidentally, Farah’s husband Aqeel Ali is in the process of putting together some stage shows which will travel the country, and which will feature Hrithik. To put it politely, that’s a lot of things he’s doing for that family, huh?

PHOTO SPEAK: Some people might think Kareena Kapoor is a bit of a big mouth. After all, she’s been speaking her mind, even before her first film had released. She spewed venom at director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who she says wasted her time auditioning her for his film Devdas when he had intended all along to hire Aishwarya Rai for the part. Then, she said quite brazenly that she simply won’t do any David Dhawan movies. Bebo says she doesn’t identify with his brand of leave-your-brains-behind movies, although she doesn’t have a problem watching such films. Next, she criticised Salman Khan, describing him as a ‘‘careless actor’’ who was plain lazy. Luckily for her, none of this frank speak has harmed her in any way. She’s got the top banners lined up, and plum parts in her kitty. She’s one girl who has her cake, and eats it too. And we’ve got this picture to illustrate this!

RAJEEV MASAND

Back | Next