Criminal case to be registered against Big B

How is Aishwarya involved?

A woman village-head in Uttar Pradesh in India has sought a local court's intervention to get a criminal case registered against Amitabh Bachchan in Barabanki district, where the megastar has bought land to build a women's college.

Complainant Raj Kumari is the 'gram pradhan' (village head) of Daulatpur village, where the mega star had acquired five bighas of land to build a college in the name of his star daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai.

In an application moved before the court of chief judicial magistrate, Barabanki, Raj Kumari has accused Bachchan of "playing fraud" on the people of the village by not keeping his word of building a women's college.

She has further charged Bachchan of threatening her with dire consequences when she approached him to honour his commitment to the local population.

The court has fixed May 31 for hearing the case.

Earlier, Bachchan has faced charges of acquiring 2.5 bighas of agricultural land owned by the local 'gram sabha' allotted in his name through "fraudulent means".

Subsequently, he purchased three bighas of private land. Together with his close friend, former Samajwadi Party general secretary Amar Singh, he travelled all the way to Daulatpur village in 2006 along with his wife Jaya, son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya. And amidst much fanfare, he declared that the college would be named after Aishwarya.

However, there was no activity on the plot in all these years, following which the village head moved the court.

Hrithik, Suniel to lead IIFA cricket teams

Salman Khan and Vinod Kambli among star players

The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) will organise charity cricket matches in Colombo between Indian celebrities and Sri Lankan cricketers to help rehabilitate former Tamil Tiger child soldiers.

The initiative is part of the IIFA Awards 2010 to be held June 3-5 in the Sri Lankan capital.

Hrithik Roshan and Suniel Shetty would lead the two celebrity teams while Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumara Sangakkara would reprise his role.

"I am actually very delighted and very, very proud to be part of team IIFA. Colombo here we come," said Hrithik at the IIFA press meet.

"It is a great honour to play with the Sri Lankan cricketing greats and my friends in the fraternity. I support the initiative of 'Cricket for Children' and IIFA Hands for Humanity and hope to put in my best efforts as a captain of a team towards the noble cause," he added.

The IIFA XIs will comprise actors Salman Khan and Dino Morea and ex-cricketers Vinod Kambli and Kiran More among others. Sangakkara's team will include Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan and Mahila Jayawardene.

Suniel Shetty said: "I am very, very excited about the matches because I am very passionate about the sport."

Why are the celebrities divided into two teams?

"Many celebrities showed interest to take part in the cricket match so we have divided them into two teams," said Sabbas Joseph, Director Wizcraft International.

Kiran More added: "Playing matches would be very interesting. I am going to Sri Lanka after a long time. Last I went there in 1993; we won the series that time. We haven't won a series, so hopefully this time we will be able to win the people's heart in Sri Lanka."

IIFA 2010 Special Coverage: http://iifaawards.blogspot.com

Salman sizzles all the way

The star and celebs from India and Pakistan had Dubai cheering through the weekend

Salman Khan seems to have a standard effect on women ages 16 through 60 (and younger and older). Whenever they spot him, they start cheering and clapping and whistling and screaming, and following him wherever he goes.

It was no different in Dubai this weekend, as Salman was at a celebrity cricket match at Dubai Sports City and a gala dinner at the World Trade Centre to promote his Being Human foundation. Though both the match and the gala dinner began hours later than scheduled, once Salman entered the picture, all that remained was a whole lot of cheering.

At the celebrity cricket match played at Dubai Sports City on May 27, Salman had a lot of starry company. In the Indian team were brothers Arbaaz and Sohail as well as Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sanjay Kapoor and Ashish Chaudhry, among other celebs. The Pakistani team was lead by Shoaib Akhtar and celebs playing included Moamar Rana, Atif Aslam, Humayun Sayed and Danish Haider. And everyone was there for Salman and Being Human. Earlier that day at a press conference to announce the match, Riteish had said, "Salman and his family have always stood for good things. Not everyone can be a leader. I am here to follow what Salman has started." Shoaib Akhtar had added, "I am always there for Salman and his family."

With Javed Jaffrey and Shakil compering, the match got off to a late but fun start as the teams practiced for some time and gave their fans lots to cheer about.

The Indian team won the toss and put the Pakistani team into bat. There was a reason for that decision - Shoaib Akhtar's fast bowling. Sohail Khan had said, "If we bat first, we'll be out in the first two overs." So the Pakistani celebs batted first and scored 120/2 in 15-overs. The Indian team looked like they were going to have a comfortable win, with Riteish playing particularly well but once he was out, there were tense moments. Shoaib Akhtar took two consecutive wickets in the last over, and the Indian team needed four runs from three balls. Then, what could have been a run-out became an overthrow. In the end, India won the match.

At the Being Human gala dinner at Maktoum Hall, World Trade Centre, on May 28, it was about causes as well as fashion. The evening included performances by Sophie Choudry, Wajid, Ahmad Jahanzeb and Adil Choudhary but the real sizzler was celebs walking the ramp in Being Human outfits.

As Indian and Pakistani stars – actors, singers, cricketers, and models - came together on the catwalk, looking cool in Being Human T-shirts and check shirts, with Salman as the showstopper, it was time for the loudest cheers. And when all the stars got together and started singing to 'You're my love' song from 'Partner', with Salman leading, it was jalwa time all over again.

Lara's co-hosting the IIFA awards

But she won't be performing this year

Lara Dutta will co-host this year's International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards at Colombo June 3-5 along with Boman Irani and Riteish Deshkmukh.

"I am not performing this year but will be hosting the show along with Boman Irani and Riteish Deshkmukh," Lara said.

Also, Lara's face lit up at the mention of 'Don-2' but she refused to divulge any details about her role in the film.

"Right now I can only confirm that yes, I am a part of 'Don-2' and I am really looking forward to working with Farhan Akhtar and Shah Rukh Khan. As for my role you have to wait and watch," Lara added.

Arjun to miss IIFA Awards

Arjun Rampal will not attend this year's International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards as he is busy promoting his upcoming film 'Raajneeti'.

"Will not be going to IIFA, have a charity event in Hong Kong for 'Raajneeti' that day," Arjun posted on his Twitter account.

The actor, who will be seen playing the role of a politician in the film, says he prepared for the role by observing young, educated politicians like Rahul Gandhi and Sachin Pilot for his role in the much-awaited 'Raajneeti'.

"I have observed many politicians especially young guys like Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora, Rahul Gandhi as well as the young Rajiv Gandhi and the young Sanjay Gandhi."

"You see them to know how they moved and what their body languages were. You don't really copy or emulate them. In this film, we are all educated politicians," he said.

The film, slated to release June 4, also stars Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Ajay Devgn, Naseeruddin Shah, Manoj Bajpai and Nana Patekar.

Wishing Karan Johar a very happy Birthday

They say that 'A rose by any other name remains a rose'. Likewise, today's birthday boy 'Karan Johar', by any other name remains Karan Johar! You may call him the Baadshah of romance, the King of candy floss emotions...anything and everything, under the romantic sun... this man still remains Karan Johar!

If you were wondering as to why on earth are the sun and the moon dressed at their romantic best, well... wonder no further, as its Karan Johar's birthday today. Talking even a single word about Karan and his achievements will be like showing torchlight before the blazing sun! all that we can say is that, had Karan Johar not been around, the audiences the world over would have surely forgotten th4e meaning of 'Love', which Karan has beautifully portrayed in his masterpieces like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, My Name is Khan... the list is practically endless.

Please join Bollywood Buzz as we wish Karan Johar a very happy birthday, simply by posting your wishes below.

Katrina beats SRK and Ash

She is the most searched celebrity on mobile phones, ahead of even Angelina Jolie

Katrina Kaif is the most searched celebrity on mobile phones and has beaten the likes of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Aishwarya Rai, as per recent research by a company.

The research was conducted by mBit Infotech, a Value Added Service(VAS) provider.

Among Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, Katrina is on the number one spot followed by Angelina Jolie, Kareena, Shah Rukh, Salman Khan, Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya, Monica Bellucci and Aamir Khan.

Commenting on the results, Raghavendra Agarwala, CEO of mBit Infotech, said: "It is amazing to see that Katrina Kaif is ruling the charts with a major slice of the pie, presumably implying that her popularity is mounting for both national and international audiences."

The research is based on the searches performed by over 120,000 users of mBit in the first quarter of 2010 (Jan to April).

Bollywood mourns Air India plane crash

158 people died in the flight that started from Dubai and crashed at Mangalore in India

Bollywood celebrities went all out today (May 22) to pay homage to the victims of the Mangalore air crash that killed at least 158 people. The Air India Express Boeing 737, flying from Dubai, overshot the runway while landing at Mangalore aiport in Karnataka and crashed into the forest. There were only eight survivors.

Many celebrities expressed their grief by posting messages on Twitter.

Priyanka Chopra: "Please pray for the families that have lost the ones they love in this horrific crash. We can't even begin to imagine their pain and sorrow. Also pray for the souls of those who have been cruelly taken away from their families in such a tragic situation. R.I.P. (rest in peace)."

Shammi Kapoor: "The Air India crash is a very sad happening. My heart goes out to the families of the deceased. Let us pray for the departed souls."

Amitabh Bachchan: "Feeling terrible. Plane crash! Air India flight from Dubai to Mangalore crashed on landing, overshot runway...so sad...so sad. I wrote about excess and balance on my blog last night.. Is the plane tragedy God's way of balancing ...? Sad and disturbed."

Karan Johar: "Too upsetting to hear all the news coming in about the crash...thoughts, prayers and strength to all the families...."

Deepika Padukone: "Just heard about the plane crash in Mangalore...shocking! very sad."

Riteish Deshmukh: "Shocking and tragic news...my prayers with the families, who have lost loved ones. May god give them strength. R.I.P."

Neha Dhupia: "Really sad to hear about the plane crash. My prayers with the ones who lost their lives and lots of energy to their family and friends."

Sunidhi Chauhan: "Just landed in Dhaka and heard about the plane crash...its shocking...God have mercy please."

Amrita Arora: "Absolutely terrible news about the plane crash... devastating! Let's all pray for the families of the deceased."

Shreya Ghoshal: "A devastating news. I am in shock. My prayers to the lives lost in this unfortunate plane crash."

Neelam Kothari: "So tragic and sad! Heart goes out to the ones who lost their loved and dear ones. The people who lost their lives, may their souls rest in peace."

Arbaaz Khan: "Extremely tragic news of the Mangalore plane crash. My heartfelt condolences to families of the deceased.

Mandira Bedi: "Shattering news. Very few survivors. My thoughts and prayers for the passengers who have passed away and their family members."

Vishal Dadlani: "What terrible news to wake up to! I pray that God gives the families, strength and fortitude."

Sonu Niigaam: "Prayers for the departed souls in the Mangalore air crash. May God give power to their families. Very unfortunate accident."

Vivek Oberoi: "So sad and heartbreaking to see the news of the Air India plane crash...please take a moment off to pray for those in this tragedy...."

Madhur Bhandarkar: "R.I.P. People who lost their lives in the air crash today...Very sad and horrible condition...may God give strength to their near and dear ones."

Uday Chopra: "Really sad about the Air India plane crash in Mangalore."

Sonam Kapoor: "It's really really devastatingly sad..its shocking and heart wrenching... please pray for the lives lost."

Amrita Rao: "Sad and shocked...let's pray for the Air India express flight passengers who didn't make it..R.I.P."

Arshad Warsi: "An Air India plane coming from Dubai to Mangalore has crashed at 6:30 a.m....god bless their souls."

Sussanne Roshan: "Sending strength and love to all those who have lost their beloved ones, time will heal. Keep the faith.

Bollywood film gives Avatar a box office scare

A Bollywood film with no special effects has almost beaten James Cameron's worldwide blockbuster Avatar at the Indian box office.

The film, My Name is Khan, grossed $US23 million ($AU26 million) on the subcontinent, just behind the $26 million ($AU30 million) earned by Avatar in a lesson for U.S studios on how to compete in the world’s most prolific movie market.

My Name is Khan tells the story, in Hindi and English, of a Muslim in San Francisco at the time of the September 11 attacks. The production by Fox-Star Studios India Pvt. and two Indian companies is the highest-grossing domestic film this year in India.

News Corp.’s Twentieth Century Fox - which made Avatar - Walt Disney Co. and Time Warner Inc.’s Warner Bros. are now using local talent to produce Indian-language films as they try to crack a market that sold more than 3.2 billion movie tickets last year - more than double the U.S and Canada combined.

Ticket sales are expected to grow to 130 billion rupees ($US3 billion) by 2013 from 87.8 billion rupees last year, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

‘‘Hollywood studios realize that if they want to increase their revenue, they are going to struggle to do that in America,’’ said Mike Ellis, Asia Pacific president for the Motion Picture Association.

‘‘Nearly every single studio is already in India. They are definitely here for the long haul.’’

Triple Hollywood’s output

India’s film industry generated an estimated 107 billion rupees in revenue in 2008, and that is expected to grow by an average of 11.5 percent annually to 2013, PricewaterhouseCoopers said. Distributors released 1,325 movies, in Hindi and regional languages, in 2008, more than triple Hollywood’s output of 463, according to Netscribes (India) Pvt. Ltd.Admissions in the U.S. and Canada fell to 1.41 billion in 2009 from 1.57 billion in 2002, according to the National Association of Theatre Owners.

Box-office receipts have risen by an average of about 2 percent annually since 2002 while ticket prices increased 3.7 percent.That’s prompting Hollywood to look to China and India, the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

China’s economy grew by 11.9 percent in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, yet the government allows only 20 imported films a year.

India’s economy is expected to expand by 7.2 percent in the year ending March 31, according to a government forecast.

Sixty foreign films were released in India last year, earning a combined 3.8 billion rupees, according to a report by consulting firm KPMG.

Rupert Murdoch’s Fox-Star Studios plans to make as many as six Indian language movies a year, said Vijay Singh, chief executive officer.

65 cent tickets

My Name is Khan, featuring Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan, was produced with India’s Dharma Productions Pvt. and Red Chillies Entertainment.The average ticket price in India is 25 rupees (AU65 cents), the PricewaterhouseCoopers report said, while the average U.S. ticket price is $7.50, according to the theater owners association.

India’s middle class, with an annual disposable income of between $4,380 and $21,890, is expected to swell more than 10-fold to 583 million people by 2025, New York-based consulting firm McKinsey & Co. said in 2007.

Studios also will benefit from the growing number of screens in India. The first multiplex opened in New Delhi in 1997, and now there are more than 800 in India, the KPMG report said.

The dominant Hindi-language film industry is called Bollywood, a portmanteau word for Bombay and Hollywood. It released 242 movies last year, an increase from 229 the year before.

‘‘We all know the size and potential of Bollywood and the fact that it’s at the forefront of popular culture in India,’’ Singh said. ‘‘Our continuing focus will be to grow Hollywood in India.’’

Fox’s strategy starts with the perception that it is a filmmaker and not an investment banker paying for local productions, Singh said. The studio is involved from the beginning of the creative process through a film’s distribution.

‘‘Our plan in Bollywood is to get into co-production and not cut a big cheque,’’ Singh said. ‘‘We want to be actively involved.’’

Disney partnered with Yash Raj Films to release its first animated Hindi movie, Roadside Romeo, in 2008.

Disney said India is one of the largest markets it has invested in for local production.The company also is targeting audiences that speak regional languages such as Tamil and Telegu - a segment that generated box-office receipts of about 15.1 billion rupees, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers.

In March, Disney announced production of its first film in Telegu. The fantasy adventure, scheduled for release in January, also will be dubbed in Tamil.

‘‘Disney is committed toward building a family entertainment brand in India,’’ said Mahesh Samat, managing director of Walt Disney Co. India Pvt.

‘‘We will continue to tap into the local creative ecosystem to develop content which resonates with Indian kids and families.’’

Warner Bros. Pictures India signed deals in 2008 to make three movies with India’s People Tree Films and several regional-language movies with Ocher Studios. The company declined to comment, spokeswoman Deborah Lincoln said in an e- mail.

For decades, Hollywood tried to pry the market open with blockbusters dubbed in local languages, yet success was fleeting because Indians often don’t understand American culture, humor or slang, Thakkar said.

‘‘That experiment didn’t really work,’’ he said. ‘‘If they want to crack the Indian market, they had to become localized.’’

WATCH (HQ) TRAILER: I Hate Luv Storys

IN PICS: Aishwarya Rai in sari at Cannes 2010

IN PICS: Mallika Sherawat at Cannes 2010

IN PICS: 'Raavan' Photocall at Cannes Film Festival 2010

SRK-Amitabh play hide n seek on Twitter?

The Shehenshah of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan just made his foray into the Twitter land and in less than two days time has already gathered about 44,000 followers!

In no time the legendary actor is bound to make it in the list of the top Indian celebs to have maximum number of followers on Twitter for sure, along with the likes of King Khan – Shah Rukh and master blaster Sachin Tendulkar.

Fans of both Shah Rukh and Amitabh are although waiting for that iconic moment when the two will interact on Twitter and for the first time the aam junta could get to be a part of their conversation!

Where Amitabh chose to say a hello to his son Abhishek and Sachin Tendulkar the moment he entered Twitter, SRK is continuing to give his usual family and work updates on the site without much on Big B when the rest of the Bollywood is busy welcoming the senior actor. The two are yet to interact, not that Twitter is the only medium for them to but the alleged past rumours of a rift between the two is what is building up our curiosity.

SRK’s frequent tweets to Abhishek too are making us wonder what’s keeping the king from pinging the shehenshah and vice versa...

Shah Rukh’s close friend Karan Johar too has welcomed Big B and so has the entire Bollywood fraternity barring Salman Khan who is although comparatively newer to Twitter than SRK. Abhishek too has stayed away from following Salman on the site.

FIRST LOOK: Love, Barack

How Hrithik stopped traffic in New York

He ran half a mile across the busy 42nd Street to meet his fans at the 'Kites' premiere

Hrithik Roshan proved a real traffic-stopper when he sprinted across 42nd Street in New York to meet his eager fans gathered for the premiere of his much-talked about film 'Kites'.

When Hrithik along with his co-star Barbara Mori, director Anurag Basu, wife Sussanne, parents Rakesh and Pinky Roshan, and other members of the team reached Times Square on May 16, he was told to wave out to hordes of Indian fans who had been standing on the other side of the street since morning for a glimpse of the star.

The star made a dash across the bustling street from the venue of the premiere to eager fans across the road.

"Hrithik did indeed dash across the 42nd Street from our red carpet to waiting fans across the road. And we aren't about crossing just any busy street at peak hour. The 42nd Street is a gigantic universe. Hrithik ran across a good half a mile to get to his fans," Sanjeev Lamba of Reliance Big Pictures told IANS.

Hrithik's considerate gesture towards fans at the premiere created panic for the tense and anxious 'Kites' team.

"We had to halt all traffic on 42nd Street for Hrithik to cross. So we can finally say Hrithik is the first traffic-stopper from Bollywood to make the crossover," said Lamba.

Not just a dash across the busiest street to meet his fans, Hrithik and his dad also made impromptu arrangements for about 500 fans to be accommodated in an extra screen at the AMC Empire theatre.

Rakesh Roshan said: "What could we do? There were 400-500 of Hrithik's fans who wanted to see the film. There were women crying, girls tearing their hair and threatening to commit suicide."

In addition to the 700-seater at the AMC Empire theatre, a smaller 500-seater screener was rented for extra fans at the last minute.

"Ash's a hero, Abhi is a brat"

Their 'Raavan' co-star Vikram reveals more about the couple

Tamil superstar Vikram, who makes his Bollywood debut with Mani Ratnam's 'Raavan', says co-star Aishwarya Rai was equivalent to a hero in the film as she braved wounds, fever and insect bites while shooting in the forests. And Abhishek Bachchan, he adds, is the perfect brat.

"There are three main characters, me, Abhishek and Aishwarya. I've done a lot of tortuous sequences in the past. But this one takes the cake and the ache. And Aishwarya suffered all the wounds, pain, fever and insect bites heroically in the forests. For all the dangerous scenes she hardly ever used a duplicate. She was totally up to the task," Vikram told IANS.

The 44-year-old actor endured quite a bit of pain too.

"Bruises, wounds, sprained ankle...you name it. During the climactic fight I had a catch in my back. I couldn't walk, let alone fight. I had my physiotherapist with me to relieve my muscle pain," he said.

But Vikram can't stop praising Aishwarya, specially her dancing skills.

"I always felt Madhuri Dixit was the best dancer ever. But then I saw how Aishwarya held her own in 'Devdas'. I thought it fantastic. It was really nice to see her dance. I just forgot my own steps and kept staring. Every hero from the south wants to work with her at some point in his career...I got my opportunity finally.

"It's wonderful that I'm making my Hindi debut with her...She has some kind of an enduring aura. Over the years she has really evolved as an actor," Vikram said.

In the Hindi version, he will be seen in a positive role as Aishwarya's husband while in Tamil he will play Beera, a negative character being essayed by Abhishek in the Hindi version.

"I had to do two characters. But she had to play the same character twice in two languages one after another. For example, if she had to climb a rock with me, she'd do it, climb down and then do it again with Abhishek."

And what about Abhishek, who helped Vikram with his Hindi?

"Abhishek is one of my best friends. I am known to be the prankster. But with Abhishek around, I had to withdraw from the brat race," he laughed.

Playing Aishwarya's noble husband in the Hindi version and then the dark outlaw, who kidnaps her in the Tamil version, was not easy.

"And we had to do it in two consecutive shots one after another. It was very exciting for me...Though I'm known to change my look, but going from the husband's look to the outlaw's look after six-seven months didn't seem feasible. So we decided to do both versions simultaneously.

"When you see 'Raavan' in two languages, you won't recognise me as the same person in both. I had to change my body language and get-up completely."

Vikram has taken his time making an entry into Hindi films. "That's because my work in the south has been time-consuming. All my Tamil films take one to two years. I like to take my time over my projects. I didn't want to enter Hindi cinema until I was ready."

"The work in Mumbai is so exciting. When I saw 'Rang De Basanti', 'Lagaan', '3 Idiots' and 'My Name Is Khan', I wanted to be part of them. I wish we could make films like that in Tamil...Most Tamil films are rustic, rural, rugged and violent. Many of them are set in Madurai, which is known to be an aggressive city."

Vikram's wife Shailaja is a psychology teacher and the couple have two children.

"My daughter is 12 and my son is 8. My son is totally hooked to cinema. He wants to be an actor. But I'd rather he concentrated on his studies. I'm sure he'll do great in movies some day. I'm also moving towards direction with every movie. It's subliminal... But I'm learning on the sets all the time," Vikram said.

Now Vikram's family is fighting over which version to watch first on release.

"Tamil or Hindi is a toss-up. But I'm not leaving Tamil cinema for Hindi. I've four films to shoot in Tamil. I've already started my next Tamil film, a psycho-thriller, where I've three roles. I've a film about a stage actor from the 1930s...Even if I do Hindi films I want to be Chennai-based...always."

Katrina's a security hazard to herself

She's been travelling alone in cabs, and friends are worried about her security

Katrina Kaif is said to be becoming a security hazard to herself, and her latest disregard for all rules of self-preservation takes the cake.

Yesterday (May 17) when Katrina was required to fly to Bangalore for an event with her 'Raajneeti' co-star Ranbir Kapoor, she just hopped into a taxi with her hand-luggage and took off. Much to the shock of the cabbie who had no clue about the 'star' passenger he was carrying until he looked into his rear view mirror.

"But what's the big deal about hopping into a cab to rush to the airport? Thousands of girls do it all the time. What's there to get hyper? My driver was late because he got caught in a traffic snarl," Katrina, 25, told IANS.

"If I had waited any more, I would've missed my flight. So I waved for a cab hopped in and zipped off."

While Katrina cracks up at the recollection of the moment when the cabbie spotted her in the rear, her 'Raajneeti' crew were far from amused when they saw her hop out of a cab unaccompanied.

Ranbir and director Prakash Jha were seen soundly ticking her off for her disregard for security rules.

Multi-starrer 'Raajneeti' is a dark political thriller that will highlight behind-the-scenes happenings in the corridors of power.

In fact, Katrina has always disregarded security threats.

Some time ago when hordes of young and old people had descended on her at a public gathering, she had fobbed off the security arrangements made by the organisers, arguing: "They love me. They can never harm me."

The actress has been indulging in such reckless security-adventures much too often these days. According to a close friend, she takes off on her own, usually accompanied by her trusted driver and no other companion just for a spin far away to drive off loneliness.

What concerns people close to Katrina is her utter obliviousness to obvious security dangers.

"Katrina doesn't realise the effect that her solitary presence in crowded places can have on people. Hopping into a cab early morning in Mumbai when there are no cops around is just not done. But she refuses to believe anyone would harm her," a close friend said.

The British actress lives on her own here and her latest adventure-ride to the airport on her own has left her family far from amused. Her youngest sister Isabel, who has been studying cinema in the US, may cut short her acting course to join Katrina in Mumbai.

It seems Katrina's days of zipping off on her own are nearing an end, thanks to the timely intervention of her family.

Amitabh Bachchan joins Twitter

After getting tremendous response on his blog, Big B has joined the Twitter parade and the followers are just rising by the minute. Bachchan goes with twitter handle @SrBachchan. In his effervescent style, his first tweet reads, "@juniorbachchan hey baby !! I made it on twitter !!! Yeeaaaaaahhhh !! ... sorry.. just got carried away .. safe onward flight and love."

Now you can be in touch with Big B all the time, though it's yet to be seen what his average tweets would be. Though his fan "following" on twitter would be massive, Big B himself is following his son @juniorbachchan. It'll now be interesting to see if Bachchan breaks records of other superstars like SRK, Salman, Hrithik etc. as far as fan following on twitter is concerned.

For now, we can only wait and watch. Till then, Happy Tweeting Mr. Bachchan

Ash's Indian choice for the Cannes red carpet

Guess which designer she'll be wearing for the 'Raavan' event?

Aishwarya Rai, who in recent years wore western clothes at the Cannes Film Festival, will later today (May 17) walk down the red carpet at the gala event in an Indian outfit designed by Sabyasachi.

Until now she has walked the red carpet in western outfits at Cannes as she was there as part of an international team for Loreal, the brand she endorses, her spokesperson said.

"Aishwarya is there for Loreal year after year, and as per instructions she must wear international western designer wear," the spokesperson told IANS.

"This time since the 'Raavan’ red carpet is also an occasion at Cannes, she planned to wear an Indian dress for the event. Her dress is designed by Sabyasachi," the spokesperson added.

Directed by Mani Ratnam, 'Raavan' is said to be a modern adaptation of the epic 'Ramayana'. It also stars Abhishek Bachchan and southern superstar Vikram, who plays a policeman married to Aishwarya.

Aishwarya plays the lead role in both the Hindi and Tamil version of the film.

Meet Mallika and her snake

In her own words, she 'made 'hissstory' at the Cannes International Film Festival

Mallika Sherawat said she'd 'make hissstory' (we promise it's the last time we're using that pun) at the Cannes Film Festival, and she did. The always provocative actress turned up with snakes, a python included, at the photocall of her movie 'Hisss' (where she plays a snakewoman). And did she have the photogs in a tizzy! She posed with the snakes, had the snakes wrapped around her, and even kissed the snakes! She then went on for a private photoshoot with a snake she described on her Twitter page as "my date, Rudy, the Sssnake". We kid you not!

We think most people around her at Cannes today were afraid that the snakes might turn violent. But not Mallika. She was smiling throughout the photocall (hmmm, were the snakes drugged?). Or is Mallika truly fearless? Well, one thing we know, she knows how to get publicity. The question is, will it help 'Hisss' do well at the box-office? We'll have to wait until August 15 to find out. That's when the movie releases, Mallika announced today at Cannes.

Check out more pictures of Mallika and the snakes at Cannes in our photo gallery.

IN PICS: Mallika Sherawat poses with a snake at Cannes Film Festival