EXCLUSIVE: Aamir Khan joins Twitter

Bollywood's illustrious fraternity on Twitter just grew bigger. After Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh and Salman Khan, it is now Aamir Khan's turn to join the micro-blogging site.

It is a measure of his immense popularity that the 3 Idiots star, whose first tweet from his handle aamir_khan reads 'Testing. Aamir.', has already acquired 29,166 followers in the space of nine hours.

Filmmaker Karan Johar was one of the first to welcome the actor to the community and tweeted "@aamir_khan on twitterverse people!!!". Amitabh Bachchan, who reportedly convinced Aamir to take the plunge, was also quick to extend greetings. "You have been tried and tested! Welcome, and thank you for agreeing to twitter! Now handle it brother! There will be MADNESS!!" read Big B's tweet.

Aamir has in fact joined the Twitter community a day earlier than expected. "Aamir will be on Twitter from July 1. He was not on Twitter till now because he thought he won't be able to give enough time to it. But since Mr.Bachchan insisted on him joining it, he gave it another thought and has decided to join it. He cannot say no to Mr.Bachchan," a source close to the actor was quoted as saying.

Aamir met Amitabh and his actress-politician wife Jaya over a casual dinner in London some time back and Amitabh started persuading him to join the site. He even taught him how to send Tweets through his phone.

Having made a late entry, it remains to be seen if and when Aamir overtakes Twitter veterans like Amitabh and Shah Rukh who have 207,690 and 484,464 followers respectively.

‘We fell in love over time’

Recently married Manisha Koirala admits that it wasn’t love at first sight for her, but also adds that she’s very much in love now.

Manisha Koirala, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars in the 90s, finally tied the knot on June 19 with Nepali businessman Samrat Dahal. She said that despite getting married fairly late, love finally made its way into her life.

She admits that it wasn’t love at first sight. “We fell in love after several meeting. It didn’t happen overnight. As we got to know each other, we started spending more time together and somewhere in the middle, things clicked and we fell in love, “ she says.

Not even married for 15 days, but she admits that she has already made herself at home in her husband’s home. “We have a lot in common, especially travelling. We have plans to go to Paris, Barcelona and Genoa ,” says the new Mrs. Dahal.

Although she admits that she is a good cook, she shares the little fact that her husband loves cooking as well. “We make various dishes for each other. Both of search for new and exotic recipes that we make for each other. It’s a blessing that my husband is a wonderful chef,” she laughs.

We wish the newlyweds all the best.

We are 'ready'! - Photos

Bollywood actor Salman Khan is seen here addressing the media in Colombo today. Khan said he was not worried about repercussions back in India regarding the shooting of his new movie in Sri Lanka. (Pics by Manoj Rathnayake)

Salman Khan not worried

Bollywood Superstar Salman Khan says he is not worried about the repercussions which may arise in South India as a result of his decision to shoot his latest movie‘Ready’ in Sri Lanka.

“It’s not a big deal. I have not faced any barriers so far. And I don’t think I will have any problems in screening the movie in South India,” Khan told reporters in Colombo today adding that the movie was being shot in Sri Lanka as it saves a lot of money and time.

The movie was scheduled to be shot in Mauritius, Singapore and Thailand but instead they found all the locations for the movie in Sri Lanka. Salman Khan is a producer cum lead actor while Kollywood actress Asin is paired alongside with him.

Shahid's mystery trip to London

With Sonam Kapoor heading for Mumbai for the promotion and release of her new film 'I Hate Luv Storys', shooting for 'Mausam' in Edinburgh slackened up a bit.

The hero Shahid Kapoor, who also happens to be the director's son, decided to take off for a three-day visit to nearby London. Only father Pankaj Kapoor knew about Shahid's whereabouts while the rest of the unit was kept in the dark about his visit.

Though Shahid maintained before her departure that Pankaj Kapoor had planned solo sequences with him while waiting for Sonam to return, the fact is that the unit was left with very little to do after Sonam's fleeting return to Mumbai which was planned well in advance.

"Shahid didn't have much shooting to do once Sonam left. So he took off for a secret holiday to London for four days," a source said.

A co-actor from the unit let the cat out of the bag. He said: "I don't know what Shahid told others. But the truth is, without Sonam there was little he could do for the camera. 'Mausam' is a love story and 90 percent of the time their scenes are together. With Sonam gone Shahid left for London. For what, we don't know."

Apparently on his return, Shahid was teased mercilessly about his "secret rendezvous".

Who with, Shahid isn't telling.

WATCH: Aishwarya Rai & Abhishek Bachchan on BBC

Priyanka gets party happy

She followed that up with going straight to work and dancing in killer heels

Priyanka Chopra embraced her party girl side at a recent birthday bash for a friend, and from what she says we think it was one of those nights to remember. "Had soooo much fun at Mubina Rattonsey's party last night!! All hell broke loose!! Haha but that's the way to be!! Off to work now...."

Yes, Priyanka actually went to work right after the party. And it was one of those days at work where she had to wear killer heels and dance! "Another day in the grind. If u have ever wondered how we actresses do the most energetic dancing in super high heels, u gotta watch this song!"

It was a new song for 'Anjaana Anjaani', co-starring Ranbir Kapoor, that she was shooting for. And it didn't get any easier for her with her shoes. "5 inch heels...yikes!!! My feet r killing me!! Still!!!" Priyanka added later.

"Ash is very supportive, loves me the way I am"

Abhishek says that's the reason he hasn't changed after marriage

When spotted together it is evident that they are very much in love - and Abhishek Bachchan has no qualms in saying that his wife and actress Aishwarya Rai is very supportive and encouraging.

"Aishwarya is very supportive and encouraging. She is a very chilled out person and doesn't take things to heart," Abhishek said.

"People ask me if I changed after marriage. But I just say 'Why should I change?' Aishwarya loves me the way I am and married me for the way I am. Then why should I change at all?" he added.

Abhishek and Aishwarya announced their engagement Jan 14, 2007 and the couple tied the knot April 20 that year. The wedding took place in a private ceremony at the Bachchan residence Prateeksha in Juhu, Mumbai, but made headlines everywhere.

It was rumoured that Aishwarya would leave her acting career after marriage, owing to the popular belief that married actresses don't do well in the industry.

But the 36-year-old actress squashed all rumours and continued to be a part of the film industry.

Even her husband Abhishek, 34, feels proud that his wife was able to break the age-old notion. "I feel great about Aishwarya's achievements, I'm very proud of her. Whatever adulation she has got, she truly deserves it," he said.

"I'm happy that she broke the notion that women can't work after marriage. Why are we so regressive in our thinking? If she wants to work, her audience wants to see her, what is people's problem? I as a husband am very happy that she is doing so well. I think she is doing better work now," Abhishek said.

The couple has done many films together before and after their marriage. These include 'Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke', 'Kuch Naa Kaho', 'Umrao Jaan', 'Dhoom 2', 'Guru' and the recently released 'Raavan'.

FIRST LOOK: We Are Family

Ready team watches Raavan in Sri Lanka, Salman opts out

On Saturday evening after pack-up, a part of Salman's Ready crew in Sri Lanka took off to see Mani Ratnam's Raavan. Salman was also asked to accompany the excited group of actors and technicians.

Says a source, "Initially Salman did show interest in the film. But then when it was time to accompany the rest of the Ready unit, Salman opted out because of the controversial nature of the subject and also the fact that he has earned the wrath of the Tamilians by embracing endorsing and visiting Sri Lanka twice in a month."

More importantly, Raavan is worshipped by certain sections of the Sri Lankan people and the film did raise hackles when released in Sri Lanka.

Understandably, Salman was advised against accompanying his friends for Raavan. Mahesh Manjrekar who's shooting with Salman in Sri Lanka confirms the fact that Salman did not accompany him and the others who saw Raavan on Saturday.

"I went with my friends. But it went very peacefully. I had also heard that the Sri Lankans were offended by the way Raavan was depicted. But there were 500 people in the theatre and they watched in rapt attention."

Since the movie theatres in Sri Lanka do not allow edibles, Manjrekar and his friends had taken their own snacks. "We had a good time. Wish Salman accompanied us."

FIRST LOOK: Khatta Meetha

FIRST LOOK: Lafangey Parindey

Karan Johar's "WE ARE FAMILY" flags off tomorrow - First Look

Karan Johar Tweets: Our 3 day campaign for WE ARE FAMILY flags off 2mor!!! Its releasing SEPTEMBER 10th....So here's the 1st of the 3 day campaign starting today as promised...hope u guys like it !!! (cont).

DNA After Hrs Awards: Iconic Beauty, Most Stylish Duo & The Eternally Stylish - Photos

Amitabh, Abhishek & Aishwarya Rai Bachchan greet fans - Photos

Katrina bonds with Salman's family

She recently arranged a special screening of 'Raajneeti' for them

For those who think Katrina Kaif has severed all relations with Salman Khan and his family, there is news. Recently she arranged a show of her latest hit 'Raajneeti' for Salim Khan who is proud of the actress.

Talking about arranging the show for Salman's family after they've apparently split, Katrina said: "I wish all these speculations on my personal life would end. Salman's family is the only family I've known in Mumbai. That can't change.

"Of course, I wanted Salim saab to see 'Raajneeti' for very special reason. He has seen my struggle in Bollywood from the start. He's very proud of me."

'Raajneeti' director Prakash Jha said: "Salim saab was full of praise for 'Raajneeti'. He specially praised the dialogues which, coming from him, was a great compliment. Earlier, Salim saab had said what he and Javed Akhtar saab wrote as a cops story in 'Zanjeer' was nowhere near the authenticity of my cops story in 'Gangaa Jal'. He's a generous man."

Salim Khan's generosity was also evident in the call he made to Katrina praising her mature and restrained performance in 'Raajneeti'.

After tweeting to the entire world that he would definitely like to see 'Raajneeti' and raising Katrina's hopes that he'd finally watch one of her films, Salman stayed away from the special screening of the movie. He has not seen a single film of Katrina.

Hrithik and Jackky are connected

Hey hey……don’t poke your ‘dostana’ nose here…… baby, we are serious...

The laadla of producer no.1 Vashu Bhagnani and the wannabe dulaara of Bollywood Jackky was a rolly polly prospect for any cake or pastry shop during ‘Biwi No.1’ days. The kid never had the dreams of becoming an actor up until he took up dance as a serious form of fitness thanks to his inspiration from Hrithik Roshan. The actor who was very overweight through his teens lost a whopping 60 kgs after Hrithik Roshan hit the scene with his debut ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’.

Jackky is a gifted dancer and the wannabe gives the credit to his inspiration to Bollywood most attractive and probably the best technical dancer in the B-town Hrithik Roshan .

Recently at IIFA in Srilanka, Jaccky was gung ho that if he plays cricket he'll only play in Hrithik’s team and he was extremely excited to play it.

Well, if papa Bhagnani is aware of his son’s admiration for Hrithik… then we may hear a musical starring Hrithik and Jackky soon... What say…?

Is Abhishek being offered Rs 7 crores?

Rumour is that's his fee for a new film, even after 'Raavan' flopped

'Raavan' hasn't dazzled at the box office but that doesn't seem to have affected Abhishek Bachchan's stock in Bollywood. Apparently he is being offered Rs 7 crores to star in a new movie directed by Rajkumar Santoshi and produced by a major company.

What's the USP of the movie? Well, not USP exactly but it is supposed to be bringing the Bachchan clan - Abhi, Ash and Big B - together. Earlier, the family all starred in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar Raj'.

So is Junior Bachchan really going to be making all that money for one movie? No confirmations so far (and we might never have them because star fees are quite hush-hush) but if it's true, good going Abhi!

Hrithiik Roshan on the sets of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in Spain - Photos

Hrithiik Roshan on the sets of "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" in Spain

Aarya loses his way in Sri Lanka

And delays the first day of shooting for Salman's 'Ready'

Aarya Babbar lost his way in Sri Lanka on the very first day of shooting for Anees Bazmee's 'Ready'.

The shoot was scheduled at Hotel Cinnamon Lake and Aarya's driver dropped him at Hotel Cinnamon Grand. By the time he realised that he is at the wrong place, the driver had already left and he had to use local transport to reach the sets, said a source close to the actor.

Aarya, who says he was worried because he was getting late, is not complaining.

"There was a whole lot of confusion and the shoot was delayed because of this. The driver dropped me at the wrong location and I had to find my way out and reach the right place. It was my first day of shoot and I hate being late for shoots.

"Luckily, Anees Bazmee and the crew are complete sweethearts and they not only waited for me but were also very worried about me. Now when I think about the entire situation I can't stop laughing as the sight of being dressed up and hunting for a local transport! Must say an eventful start," said Aarya.

'Ready' also stars Salman Khan.

WATCH: Salman Khan and Asin on the sets of "Ready"

 

Salman Khan and Asin on the sets of there upcoming Blockbuster Ready.Movie Directed by Aneez Bazmee. Produced by T-Series

Salman urges Paresh Rawal to go home

Paresh Rawal was shooting for Anees Bazmee's Ready in Sri Lanka with Asin and Salman Khan when he got the news that his mother had expired in India. The veteran actor broke down on the sets of the film. However, he insisted he will finish shooting as per schedule before returning home to perform his mother's last rites. The crew told him there was no need to do so, but Paresh was adamant.

When Salman got to know about this, he immediately went up to Paresh and told him there was no need for this. He explained to him that the unit can easily shoot Salman and Asin's scenes during Paresh's absence. Paresh can fly back home without disrupting the schedule. Paresh was reluctant, but Salman finally persuaded him to catch the evening flight and return home. Finally, Paresh did so and the unit members were relieved.

Saif Ali Khan The Hugh Jackman of India

Which international director is calling him 'the Hugh Jackman of India'?

British director Jon Harris, who had edited the critically acclaimed Hindi film ‘Being Cyrus’, is keen to make a movie with Saif Ali Khan.

The director’s latest ‘The Descent 2’ is releasing in India on July 2 and while he was promoting the film, he was asked a question about one actor with whom he would like to work with and why.

To this Harris quickly replied: "Saif Ali Khan. I haven't met him but I loved his role in a film for which I was an editor. I am looking forward to work with the actor if get an opportunity.

"He has this unique feature where he can look young and at the same time mature. I look at him as the Wolverine i.e. Hugh Jackman of India and I am really looking forward to directing him as soon as I get a green signal for my next projects as director."

Apart from directing ‘The Descent 2’, Harris has been the editor of films like "Stardust", "Snatch", and the soon to be released "X-Men: First Class".

Aishwarya joins weekly Bachchan ritual

Amitabh Bachchan's home Jalsa in Mumbai is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Fans crowd around the house pretty much everyday but every Sunday in particular, it's a special kind of gathering. As Big himself said on his Twitter page, "Every Sunday from 1982 of my accident in 'Coolie' to this day non stop, the crowds and fans and well wishers are here."

Big B who had just flown back to Mumbai from London yesterday (June 27) added, "Coming in to Jalsa to meet Sunday crowds... but getting in is also a huge exercise. More crowds and more affection ..!! 28 years without break, every Sunday. Sunday crowds ... have no words for this attention!!"

Check out the crowds in this picture and you'll know just what the Bachchans are dealing with. But they seem to appreciate the love all the way. Big B added, "Abhi and Ash join me at the gate ... will never be able to repay this love."

Akshay's made his Diwali plans

He wants 'Action Replayy' to release during the festival, just like 'Blue' did

After 'Blue' last year, one would think Akshay Kumar would stay away from Diwali releases. In fact that is what Vipul Shah had presumed and was in fact planning an Eid or a post-Diwali release for his directorial venture 'Action Replayy', but a call from the star changed his plans.

Akshay, who is playing the male lead and also co-producing 'Action Replayy', called Shah from London and asked him to opt for a Diwali release despite the fact that a big franchise film 'Golmaal 3' was already scheduled for the same time.

"You'd be surprised to know that in spite of 'Blue' last Diwali, Akshay wants us to go ahead with 'Action Replayy' this Diwali. Let's not forget, Akshay's 'Garam Masala' had also released for Diwali and it was a big hit," said Shah.

Apparently Akshay wants a Diwali release because he feels a fun, frothy, and goofy film like 'Action Replayy' has great festive value, and never mind a bad omen.

"We're hoping for both 'Golmaal 3' and 'Action Replayy' to do well. If only one film can succeed, may the best one win. And may we be the best," said Shah.

Shah is also planning a collaboration with Tamil director Gautham Menon who directed the original Tamil version of Suriya-starrer 'Kaakha Kaakha' that he is now remaking in Hindi with John Abraham in the lead. Nishikant Kamat will direct it.

Throughout the re-scripting of the original Tamil into Hindi, Shah kept Menon in the loop about the changes.

"We've made drastic changes in the script from the original. 'Kaakha Kaakha' is a seven-year-old film. The cop played by John will be completely different from Suriya in the original. The police force and the law and order situation have changed.

"We've altered the screenplay completely. While buying the remake rights, we had stipulated that the changes would be made. So legally or ethically we did not need to keep Gautham in the loop."

However, Shah felt it was only decent to inform the original about the changes. During these telephonic conversations between Shah and Menon, the former realised the Tamil director could bring a refreshing new idiom to commercial Hindi cinema.

"I'm definitely going to work with Gautham," said Shah.

Karan gets a compliment from Ramu

Does this mean the two directors have finally stopped fighting?

Filmmakers Ram Gopal Verma and Karan Johar are mostly at loggerheads, but for a change RGV has complimented Johar for the title of his upcoming film ‘I Hate Luv Storys’.

"Hey Karan 'I Hate Luv Storys' is the best ever title from you. I am really jealous that I couldn't think of it," Varma posted on Johar's Twitter page.

Johar replied : "Thanks Ramu!!!"

The two directors have distinctly different styles of filmmaking. While Johar's forte is romantic dramas, Verma is known for his horrors and thrillers and they never fall short of taking a dig at each other often.

Just yesterday Karan posted on his Twitter page, “Kudos to Saina Nehwal!! Not that I follow badminton but just watching the pride on her parents face was beyond victory! You go girl!!!”

To this, Ramu wrote, “Well karan its all about parents,” maybe taking a dig at the tagline for KJo’s ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’ – ‘It’s all about loving your parents’.

But Karan only replied, “Yes Ramu and family values....”

Salman Khan's 'Ready'

Bollywood super star Salman Khan last week arrived in Sri Lanka to commence shooting the film Ready.

Initially scheduled to be shot on location in Mauritius, Khan’s Ready was shifted to Sri Lanka within a matter of days after the Bollywood star’s visit to Sri Lanka to attend the IIFA awards earlier in the month.

The film director Anees Bazmee’s decision to shift the shooting of the movie from Mauritius to Sri Lanka came amidst much protest from the South Indian film industry, which has now threatened to boycott Ready once released.

Khan’s firm decision to shoot Ready in Sri Lanka and support to build the country’s image amidst such protest has however helped score brownie points with his Bollywood fans in Colombo.

Khan arrived in the country last week with a cast and crew of 140. Star of the movie Ghajini, Asin, is to star opposite Khan in the movie. Asin had earlier starred alongside Khan in the movie London Dreams.

Some of the other cast members of Ready are Manoj Pahwa, Anooradha Singh, Sharat Saxena, Manoj Joshi, Rajiv Kachroo, Mithilesh Chaturvedi, Eva Grover, Paresh Rawal, et al.

The Ready crew has already identified several locations in Colombo and outskirts to shoot the movie. The location for shooting last Thursday (24) was Cinnamon Lakeside.

Khan made his entrance to the Lakeside hotel around 3.30 p.m. from the Taj Samudra Hotel where he is residing, flanked by four security personnel from the Ministerial Security Division (MSD).

Members of the crew directed him to the location site, which was by the pool and towards the Beira Lake.

The area instantly attracted hundreds of fans including hotel staff, who stood gazing adoringly at Khan, who at ease, nonchalantly munched short eats as he worked.

Once the shooting got underway, The Sunday Leader sat down with Line Producer of Ready and head of Film Location Services (Pvt) Limited, veteran film maker Chandran Ratnam.

Ratnam said that a cast and crew of 140 had arrived in the country to shoot Ready.

“After the IIFA, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board had invited him to shoot his new movie in Sri Lanka and since Salman had enjoyed the country, he had agreed to shift to Colombo from Mauritius,” Ratnam said.

He said that the 30-day shoot is to be carried out at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, Water’s Edge, Taj Exotica in Bentota (not confirmed yet) and another lakeside location, which is yet to be identified.

The Story Line In Ready

Prem (Salman Khan) is the heir to the company Frangnance perfumes owned by the Bandari brother’s – Gautam, Rishi and Rajveer. The eldest Gautam has no issue. Rishi has married off his only daughter and Prem is Rajveer’s only son and is therefore the only heir to the company.

Prem, still a bachelor wants to enjoy life before getting married and his father does not approve of this. It’s Gautam and Rishi who side Prem and treat him as their son.

Sanjanna (Asin), an orphan lands in India to be with her uncles – Narendra and Tulsi who both are greedy and want to gulp down their niece’s property, which Sanjana had inherited.

Prem falls for Sanjana and decides to teach her uncles a lesson. Both uncles who are sworn enemies want Sanjana to get married to their respective brothers-in-law, so that they can get Sanjana’s property. But Prem makes a fool of them by getting friendly with them and then bringing his full family posing off as billionaires, and traps them by getting the uncles’ brothers-in-law to marry house maids.

For the sake of his son’s love Rajveer too poses as a bank manager and tells the uncles that the day Sanjana’s parent died, her parent’s owed the bank billions of dollar and says that they either sell their property or disown the girl.

To get rid of Sanjana they trap Prem… so that once he marries Sanjana… it is Prem who has to clear off the debts.

But on the day of the marriage, Prem’s game gets exposed and both the uncles’ brothers-in-law want revenge.

Finally Prem manages to put sense in to the two brothers that they had promised their sister (Sanjana’s mother) at the time of her death, that they would look after Sanjana as their own daughter. They then realise their greed and Prem inherits the property.

Salman, of the super persuasive powers

Mahesh Manjrekar has vowed to give up acting, but Salman Khan keeps coaxing him back to the camera.

First Salman convinced Manjrekar to play debutante Sonakshi Sinha's father in his home production 'Dabangg'. That was meant to be his swan song as an actor.

But now Manjrekar has again been persuaded to face the camera with Salman for Anees Bazmi's 'Ready'. The funniest part of the director's enforced career as an actor is that he doesn't know what his role in 'Ready' is.

"Salman said you have to do it. I know, I decided I won't be acting any more. But you can't say no to Salman. He said, 'You're in 'Ready' and you're part of my family in the film. Beyond that all I know is I play a positive role for a change," said Manjrekar.

Big B remembers Karan's dad

On Yash Johar's death anniversary, here's what the star said about him

Amitabh Bachchan remembers the late filmmaker Yash Johar on his sixth death anniversary as the "most dependable human ever".

The producer and founder of Dharma productions, passed away June 26, 2004 following a chest infection in Mumbai at the age of 74.

"Today is the death anniversary of Mr Yash Johar, father of Karan Johar and one of the finest gentlemen in the film industry. A dear friend of the family and the most dependable human ever," Amitabh wrote on his blog bigb.bigadda.com.

"No matter what the need was, he was always there, voluntarily without any obligation. Loved by all and respected for his fair conduct in an industry that often shied away from such attributes," he added.

"The first film that Johar produced under his banner was 'Dostana' with Zeenat Aman, Shatrughan Sinha and yours truly, directed by Raj Khosla. His next film with me was 'Agnipath'."

Remembering Johar as an ideal producer, Amitabh wrote: "His care and concern for the team, his efficient and systematic management system, during and after their association with the film and the personalized attention that he gave to his entire unit, are now legendary."

"Many of the production systems he introduced were ahead of their time, thoughtful and most professional. A soft spoken, gentle and concerned human, with the most subtle sense of humour, even in the most adverse circumstances. We remember you fondly Yash-ji and send our prayers to you through Hiroo (wife) and Karan (son). Our thoughts shall always be with you!" he added.

After reading the blog entry, Karan posted on his Twitter page, "Thank you so much amit uncle...just read the blog...truly means a lot..."

Ash romancing a robot?

The story of 'Endhiran' starring her and Rajnikant has been revealed

Bollywood diva Aishwarya Rai and Tamil superstar Rajnikant's mega-budget 'Endhiran' is expected to hit the screens Sep 3.

Produced by Sun Pictures and directed by Shankar, 'Endhiran' is said to be one of the most expensive films. It's made at a budget of Rs.190 crore.

During a press conference, Rajnikant had hinted that the film may be released some time in August. But if sources in the Tamil industry are to be believed then 'Endhiran' will be released simultaneously in India and abroad Sep 3 on more than 1000 screens.

The formal announcement regarding the release date is expected to come soon.

Meanwhile, director Shankar has revealed the film's story on his blog.

"It revolves around a robot, who, all of a sudden turns into a human being and mingles with society," Shankar posted on his blog.

"The film will have many surprises. Technology has been used to the maximum possible extent. I am hopeful that 'Endhiran' will surpass all expectations. Rajni is such a simple man who is totally unaware of his fame and power."

Vivek builds school in Sri Lanka

Vivek Oberoi has just wrapped up a hectic schedule of Ram Gopal Varma’s Hindi-Telugu bilingual, Rakta Charitra. And he is preparing to fly down to his school in Vrindavan that not only educates 1,500 girls from families below the poverty line, but even offers them free meals.

“We have also set up filtration plants in the villages so these children don’t have to walk miles for a pot of undrinkable water,” informs the actor, who hopes that the number of students will double by next year.

Oberoi, who was in Colombo for the IIFA gala earlier this month, is also building a school there for the children of ex-LTTE combatants. He saw 70-odd children, whose little village near the front line had been completely destroyed in the civil war, studying under a mango tree. And decided to give them a school.

The star has been actively canvassing for corporate support since and has managed to bring the UNICEF on board. “The school will stand for hope and peace, it will be a window to the future for these children,” he says, adding that he hopes to have the first phase catering to 300-odd children, operational by the year-end. Eventually, the school will benefit around 1,000 students.

The actor was present at a mass wedding of Tamil rebels. Fifty-three couples were issued marriage certificates in the northern district of Vavuniya, where they are in military custody following the defeat of the Tamil Tiger separatist movement in May last year. Oberoi was a witness for one of the couples, and says that for Viktalis and Rathi Devi, legalising their union after three years was a dream come true.

“The bride had tears in her eyes as she told me that earlier, combatants were not allowed to marry and peace was only a dream,” informs Oberoi. When he asked her what was the first thing she’d do now, she blushed and blurted out, “Have babies.” Maybe her babies will go to his school too.

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan feature in July issue of Vogue

The fashionable couple, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan may not have been successful in winning the audience's heart with their latest movie, but when it comes to style, the two always manage to make a statement. And finally, this 'it' couple of Bollywood will be seen on the cover of the July issue of Vogue.

Needles to say that they are looking a million bucks! As is seen on the cover, Abhi has donned jackets teamed with tees while Aishwarya's dresses are simply short yet classy. This surely is yet another classy cover by Vogue.

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