Akashdeep Saigal and Pooja Bedi

Akashdeep Saigal and Pooja Bedi at Svenska design Hotel at Andheri in Mumbai.

DON 2 BEAT THE BODYGUARD

Don 2 opened to a good response on Friday, picked up at high-end multiplexes on Saturday and ended it’s first weekend with a spectacular Sunday.
On Sunday, most multiplexes were sold-out for the entire day, including the morning shows. Even single-screens, where collections fell on Saturday, showed a slight jump in business on Sunday.
Weekend collections including non-hindi versions are below

• Friday – 14.5 crores
• Saturday – 15 crores
• Sunday – 18 crores
• Weekend total – 47.5 crores

It’s the third biggest weekend after Bodyguard and Ra One in 2011. The weekend business is comparable to last year’s Dabangg, but when the final collections come in, Don 2 could fall just short of Dabangg by a few lakhs. Don 2 benefited from higher ticket prices, 3D and regional versions. While Dabangg as a film had tremendous appeal at smaller centers. and non holiday
Monday update coming in an hour, stay tuned!

Don 2: Highest first day collection for a non-holiday Friday

Don 2 has collected Rs 48 crores in its opening weekend. However the PR mechanism is trying to devise new tags just to showoff that the film is breaking new records.
The year 2011 has come to an end with Shah Rukh Khan's Don 2, amongst the most anticipated releases of the year. One cannot exactly say that Bollywood in 2011 had 'saved the best for last' with the extreme response that the film has received. Audience response varies from awesome to awful for the film.

 

 

Aishwarya Abhishek pose for media after Baby’s birth

The Bachchans posed for cosy family pics at their first press meet at Jalsa, after the birth of their baby girl.

Deepika to promote sports during Olympics

Deepika Padukone has been approached for a motivational campaign during the 2012 London Olympics to encourage the young generation to take up sports. Daughter of veteran badminton player Prakash Padukone, Deepika has been a state level badminton player herself. She, however, chose to take up acting as a career.
“My first love continues to be sports and I would love to do any campaign that encourages people to take up sports in our country,” Deepika said in a statement.
“Yes, she has been approached. In all meetings, the board has been saying that she is the only one they would like do it because she has a very strong bond with sports,” said an official spokesperson from Sports Development Corporation, the board promoting Olympics.
After a successful stint as a model, Deepika ventured into movies with blockbuster “Om Shanti Om” and also featured in hits like “Bachna Ae Haseeno” and “Love Aaj Kal”.
The actress has also been approached to become the face of badminton in India.

Salman Khan with Ashvini Yardi

Salman Khan with Ashvini Yardi, Head of Programming, Colors TV, during ‘Golden Petal’ Awards 2011 at Filmcity in Mumbai

Fashion Police : Sanjay Dutt

The actress and hubby Mahesh are expecting their first child

t's seems to be baby boom season in Bollywood. After Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, now we hear that Lara Dutta is pregnant. While the actress herself is keeping the news quiet, our sources reveal that the star and hubby Mahesh Bhupathi are indeed expecting their first child together. The couple got married just about five months ago on February 16, 2011 in Mumbai. 

It was Lara's first marriage, while Mahesh had been married earlier to model Shveta Jaishankar. 

Following the registered marriage, Lara and Mahesh had their sangeet in Goa. This was followed by aromantic wedding ceremony. Earlier, Lara had her hen party in Dubai hosted by close friend and Splash and Iconic CEO Raza Beig.

Lara and Mahesh got engaged on September 19, 2010. They made their first public appearance as a couple at the Filmfare Awards in February 2010.

The 26-year-old Hyderabad girl wins 'I Am She' contest

Vasuki Sunkavalli, popularly known as Vasuki in the Indian modelling industry, has been chosen to represent India at the Miss Universe contest this year. She says she is confident of making her country proud.

"In this competition, I met a lot of people from different parts of the country and from different professions. That was very interesting. I am very confident, hopeful and determined that I will bring the crown back. I will give it my best," Vasuki told reporters.

The 26-year-old Hyderabad girl was crowned Miss Universe India 2011 through former Miss Universe-turned-actress Sushmita Sen's Wadhawan Lifestyle I Am She contest at a private ceremony in Mumbai on Friday (July 15).

But the results of the contest were unveiled in the media Saturday July 16).

Two more crowns were given out. The I Am She Globe International 2011 title was bagged by 23-year-old Parul Duggal, a fashion designer by profession, while 19-year-old Tanvi Singla from Mysore has won the I Am She Asia Pacific 2011 title.

Sushmita, whose production company Tantra Entertainment, was awarded the India franchise by the Miss Universe Organisation last year, is glad that her endeavour is now "three times larger".

"We have added two new franchises - the Miss Globe International and Miss Asia Pacific. I feel immensely proud to say that with these girls, the chances of the international crowns coming back to India are closer than we think," she said.

With the title, Vasuki has won a cash prize of Rs.200,000, while the other two title holders have been awarded Rs.100,000 each.

Salman was a part of her special celebrations!

Katrina Kaif turned 27 today (July 16), and while the run-up to her birthday was spent promoting 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', which released this weekend, the star did make time for some personal celebrations too. 

Katrina met up with Salman Khan and some other close friends for a private birthday dinner at Bandra in Mumbai late last night. Click here for pics of Salman and other guests who were invited. 

Earlier yesterday, Kat got together with her 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' co-stars Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol and Kalki Koechlin for a special show of the movie at PVR in Mumbai. 
Apparently, Katrina also has a small party planned later today. Also, two of her sisters are expected to fly into Mumbai from the UK to celebrate her birthday.

Here's wishing Katrina Kaif a very Hppy Birthday from us. Do check out our special photo gallery Katrina's Birthday Secrets to find out 27 things you didn't know about the star.

Guess what else she revealed on Simi Garewal's show?

Sonam Kapoor appears on the next episode of Simi Garewal's show ' Simi Selects India's Most Desirable' and she's made some surprising revelations on it. The 'Mausam' star says she's got her tongue pierced and also reveals that she has two tattoos on her body. 

In the promos for the episode, Simi asks Sonam what kind of men are off-limits to her, and the young Bollywood fashionista answers, "Married men." When Simi wonders if she would go out with a single man who was seeing someone else too, Sonam goes on to admit that she's been in such a situation. "I was dating someone once and there was another woman in the picture. Obviously, the guy doesn't deserve you."

Sonam also believes that men should get pedicures done, and that they're not girly. 

The star also talks about how she really enjoys clothes and that most of her friends are fashion designers. She adds that they love dressing her up.

Post the Mumbai blasts, here's what Amitabh Bachchan wants

Amitabh Bachchan has urged people to act as policemen and suggested initiating an anti-terror training programme that would help them to fight terrorism and protect themselves.

The actor said he would be the first one to join the anti-terror training programme. His comments come in the wake of the three serial blasts at Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar West that killed 17 people and injured 131 in Mumbai Wednesday (July 13).

"Each one of us will have to become a 'policeman' .. look, notice, observe, feel, sense the danger in every step and report," the 68-year-old posted on his Twitter page.

"Yes the security forces will always be needed, but when vulnerable, let each one of us know that we are being watched and monitored. There are many vulnerable nations in the world ... knowing this they have made each citizen of theirs a watch dog, a fighting force!" 

"Let there be private or state professional units that take up the job of training citizens in anti-terror acts... make it compulsory. Make that training programme mandatory for every citizen, every national of the country ... I shall be the first to join," he posted.

Director Rohit Shetty feels criticising the force doesn't help at all

Director Rohit Shetty takes a dim view of people criticising Mumbai Police after the three blasts at Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar West two days ago, and believes people should instead lend their support to the department to make it perform more effectively.

"Every time the Mumbai Police become the punching bag, saying 'Police didn't do anything'. The problem is at a higher level and not only Mumbai Police," Rohit said.

"For once, we should have a different point of view and help the Mumbai Police. They are already under so much pressure and we give them more. For once, we should help them and see what changes come," he added.

Rohit said: "Have we ever thought that if the police headquarters is shut down for a day, what would be the condition of the city? If any day you dial 100 and they say today is a holiday, think where would you go?"

Rohit, known for directing comedies like the 'Golmaal' franchise, is coming out with a cop movie 'Singham', which is set to release July 22.

Check out her hot new ad for PETA

Just like her co-star Shahid Kapoor, Amrita Rao is a proud vegetarian. And she's making it known - the actress has shot for a new pro-vegetarian advertisement for animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.

The 30-year-old looks casual in a pair of shorts and a clingy T-shirt that reads 'Powered by Tofu' in the ad, through which she proclaims: "I Am Amrita Rao, and I Am a Vegetarian".

"I call being vegetarian the Wow Rao diet. Wow because I know that being vegetarian is the best thing I can do for myself, the animals and the environment," Amrita said.

"Pulses can get pulses racing, while corpse cuisine slows you down. Kick the meat habit and you'll look and feel better than ever," added the actress, who starred in films like 'Main Hoon Na' and 'Vivaah'.

Amrita joins a growing list of celebrities like Lara Dutta, Pamela Anderson, Shahid Kapoor, R. Madhavan and Anil Kumble, who have teamed up with PETA to promote a healthy vegetarian diet. 

She also asked French officials to postpone a ceremony honouring her

Aishwarya Rai, who was to receive an honour from the French government in New Delhi on Wednesday (July 13), requested officials to postpone the ceremony in the wake of the Mumbai blasts. The actress also maintained a minute's silence to mourn the deaths.

"Thank you all for being here. The current situation has really disturbed and shocked all of us. I thank the French embassy for being supportive and considering the sensitivity of the situation. They have been kind to consider me and my family's request to postpone the celebration till another time. We as Indians can't go ahead and celebrate in such a situation," Aishwarya told reporters at the event.

Mumbai was hit by three blasts at Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar West that left at least 20 people dead and over 100 injured Wednesday evening. 

The event for honouring Aishwarya with "Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters" was being held in New Delhi, but her heart was with those affected by the tragedy.

"The terrible blasts have shook us, but we shall stand strong. They (terrorists) should get it straight that we won't let them succeed. You cannot break us, we all believe in deep strong Indian spirit. You will not get the better of us. God bless us and Jai Hind," added Aishwarya, who was accompanied by her hubby Abhishek Bachchan.

The 37-year-old's appearance was highly anticipated as it was her second public outing ever since the announcement of her pregnancy. She did not disappoint by being away from shutterbugs, and looked extremely graceful in a yellow and parrot green sari, with the natural glow of an expectant mother.

French Ambassdor Jerome Bonnafont said: "The terrible series of blast has shocked all of us. It seems the time is not right. I pay my condolence and want the Indian people to know that the government of France is with them."

'Don 2' first look launch and 'Murder 2' success party called off

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani were ready with the first look of 'Don 2: The Chase Continues' and Mahesh Bhatt was set to celebrate the success of 'Murder 2' Wednesday (July 13) evening, but the filmmakers cancelled their plans following three bomb blasts in Mumbai, at Opera House, Zaveri Bazar and Dadar West which killed over 20 people.

The launch of the first look of the Shah Rukh Khan-Priyanka Chopra starrer 'Don 2' was to be held 7.45 p.m. onwards at Cinemax, Andheri West, while the success party for Mohit Suri's directorial 'Murder 2' was scheduled for 9 p.m. at the J.W. Marriot hotel in Juhu.

The first blast took place at Zaveri Bazar at 6.59 p.m, followed by a second blast at Opera House at 7.05 p.m, and the final explosion took place at Dadar West at 7.17 p.m., causing panic and chaos in the city.

The incessant rains added to the dilemma of city dwellers.

However, a few print and electronic journalists had already gathered at Cinemax, Andheri West to catch a glimpse of 'Don 2', one of the most awaited movies this year.

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani was there too, but he approached the mediapersons, and said: "Due to the blast, we have decided to call off the event."

No further date for the event has been issued as yet.

The 'Murder 2" success party, which was expected to be attended by lead pair Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandes, apart from director Mohit Suri, other crew members and celebrities from the film industry, was also cancelled as the news of the blasts flashed everywhere, and a high alert was issued.

In New Delhi, Aishwarya Rai requested officials of the French government to postpone an award ceremony where she was supposed to be honoured with a "Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters".

However, Aishwarya appeared before the media along with her actor-husband Abhishek Bachchan and observed a minute-long silence mourning the death of the people in the blasts.

Crores on the line to guess the newest Bachchan's gender

Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan's baby is due in November 2011, and the the buzz surrounding the new Baby B is just getting crazier and crazier. Apparently, punters in India are involved in betting on the sex of the baby, and the amount involved involves crores of rupees.  

Reportedly, the bet is 70 paise per rupee on a baby girl and 80 paise per rupee on a baby boy. Allegedly, the amount put up in the betting pool has reached the figures and proportions that India-Pakistan cricket matches generally do. 

It seems that Aishwarya's doctor in Mumbai has been flooded with questions about the baby, particularly its gender. Mumbai-based Dr Kuldeep Prasad is believed to be very upset by the intrusion as well as reports of the betting on the baby's gender. 

Aishwarya and Abhishek have not reacted to the reports as yet.  

Rumour has it that she's separated from hubby Bobby Mukherjee

Has yet another Bollywood marriage hit the dust? We hear that Mahima Chaudhary's marriage to architect Bobby Mukherjee is apparently going through a rough patch. 

It seems that, in the recent past, Mahima and Bobby have been having several arguments. His work requires him to spend a lot of time travelling and Mahima apparently feels that this does not allow him enough time with her and their four-year-old daughter Ariana.   

Supposedly, Mahima and Bobby have been trying to work things out but there's been no improvement in their situation. Some sources even say that Mahima has moved out of their home and shifted to her mother's house in Lokhandwala, Mumbai. 

Mahima began dating Bobby soon after she borke up with tennis player Leander Paes. Mahima and Bobby got married soon after in 2006 in Las Vegas. Bobby had been married earlier while it was Mahima's first marriage. She said at the time that when she initially met Bobby, marriage had not been part of the plan. 

The actress, who made her debut with Subhash Ghai's 'Pardes', all but disappeared from Bollywood after marrying Bobby and the birth of her daughter.

Click here for a rare photo of Bobby Mukherjee and Mahima Chaudhary taken soon after their marriage.

Plus, we tell you why he's celebrating the feat with Bambi

Shah Rukh Khan has got more than a million followers on Twitter a little over a year-and-half after joining the micro-blogging site.

"Celebrating the million mark by watching Bambi with my daughter. Feeling the warmth...thanx all. Love u," Shah Rukh posted on his page today (July 11).

SRK, who joined Twitter in January 2010, got over 10,000 followers within the first 24 hours of joining the Bollywood brigade on the website.

But Shah Rukh is not the first Indian celebrity to achieve the million followers feat, as cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, author-politician Shashi Tharoor and actress Priyanka Chopra crossed it before him.

These days, the 45-year-old superstar is gearing up for the release of his superhero film 'RA.One', which will hit screens this Diwali.

Why did she say no to her close friend?

Kareena Kapoor and Karan Johar share a strong bond, with Bebo even having gone to the extent of saying that KJo is like her brother. Of course that doesn't mean that Kareena and Karan have never had their differences. We know how she refused Karan's 'Kal Ho Na Ho' because of money issues. The two patched up since then but now there's something else that's cropped up that might affect the relationship. 

Apparently, Karan wanted Kareena for an item number in his 'Agneepath' remake that stars Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra in the lead. Kareena is believed to have refused. 

The song is supposedly set in the HQ of the villain (played by Sanjay Dutt) and has been planned as a super sultry number. 

So why did Kareena refuse Karan? Allegedly, she wasn't too comfortable being part of the same project as Priyanka Chopra (though PC has reportedly agreed to do an item number in the SRK-Bebo starrer 'Ra.One'). Priyanka's friendship with Shahid Kapoor, Kareena's ex, has never seemd to be out of the picture in the equation between the two. And one can never tell how Kareena and Priyanka will react around each other when they meet in public.

Kareena was also apparently not very keen on working with Hrithik. The two starred together in 'Yaadein', 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham' and 'Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon' and were said to be quite close at one point. But the relationship changed after rumours of an affair between the two that reportedly upset Hrithik's wife Sussanne. Since then, the two seem to be avoiding each other.    

So will the face-off between Kareena-Priyanka-Hrihik continue? Watch this space for updates!

We've got hot new deets on 'Munnabhai Chale America'

There's good news for fans of the Munnbhai movies - part three in the series 'Munnabhai Chaale America' which had been on hold for some time now - is back on track. Director Rajkumar Hirani has reportedly confirmed that he is working on the script for the movie right now. 

While the initial promos for 'Munnabhai Chale America' were first shown some years ago, the project itself had been stalled because the team wanted to avoid a clash with the similarly themed 'My Name Is Khan'.

Rajkumar Hirani is working co-writer Abhijat Joshi (who also scripted '3 Idiots') and the plan is to start shooting early in 2012. 

While Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi will play Munnabhai and Circuit again, they will have new leading ladies.