Priyanka Chopra excited about Guinness Book

Eighty years ago legendary British actor Lupino Lane created a (yet unbroken) record for a male actor playing 24 roles in Only Me (1929). And now Bollywood star Priyanka Chopra is all excited about the possibility of her entering the record books for doing 12 roles in forthcoming What’s Your Raashee.

“I was aware about Sanjeev Kumar playing nine roles in ‘Naya Din Nayi Raat’ and Kamal Haasan being seen 10 times over in ‘Dashavatharam’. However, even I got to know about Lupino Lane’s achievement very recently. Hats off to him to have done that eight decades back and that too in a silent film,” said Priyanka.

In Ashutosh Gowariker’s What’s Your Raashee, she plays 12 different roles and the film has already been referred to the Guinness Book of World Records.

While there have been quite a few double role performances by leading ladies in the past, there aren’t many movies where a Bollywood actress has played even a triple role, let aside coming close to enacting a dozen-odd characters in a single outing.

“Yes, I have been told about this. I guess not just in India but even in world cinema no woman has ever played 12 different characters in the film. In fact, the producers of What’s Your Raashee have got in touch with the Guinness Book of World Records and we are awaiting their response,” said Priyanka.

If one goes down the memory lane, one can comfortably say that with What’s Your Raashee?, Priyanka may well boast of doing the biggest ever film written for a woman protagonist in the history of Indian cinema.

“Please don’t make it all sound so big and heavy. Let’s just look at it as an entertaining movie and leave it there. Words like ‘greatest’ and ‘biggest’ don’t hold much relevance if one doesn’t justify each of the characters. You may win when it comes to count but then you must also be able to put some weight in your performance,” she said.

So was she overjoyed when Gowariker approached her for the role?

“Not at all. In fact I was quite nervous about how I would manage to pull it off. A role may look fantastic on paper and you too may feel confident of pulling it off. Still, you have to be extra careful to make sure that audiences too like what you bring to the table,” said Priyanka, who has given three consecutive hits – Dostana, Fashion and Kaminey.

This was the reason why she stayed away from all the limelight while shooting for What’s Your Raashee? and her look for each of the characters too was kept under wraps.

“You end up picking on all the flattery around you but none of that helps in what comes across on screen”, she said. “What’s Your Raashee? has such a fantastic script written with each of the 12 roles boasting of such well-etched characterisation.

“I had to go all out in following Ashutosh’s vision. With the coming together of a great production house, an intelligent director, a fantastic co-star and some melodious music, it all seems to have summed up well. Now that the mathematics part has gone well, it is time to see how audiences react to our effort.”

What’s Your Raashee? is set to release Sep 25.

Bollywood Catfights

Deepika Padukone-Kareena Kapoor

Blame it on Saif Ali Khan to create a rift between Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor. Had he not gone about telling everyone, whoever cared to listen to him, that how much he missed Bebo in the film, the two beauties would have been at least cordial with each other. The constant bickering irked Deeps so much that she took to making comments on Kareena’s act in Kambakkht Ishq. Bebo too added fuel to fire by terming KI to be a better film than Love Aaj Kal. They still refuse to get along well.
Aishwarya Rai-Sonam Kapoor

The international brand L’Oreal might not have imagined in their wildest dreams what the Indian press was about to witness when they signed Sonam Kapoor as their fresh face. Immediately rumors of the brand dumping elderly Aishwarya Rai Bachchan for newbie Sonam started to make rounds. Though later it was learnd that Ash is still the brand ambassador of the brand, the rumours went out of hand with Sonam calling Ash Aunty and her father addressing Ash as Chaiwali at an awards do. And the latest from the grapevine is that the two actresses still can’t endure each other.
Priyanka Chopra-Kareena Kapoor

Friendship comes full circle for Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. They were thick friends once with both going for shopping sprees often. But when Piggy Chops got nasty with Kareena’s character in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Bebo saw red and damned PC forever. They fought vehemently spitting venom against each other. But recently at an award function, both were seen bonding, chatting and having hearty laughs! Not to say everyone’s pleasantly surprised!
Priyanka Chopra-Kangna Ranaut

When Fashion was in the making, reports of the two leading ladies Kangna Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra gelling like house on fire hit the tabloids. While many were happy to know it thinking that for a change two actresses were getting along well, there were many who were prophesying its doom. And of course, latter won! The two beauties joined the fighting fray, blaming each other for stealing the thunder after the film’s release. As of now, they are as distant as two rails on a railway track.
Kareena Kapoor-Ameesha Patel

Though not much is said and written about this catfight, it’s a known affair for every one in the industry. Ever since Kareena dropped out of Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai and Ameesha Patel roped in, the two actresses have shared cold vibes. They are yet to forgive and forget for a fight, which apparently was instigated by the producer of the film Rakesh Roshan. He didn’t like Hrithik and Bebo’s closeness towards each other off camera and so dumped Kareena.
Sushmita Sen-Aishwarya Rai

They were great friends as both were from the same industry, namely modeling. They even contested at the Miss India competition where Sushmita stole the crown from under Ash’s nose. Adding fuel to the fire, Sush went on to win the Miss Universe title too which was a big blow to Ash’s vanity. Since then, the two beauty queens have never seen eye-to-eye. Even though Ash’s filmy career rocketed with more speed then Sush, the rivalry persists between the two.
Rani Mukherji-Preity Zinta

Though there is no apparent reason for their spat, Rani Mukherji and Priety Zinta share cold vibes every time they bump into each other. Initially, the girls were thick friends and had worked in many films together. But due to some reason, which is still a mystery, the two decided not to cross each other’s path. Though both neither accept their friendship nor their fight, they do agree that they are not sworn in friends or enemies either.
Rani Mukherji-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya and Rani Mukherji were not just pals but best friends. While Ash used to rave about Rani’s histrionics, Rani used to be all praises about Ash’s beauty and wit. But their closeness went kaput, thanks to Salman Khan. In those days, Ash and Sallu were often seen fighting. Bugged by all this, Salman barged into the sets of SRK-Ash starrer Chalte Chalte abusing Ash and accusing Shah Rukh. SRK immediately dumped Ash and roped in Rani. Since then the best friends were heard making snide remarks at each other at every occasion.
Jaya Bachchan-Rekha

This is one fight, which snowballed in front of everyone. What many don’t know is that Rekha and Jaya were great friends and even had flats in the same building. The diva was even instrumental in getting Amitabh Bachchan hooked to Jaya. But all hell broke loose when Jaya reportedly discovered about her husband’s illicit affair with Rekha. Though every thing is hunky-dory between AB and her, she doesn’t seem to be able to forgive and forget Rekha for backstabbing her.

Mallika Sherawat wants to be part of an Indian Charlie's Angels

Mallika Sherawat wants someone to make a desi version of Charlie's Angles starring herself, Priyanka Chopra and Bipasha Basu. She is so excited about the idea of this film that she is even endorsing a petition about it on her twitter page.

The actress got the idea of this film when a inquisitive fan posted on her twitter page asking if she would ever consider being a part of a film like this. The actress was really kicked about the idea and expressed her excitement about doing such a project.

For some time now Mallika has been busy tweeting about this imaginary film idea and asking her followers on the social networking to sign up on the petition. So far there have been only 36 signatories who have shown their excitement about a project like this.

Girls can and will be stronger than boys: Priyanka

Priyanka Chopra, one of the top actresses of Hindi Film Industry talks about the importance of educating the girl child, female infanticide and foeticide. The actress also mentioned about the great respect for the people like Kalpana Chawala, Sania Nehwal and Sania Mirza.

Piggy Chops states, “I am not only proud but also respect them because they have made women proud.”

But what hurts Priyanka Chopra the most is that still today women are not given the due respect they deserve. “I feel very hurt when some parents tell their daughters that she is not equal to a son. It’s so demeaning and insulting.

Even today so many female foeticide are taking place just for the want of a son and so many affluent families are involved in it.”

Elaborating on one of the incident the actress says, “Recently there was this shocking incident where a girl child was found on the streets of South Mumbai. They had abandoned her after her birth.”

Priyanka also insists about the importance to educate the girl child in our country. “I feel every girl should be educated and stand on her own feet. It’s high time for people realized that a girl can, is and will be stronger than boys.

It is very important that a girl is educated and is self dependent. Only then will she be able to raise a better family and in turn a better society.”

Not many know that Priyanka in her own way has been trying to educate girls from the poor family. “I try and buy books for my maids children or pay their fees so that their girls are educated. I think by doing such small amends we can educate the girl child of our country,” she concludes.

Piggy Chops her self is one of the excellent example of a woman power. Great going girl...

Jungle me Mangal for Priyanka

Shooting for Ram Gopal Varma’s upcoming thriller in the Sri Lankan jungles was certainly no joyride for the 25-year-old Priyanka Kothari aka Nisha Kothari.

During the schedule in the Sigiriya jungles, Priyanka had to battle some of her worst fears.

“I had to live with eight creepy lizards who used to roam around in my room. I can say that I'm braver now. Earlier, I used to be petrified if I used to see even one lizard in my room, but I had so many in close proximity in the same room in the jungle,” Priyanka is quoted as saying by IANS.

The hot actress added that the fear of lizards was relatively less than that of snakes and elephants.

“You wouldn't even come to know when a snake might enter your room. Then the biggest threat was from wild elephants. A lot of times we had to change our route to avoid them,” she revealed.

Believed to be inspired by the Hollywood thriller ‘Predator’, ‘Agyaat’ tells the story of a film unit that goes for a jungle-shoot. Soon the crew members get killed one by one, leaving the rest running for their lives.

Since the movie was shot in the rough jungle terrain, Priyanka sustained many injuries while shooting. “A lot of things happened with me during the shooting - like my ankle injury, elbow injury, then so many scratches, insect bites…” she said.

The movie, set for release on August 7 has Priyanka pairing with Telugu actor Nitin.

Shahid's mom wants Priyanka

Are they in love? Aren't they? Have they split? Questions will keep popping up but Shahid Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are certainly going the right direction. It won't be difficult for Shahid to bring her home because his mother Neelima Azim shares great rapport with her.

Shahid's mom has gone one step further by offering a film role to Priyanka. Neelima said that she had met Priyanka regarding her directorial debut. She added that she is the only girl from Bollywood whom she has approached.


However, Neelima maintained that her relationship with the actress is very professional. She added that Priyanka loves the character she wants her to play but it all depends on her co-star. She feels that her son Shahid should know what's going on and consults him before taking any step. She said that he is the right person to give her advice, as it's her first film. She also revealed that Shahid is very much aware of Priyanka's presence in the film.

Now, the big question is whether Neelima will cast her son Shahid opposite Priyanka. Anyway, why take the trouble of searching for actors when you one at home! What say?

When Priyanka 'threw off' Shahid!

Priyanka Chopra aka Piggy Chops and Sasha aka Shahid Kapoor had to ride a scooter while shooting a song sequence in the upcoming film Kaminey. But Both Priyanka and Shahid went down with a thud on the mucky road.

A birdie informs, that the shot was simple enough; they just had to ride till about 15 meters. However, it got complicated when Priyanka could not manage the balance. They did a couple of takes but the scooter seemed to not be in her grip, and as a result both she and Shahid went down.

Birdie confirms that the actors are unhurt and after the incident both burst into laughter.

What a roller coaster ride!

Shahid-Priyanka marriage hits the headline

Believe it or not, Shahid Kapoor comes to Priyanka Chopra's house in a two-wheeler. Excited Priyanka dances in the streets, leaving her groom embarrassed. This is how the wedding sequence featuring Shahid and Priyanka goes in the film Kaminey.

Amidst the rumours that Shahid and Priyanka are a couple, they have a marriage sequence in Kaminey. Priyanka is said to be over excited whereas Shahid is just learning to pull a smile. The chemistry between them is said to be very good.

Apart from the marriage sequence, the film has another highlight in the form of Shahid's double role. The two roles played by the actor are said to be in complete contrast. Vishal Bharadwaj is planning to release the film on 31st July 09.

My man must really, really love me: Priyanka

She is one of the reigning stars in Bollywood, but Priyanka Chopra says she was a very bad actress when she debuted with "Andaaz" six years ago.
While the former Miss World has set high goals for herself and is experimenting with roles like never before, she is also clear about what she is looking for in her 'Mr. Right'.

"I think I was a terrible actress when I started off as compared to what I'm today. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe that I have grown as an actress and I evolve constantly. I always had the hunger to learn and become better at what I do - just like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible," Priyanka told IANS in an email interview.

The actress, who won the Filmfare Award for best actress for "Fashion", wants to take her career to greater heights. She has no plans of getting married right now but knows what she wants from her man.

"No plans of settling down at the moment. But when I do... Mr. Right has to match a lot of my parameters... He has to be someone who knows how to make me feel special... make me feel like I'm walking on air...," said Priyanka, who turned 27 Saturday.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q: Having had two hits in 2008 - "Fashion" and "Dostana" - along with several awards... how do you look back at your past year?

A: I feel like I'm 20 years into my career because I've done so much work in such a short time. When I look back, it's been only five-six years since I've been here. I've never received any formal training in acting or cinema nor do I belong to a film family; so for me, the biggest achievement is that my hard work and my family's support have led me to the place I'm in today. I take great pride in that.

Q: How would you review your performance in Bollywood ever since you made your debut with "Andaaz" in 2003?

A: I think I was a terrible actress when I started off as compared to what I'm today. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe that I've grown as an actress and I evolve constantly. I always had the hunger to learn and become better at what I do - just like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

Q: Your forthcoming movies are "Kaminey" and "What's Your Rashee?" and "Pyaar Impossible". Which one are you more excited about and why?

A: I have different feelings for different films. I'm very excited about "Kaminey" because it's pathbreaking cinema. On the other hand, I'm equally nervous and excited about "What's Your Rashee?" because it was a huge challenge for me. I play 12 different characters in it, something that hasn't really been done in Indian cinema before and the fact that I'll be a part of history in the making is very scary.

"Pyaar Impossible" is a sweet, cool story where I have a glamorous look and contemporary character. As cliched as it sounds... each one is special...

Q: In "Kaminey" you play a de-glamourised role opposite Shahid Kapoor. Were you sceptical about the look because you were seen in ultra-glam roles in "Fashion" and "Dostana"?

A: Let's put this into context. I chose the role not because she was de-glamourised. I chose it because of the way the character is etched out and not how she looks. That's incidental. With most of my films, especially the most recent ones... I have taken up roles that are interesting and different from what I've done before.

Q: You have always been silent about controversies related to your personal and professional life - why?

A: Because I firmly believe that all aspects of my life are for public consumption. I learnt early in my career that speculation, rumours and gossip come with the job... a professional hazard. But I'd much rather approach it with dignified silence than to engage in ugly mud-slinging.

Q: What about your multiple link-ups and break-ups news - don't they disturb you?

A: They definitely do because eventually I'm a girl and have a family - a father, a mother, a brother. It does bother me, but I don't believe in clarifying the rumours. It just gives it undue importance. As long as my family knows what the truth is, that's all that matters. The rest doesn't!

Q: Any plans of settling down in the near future? What sort of a guy would you want as a companion?

A: No plans of settling down at the moment. But when I do... Mr. Right has to match a lot of my parameters... He has to be someone who knows how to make me feel special... make me feel like I'm walking on air... He has to be somebody who loves me for who I am and takes pride in being with me. He also has to be honest and be able to speak well... make me laugh... all in all, somebody who really really loves me.

Priyanka Chopra Talks About Her Mr. Right

It ain’t easy wooing Priyanka Chopra . The actress, a former Miss World, reveals the qualities she wants in her ideal man. Mind you, the traits are not few.

“Mr. Right has to match a lot of my parameters...He has to be someone who knows how to make me feel special...make me feel like I'm walking on air...He has to be somebody who loves me for who I am and takes pride in being with me,” the actress told a news agency.

Being more specific, she added: “He also has to be honest and be able to speak well...(He has to) make me laugh... all in all, somebody who really, really loves me.”

Well, it may certainly not be easy finding a guy with so many qualities, but we hope her “good friend” Shahid Kapur fits the bill.

Interestingly, though Priyanka has been linked with many men (from Akshay Kumar to Harman Baweja and now Shahid) during her Bollywood career, she’s never spoken about her private life to media.

“I learnt early in my career that speculation, rumours and gossip come with the job,” she said rather dismissively.

Speaking of her career, Priyanka revealed she is very excited about Vishal Bharadwaj’s film Kaminey, which she called “path-breaking cinema”, and director Ashutosh Gowarikar’s film What's Your Raashee? in which she plays a dozen roles.

“I'm equally nervous and excited about ‘What's Your Rashee?’ because it was a huge challenge for me. I play 12 different characters in it, something that hasn't really been done in Indian cinema before and the fact that I'll be a part of history in the making is very scary,” Priyanka said.

The actress is also working in the Yashraj Films presentation Pyaar Impossible in which she’s paired with Uday Chopra.

Shahid skips Priyanka’s birthday bash

Priyanka Chopra and Shahid Kapoor’s torrid relationship may not have survived the wear and tear, as it can be concluded by Shahid’s absence at Priyanka’s birthday bash on Friday night. Mumbai Mirror had reported that the couple has gone their separate ways, and his absence just cements the news. Much can be read into Shahid’s not being part of her special day.

The party was well attended by Priyanka’s friends and relatives. A source said, “It was shocking to find that Shahid was not a part of the celebration. One expected him to come in at least for a few minutes.”

After all, one can always make the time, if the occasion is special enough. The source added, “Priyanka’s cousins, who belong to the same age group, had especially flown down from London to be with the actress on this special day. It’s surprising how Shahid, who is known to be Priyanka’s closest ‘friend’ in the industry, wasn’t seen at Priyanka’s bash.”

She played a good host and mingled with the guests. It was surprising to see her cheerful and unaffected by his absence.

Priyanka and Shahid remained unavailable for comment.

Priyanka wants a quiet birthday

She is one of Bollywood's leading actresses and turns 27 Saturday. But Priyanka Chopra says she is not a party animal and would like to just have a quiet birthday with her near and dear ones.
"I'm not a big party person and I don't like throwing parties at all. So this time a lot of my family members have decided to fly down to be with me," Priyanka told IANS over e-mail from Mumbai.

"It's likely to be a day spent doing nothing in particular - just hanging out with the people who love me and want to be around me to make my day special. That's all," she added.

Priyanka has had a fulfilling year with two hits "Fashion" and "Dostana", which fetched her lots of awards.

She is entering a new year in her life, but hasn't set any goals for herself.

"I've never set any goals for myself. I've always been destiny's child and destiny has always looked after me. I think someone up there always manages my life and does what's best for me. So I just leave it up to Him. I just work hard at what he sends my way," she said.

Currently, Priyanka is busy shooting for Yash Raj Films' "Pyaar Impossible" along with Uday Chopra and Dino Morea.

The actress is also looking forward to the release of Vishal Bharadwaj's "Kaminey" with Shahid Kapoor and Ashutosh Gowariker's "What's Your Rashee?" in which she plays 12 different roles.