Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hello 2010.


And then, just a few weeks ago, as I was buying a Christmas tree, I got the best present ever.

I GOT A JOB.



Needless to say, it was a relief. AND I LIKE IT. A LOT.

In 2009, despite my ordeal, I managed to move into an apartment that I absolutely love. For the first time since I moved to New York, I really have a home. I launched my professional website. I founded a literary quarterly. I continued to write, and thank you to my editors at Bookslut, The Second Pass, This Recording, Time Out New York, Identity Theory, More Intelligent Life, Planet Magazine, and The 99%.

Shout-out to my girl, Lady Gaga. Thanks for giving me something to dance to when times were tough.



Things that kept me going in 2009. Thanks to all.





So here's to you, 2010. Show us what you got.

Fuck you, 2009.


This image was taken from the lovely Escape to New York.



In January 2009 I got laid off.

On January 12, 2009, I started a new job, thinking it was a miracle.

It wasn't.

For six months, I worked at a desk for ten hours, with no lunch break, in fact, no breaks whatsoever. It was terrible. If I had to go to the bathroom, I had to ask someone to watch the phone. Very frequently my request was denied.


Day after day, I scoured the internet for a better job. I didn't find one.

Some mornings, walking to the L train, I wept.

On June 19, 2009, I got laid off. Again.

This time, it wasn't so easy to find a job. I applied and received unemployment benefits.

I went on countless interviews, most of them I was "overqualified" for, them being editorial assistant jobs, a job I had already worked for nearly three years. One potential employer actually told me, "I'm a bitch. I'll make life hard for you. Do you still want this job?"

On my way out of the interview, I cried.

Another potential employer mocked me in an interview for a misuse of boldface. FUCK YOU, bitch. How do you like that use of boldface?


I didn't get jobs because I didn't have enough journalism experience. I didn't get them because the boss decided to hire her friend's niece. I didn't get them because there weren't any. Literally. One day after I found out I didn't get a job I wanted, the entire department was laid-off. Canceled. Destroyed.

I went to a temping agency because I was desperate. They offered me the most wildly inappropriate jobs, not consistent with my skills set, nor meeting the minimum 40% of my previous gross wages. One time, they offered me to interview for one of those jobs. I turned them down. They reported me to the government. I lost my unemployment benefits, and now I owe the government money. If you are unemployed, please feel free to e-mail about this. I would never want this to happen to anyone else. You need to know your rights.

One afternoon, I realized I had forgotten to send in my Cobra payment. They discontinued my health insurance. The payment was one day late. I had to beg to be reinstated.

My former boss refused to act as a positive reference on my job interviews in the worst economic recession since The Great Depression.

Again, I cried.


Throughout all of this, my mom, my boyfriend, and my friends offered an intense amount of support, talking to me on the phone, paying for my meals, taking me out for a drink, patting me on the back and telling me how they weren't worried. That I'd find something. My boyfriend bore the brunt of my frustration, my depressive moods, my anger at the situation. He's an absolute saint, and no matter what happens, I will never forget his ultimate kindness and support through what was the darkest period in my life to date. If anyone ever doubts his supreme goodness, I will cut a bitch.


Another month went by. I started freelancing. Writing. Editing. Things felt better. I was working. And I was doing work that I actually enjoyed. It finally struck me, that perhaps all of this had happened to show me that what I really wanted to do was write. To freelance as much as possible and make the life I wanted for myself. It was a stunning conclusion. But I still needed a job.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

VIDYA WELCOMES 2010

Actress Vidya Balan receives rave reviews for her superlative performance in R Balki's 'Paa'.

Now she's channelising her energies into Ketan Maroo's 'Ishqiya' where.

Once again she is it pitted with two versatile talents, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

Vidya plays a sensuous village girl in this love triangle and says she is fully aware of her sexual charms and within the four walls of the bedroom.

She is unapologetic about using her guile and charm. She says quality work like 'Paa' and now 'Ishqiya' has made her realize that if she is patient.

The right roles are bound to come her way. 2010 is an important year for Vidya as she starts it with 'Ishqiya' and then moves onto Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Chenab Gandhi'. On the personal front, Vidya says none of her heroes even treated her like a lady; she was treated like one of the boys.

Her heroes backslap her and they share a few laughs and jokes. In spite of her reported past romances with John and Shahid, the actress herself rubs them and is ready with open arms in the New Year.Vidya who shares the same frame with actor Arshad Warsi in 'Ishqiya' says her co-star hasn't got his due in Bollywood and is underutilized as an actor.

Set in eastern Uttar Pradesh, 'Ishqiya' is a tale of romance between individuals caught in a web of crime, suspense, passion and deceit. Directed by debutant Abhishek Chaubey, the movie also stars Naseeruddin Shah in a key role.

I have always taken risks - Priyanka

Her first recognition was the femme fatal role in Abbas-Mustan's Aitraaz and since then there has been no looking back for Priyanka Chopra, who is counted among the leading ladies of Bollywood today.

And the actress gives all the credit to her ability of taking risks. "I have always taken risks and done films which challenge me.

It's easier to do films which will definitely do well," Priyanka, who has been declared the 'Endorsement queen of 2008', said.

"Even Fashion with three women, which got me my first Best Actress award, was risky. Somebody has to push the envelope.

Before Fashion when four-five of my films did not do well, the media was quick to write me off," she said.

The 27-year-old actress said she has understood herself as an actor. "I was 17 when I started.

Now, I have learnt what films are about," she said before flying off to US to shoot Anjana Anjani with Ranbir Kapoor.

The actress said the "breeziness" of her upcoming film Pyar Impossible and the relationship between the geek and the beauty written by Uday Chopra appealed to her.

"There is a geek in every one of us...low confidence, insecurities. Abhay (Uday) thinks my character Alisha is the perfect girl but she is not. It is a matter of perceptions. The characters in the film make it interesting and different," she said.

When asked about her ill-health which made news during 2009, Priyanka said, "I was working on Fashion and had two releases lined up. It was hectic. Even though my parents asked me to go slow and take a break, I am the happiest when I am on a film set. I love my energy and working. I am high on life." The actress said she did listen to her parents' advice and took a week's break. Priyanka said 2009 was an important year for her in terms of recognition.

"Fashion got me accolades and appreciation for Sweety in Kaminey was a surprise," she said. The actress said while the success of Kaminey surprised her, the debacle of 'What's your Rashee?' broke her heart.

"What was satisfying that nobody told me that I was terrible in the film. I think the length was its undoing," Priyanka, who essayed 12 roles in the Ashutosh Gowariker film, said. To a question on carrying the entire film on her shoulders, Priyanka said she believes every film is hers no matter how big a hero is paired opposite her.

Priyanka also gave a glimpse of her future projects. Speaking about her forthcoming film Anjana Anjani with Ranbir Kapoor, she said it was a love story with a 'nice twist'. While Vishal Bharadwaj's next movie will be a dark comedy and will go on floors middle of next year.

Kareena Kapoor signed for Golmaal 3

Director Rohit Shetty has signed on Kareena Kapoor for Golmaal 3. She is going to be the only heroine in the film as Kareena has made it very clear that she does not want to work in multiple heroine projects. So, she will be one of the leads along with the five guys– Ajay Devgn, Tusshar Kapoor, Sharman Joshi, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade.

And this time, she will not play the romantic interest of any of the guys. Golmaal 3 also promises to be a family entertainer and won’t have any of the boys’ jokes that the earlier films did. The film is expected to start rolling in April 2010.

Lara Dutta dated Tiger Woods?

Tiger Woods' romantic flings might have had an Indian connection as well. If rumours are to be believed.

Bollywood actress Lara Dutta was said to have dated the ace golfer after she had won the Miss Universe contest way back in 2000.

A story that lay buried for 8 years is now doing the rounds again that in the summer of 2001.

There were a few instances when Lara and Woods were spotted together at restaurants and clubs.

A US publication has reported that Woods trying to steal Lara from New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter who was dating the sizzling beauty then.

Lara might hot have been the only Bollywood actress Woods was interested as he also had a few outings with Miss Word Priyanka Chopra.

In fact many say that Tiger flirting with both of them was an open secret.

We wonder how Priyanka and Lara dated the same man at the same time.

Katrina Kaif is jobless!

She may be one of the most sough after actresses in the industry, but believe it or not Katrina Kaif has no films on her hand after Prakash Jha's Raajneeti.

The actress who is currently in London after undergoing an appendix surgery has no project officially on her hand.

There are rumours that Katrina is calling all the producers and directors from her contact.

List to consider her for their next projects but hasn't been able to strike any deal as yet.

There is buzz around the tinsel town that Katrina could have easily got a role in Farah Khan's.

Tees Maar Khan which stars her favourite co-star Akshay Kumar but the the role has been offered to Sonam Kapoor.

There are rumours that Akshay insisted on working with a new face in Tees Maar Khan which has left.

Katrina with no projects and plenty of time to kill. We wonder what her beau Salman Khan is doing?

Avatar

I was 12 years old when James Cameron's Titanic was unleashed upon the world. I saw the film six times in the theater, never tiring of it. I understand fanaticism. But I like to think I loved Titanic for its story, the unbridled narcissism of the men who made her without enough life-boats, never imagining she would sink. I loved Titanic for Kate Winslet, her bravery, her real-girl body, her free-spirit. Also, I was 12.

Avatar, possibly the most expensive film ever made to date, by guess who?! James Cameron, is not as terrible as I thought it would be. There, I said it. I like big blockbusters. Putting on the 3D glasses and running to the theater to get good seats is an exhilarating experience. By the way, if you're at all interested in seeing this thing, do it now, in the theater with the glasses. It won't be the same on DVD. Mostly, I'm still in love with the idea that it's possible for a director to make an entire theater filled with people sit down, shut up, and pay attention.

The plot is essentially a re-telling of Pocohontas, except instead of Native Americans we've got natives from a planet called Pandora. The Americans are interested in Pandora because it's got this special mineral that we need for energy called "Unobtainium." Funny, James. Some nerdy scientists, including Sigourney Weaver, who should be bad-ass but really isn't (mainly because she has no idea how to hold a cigarette) have decided it would be easier to communicate with the natives if we could look like them, talk like them, essentially be them. Hence the Avatar program is born. A marine by the name of Jake Sully is harvested to take his dead brother's place as an Avatar on Pandora, because he has the same genetic makeup. Jake's paralyzed from the waist down, so entering an alien body where he can run and jump is worth it for him.

Long story short, Jake falls in love with one of the natives, Neytiri, who is a total babe, obviously. The love affair, on top of his newfound legs, pushes Jake to the other side, which really pisses off his military superiors. They get sick and tired of waiting around for the natives to move, so they decide to just blow the whole place up. You know, shock and awe and all that. Yeah, James, we get it.

Avatar has real nice things to say about the environment and how we've lost touch with Mother Earth. I totally agree. Do I think it'll make the dudes excited about its special effects go home and recycle? No. Why? Because, like Cameron, I think they're more concerned with "progress," i.e. the technology to make billion dollar movies like this so we can all forget that we've shat all over the planet and now there's nowhere for our children to live. Sorry, that was bitter and probably unnecessary, but that's how I feel. I like movies with people in them. Think Woody Allen. Yeah, I like all that real and neurotic shit.

That said, I do think it's possible for this technology (which is incredible, I admit, yes I was impressed by the way the creatures faces even read the actor's emotions) combined with good film-making (and that means good writing, James) to really make a fucking incredible, life-changing, world-changing motion picture. Avatar isn't it, but it's a step in the right direction.

Neha Dhupia on being sexy

1) Love your body and be confident about it. You don’t have to lose weight because everybody is thin. A full-figure is a priced possession. Embrace your curves.

2) Wear clothes that are fitted and form flattering. I love wearing colour and black. The outfits you wear have to make you feel sexy and good.

Know what your assets are and accentuate them, without being in your face. 3) Be independent: emotionally and financially.

That will give you confidence which is very sexy. Speak your mind and be honest. That is a turn on. Be yourself.

4) You must know that you are sexy. Only then will others think so. Keep your self-esteem up and be happy, bubbly and optimistic by nature.

Compliment and praise yourself. Your self worth comes from you. Spend quality time with yourself and pamper yourself. Know that you are important.

5) A pair of killer heels, a sexy black dress and red lipstick will make you feel sexy instantly. Also, splurge on a great perfume. Getting ready helps you feel darn good about yourself.

I've only been in relationships - Sushmita Sen

She is one of those rare combinations of beauty and brain. A former Miss Universe, an actor, a single mother of two, and now a business woman

Sushmita Sen is truly living life to the brim. The actor in conversation with TWF correspondent Sreya Basu in Kolkata.

What made you sign Dulha Mil Gaya After many years I am doing a film which I can claim as mine…this is my film.

It has been written keeping me in mind. My character is that of Shimmer…she is just as her name suggests.

She is very sparkling, energetic, independent…a supermodel…today’s woman. Everything about her is good, but she has no relationships in her life.

So through the journey of the film she finds that part of her life, which I think is true for a lot of woman today.

You get cynical about love and one fine day you find it. And it has been done in a very beautiful way in Dulha Mil Gaya. It’s a romantic comedy, which is not slapstick, but situational.

There is Fardeen Khan, Shah Rukh, Ishita Sharma in the film to. Don’t you think a multi-starrer can overshadow you? The director (Muddasar Aziz) has done a beautiful job with all the characters. But if you ask me, Shimmer is the best.

Does Shimmer gets her dulha finally? Of course, she gets her dulha. Shimmer has a dulha in her life…but she doesn’t like him. Then she realizes that in life there should be a place for everything…profession, relationships. And how she finds that is what the film is all about.

This is your second film with SRK and first film with Fardeen. How’s the experience? I am very lucky…this is my second film with Shah Rukh; my on –screen chemistry with Shah Rukh is mind-blowing, I can bet on that one.

But this is my first film with Fardeen…he is as good a human being as an actor…his heart is as good as his looks. Very compatible, very royal…and he has been cast in the movie like that only. He is playing himself, just as I am playing mine…the director has made sure that the casting to be such that nobody has to ‘act’ too much.

Why aren’t we seeing SRK in the promotions of the film? Because it is not a frame-to-frame Shah Rukh Khan film; but again, according to me, Shah Rukh doesn’t have a guest appearance in the film either. It’s a character-driven film. Shah Rukh is not seen in the promotions of the film because he has a lot of other things going on right now and this is not predominantly a SRK film.

Now-a-days, many Bollywood beauties (like Bipasha Basu, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) are doing Bengali films. You speak the language quite fluently. But why don’t we see you in regional films? I keep saying that I am a non-resident Bengali, so I have my limitations. But thanks to my father (Shubeer Sen) I speak a lot of Bengali at home; I am doing that to my daughters as well.

I did a Tamil film right in the beginning of my career and I knew when people watch it, they will say: ’Wow a Bengali trying to speak Tamil…how lovely’ and all. But if I make any mistake with Bengali, people are not going to forgive me.

I have to know what I am doing because I belong to Kolkata and I belong to Bengal and unless a script and a role is outstanding and stands for like a national award, I will not dare attempt it. May be I am greedy, but I am waiting.

What about Rani Laxmibai?
What about it, man? It has been put in the backwaters for the time being. It’s a very expensive film and the market is down. It’s not the right time to make it. But God is great. While that film got stalled came Dulha Mil Gaya …in the right time.

We shot in the Caribbean and I got to meet the finest set of people there. That helped me to get over the trauma of not making Rani Laxmibai. But I will make it one day for sure. Inshallah.

How much is Sushmita Sen like Rani Laxmibai?
I don’t know about that. But I can relate to her immensely the moment I decided to make a film on her. If in my entire lifetime I can achieve what she did in her 29-year lifetime, I would say that I lived a fulfilling life.

You have a restaurant business and now you have got the Miss Universe franchise in India. Do you plan to become a full-fledged businesswoman in future?
(Laughs) I have never planned anything in life…I have always accepted what came to my life. My friend Rajat Dalmia is my partner in restaurant business and we have already opened one in Kolkata.

There is a night club and lounge as well and we are planning to take it further. Now, I have also got the Miss Universe franchise in India. It will be the winner of I Am She who will represent India on the global platform. I want to bring back the crown to India.

For that I want Miss India to be educated and intelligent. Language is no barrier and contestants can speak any language. But that doesn’t mean I will stop doing films. I am quite capable of multi-tasking.

You recently had a new addition to your family…
Yes, her name is Alisah and I am overjoyed… I am on the moon right now.

Is your elder daughter Renee comfortable with your three-month-old daughter?
Yes. Renee loves her. It’s a blessing to have both of them in my life. God bless them. I am going to Kerala backwaters with two kids…I was so busy this year that I missed spending time with them.

What is your relationship status right now?
In real life darling, I have only been in relationships. (Bursts into laughter) Better ask me when I am going to get married?

Will you get married?
Well, I will get married for sure.

When?
That’s not something that I can decide, it’s for God to decide. And when that day comes you are cordially invited.

Do you think marriage is important?
Absolutely. I think anything that you believe in, is important. Marriage is beautiful and I must get married, but for the right reasons, in the right time, with the right person…too many ‘rights’ here.

But you chose motherhood to marriage at 24. That means motherhood is more important than marriage?
I think both are important from their own standpoint. I don’t know about marriage because I am still single. But, motherhood is an overwhelming experience…in fact, you can’t put it in words.

Riya paints it red with Paritosh

A while ago there were rumours about Paritosh Painter the director of the film Paying Guest having an affair with Riya Sen.

And at that time while Riya shut up on the matter, Paritosh claimed that it was an effort to malign his image.

And now the ‘good friends’ are back together. Not in real life, but on the small screen where.

Riya will play herself in the January 8 episode of the show called Sri Adi Manav which is being produced by Painter.

Hmmm! The episode has an angle where the winner gets to go on a date with Riya.

We need to check out as to who was the one who had gone out on the date. Chatter… Chatter!

Did Tiger Woods Date Bollywood Beauty Lara Dutta?

Did Bollywood Beauty Lara Dutta Date Tiger Woods? An old rumour dating back to June 2001, is raising its head again and is likely to bring unwanted attention.

To Bollywood hottie Lara Dutta who is already under media glare for her new relationship with tennis star Mahesh Bhupathi.

The story goes that way back in 2001, a year after India had two beauty pageant winners in Lara Dutta.

At the Miss Universe and Priyanka Chopra at Miss World, Golf Ace Tiger Woods was dating one of them.

The rumour was that our Lara Dutta, who was reportedly dating New York Yankees baseballer Derek Jeter, had also caught the eye of the greatest golfer in the world.

A US newspaper, in a story on Tiger, had the champion golfer denying he was dating “Miss Universe Lara Dutta of India or trying to steal her from New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter.”

The Woods Foundation people, in fact, dismissed the story as being “Nothing more than gossip, probably put out by Dutta’s camp.” And Lara came back to India and fame in Bollywood.

But now that skeletons are tumbling out of Tiger’s woodwork, the gossip that he may have actually dated one of our Indian beauty queens is again gaining momentum. Suddenly Tiger’s denials that were taken very seriously eight years ago are now being re-examined. After all, he has turned out to be quite a champ off the greens. And has swung his club around in every direction!

Actress Katrina Kaif Twilight Obsessed with Robert Pattinson

After the success of Twilight and New Moon, Robert Pattinson is the object of romantic Twilight desire for millions of female fans.

And now beautiful Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has admitted to being enamored with Robert Pattinson.

Although Pattinson has been a Twilight star for two years, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif recently became.

A Twilighter and revealed she's not only obsessed with the Twilight Saga franchise but mainly Robert Pattinson.

According to Mid Day, Katrina Kaif has been swept off of her feet by the dreamy Robert Pattinson and both Twilight, and New Moon.

Kaif revealed that she just constantly thinks of Robert Pattinson and can't get enough of the Twilight Saga franchise.

After watching Robert Pattinson in Twilight, Katrina Kaif bought all four Twilight Saga books and admitted to finishing the first three - Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse - in four days and Kaif can't get her mind off of Robert Pattinson.

Since Katrina Kaif and Robert Pattinson are both in the acting business, Kaif is hoping to meet up with Pattinson while she is in London and reveals that a possible Katrina Kaif and Robert Pattinson meeting may happen if both parties can work it out.

With the hope of meeting Robert Pattinson fresh in her Twilight Saga mind, Katrina Kaif admitted, "Obviously, I can't stand under his window to get his attention. So yes, the meeting has to be more formal. He says he's single, but I don't believe him. That's what they all say."

Sunday, December 27, 2009

AVATAR - The Making of the Bootleg

This is a brilliant parody !


THE NILES LESH PROJECT - All Rights Reserved 2009
Join the network of NILES LESH / MIENFOKS pseudo-friends !

NEW PORN RULE: TRANNNIES


NEW PORN RULE! IF YOU LIKE TRANNIES - YOU ARE GAY!!!!!!! or at least bi-sexual

Now first of all there is nothing wrong with being gay. If you have a penis and like the feeling a of a cock ripping your asshole to shreds or you want to do the ripping then all the power to you turd burglars. But if you like to see women with dicks. Lets get honest here... you like them because of the dick right I mean if you took away the dick then they would be a woman and you would be hetero if you add a dick, then it's homo.

I have talked with people on countless boards that think they can like trannies and not be gay. And it's funny how they get so defensive about it.

It's okay my friend there's nothing to ashamed of.. you like cock just except that it's gay. You may still like real women as well but liking cock is gay.

Mans secret love for women with poles has been quietly bubbling for little over a decade now. But seeing how our society is so homophobic you can be considered gay for just wanting to fuck a woman in the ass, I understand how men would be so defensive about admitting they like trannies and admitting that it's gay. You may say you like them because they look like women and maybe that's true, but let's be real you like the big fat cock between their legs more.

I personally think trannies are fucking gross but to each their own. I like watching women drink piss and I'm sure a lot people think that is gross. But I don't like watching women with dicks drink piss.... You know why? Because it's gay!

Steve Holmes
Nacho Vidal

Both of you have done trannie movies and both of you are gay or at least bi-sexual.


Saturday, December 26, 2009

Shahrukh Khan - Kajol goes Ga Ga over King Khan

The three K’s i.e. Kajol, King Khan and Karan Johar have been strongly promoting their movie “My Name Is Khan”.

The black beauty of B-Town who was looking extremely gorgeous and eye candy.

In a red and black sari addressed media during the promotion of her movie.

She now goes Ga Ga over Shahrukh her favorite co-star in Bollywood.

The bubbly actress earlier said that Shahrukh is a bad habit and now.

She speaks about her comfort level with King, Ooo! It’s always great to work with Shahrukh. She even added that Karan, Sharukh and herself have given some big hits to the industry and she is desperately looking forward for the movie to hit the screen this January.

They have a spark, a unique one which makes them special even today. The ever young couple has always blasted the screen off with their evergreen romance on screen. It’s always very pleasant to see Kajol and Shahrukh romancing on screen.

The golden couple of Bollywood Industry will be pairing after 8 long years after a great success of Karan Arjun, DDLG, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gum and believe me the crowd is just dying to see the magic happening on screen.

.They even claimed during the promotion that after seeing My Name Is Khan, the crowd will forget about their previous romantic flicks because My Name Is Khan is uniquely different with some unmatched romantic scenes. We just have to wait for the release of the film. Here’s wishing the whole unit all the very best for the film.

Deepika Padukone's plan of funding underprivileged sportsmen dashed

Deepika Padukone's plan of funding underprivileged and needy sportsmen has been dashed momentarily.

The actor had to put this philanthropic initiative on the backburner as she is overworked and has five back-to-back releases next year.

However, she promises that she would revive the project in 2011.A source says, "Deepika has been very busy of late. She has got a lot of work lined up next year too.

That wouldn't give her any time to concentrate on this project. So she has decided to pull the plug for the time being."

As this project is Deepika's brainchild, she is very protective about how it should begin.

The source adds, "She is not doing this to garner attention. She has a sporting person's soul in her and having seen the plight of needy sportsmen from close quarters, she thought of helping them out.

Deepika wants to sustain the project and fund it if possible throughout her lifetime. She has been silently scouting, observing and researching about good talents
from across India for a long time."

Confirming the development, Deepika says, "Though the project is on the backburner now, the research work will be on as we are looking to start it from 2011. Next year is a very busy one for me. So I don't want to start this project just for the sake of doing it. I don't enter into things to come out of it easily and so I will take time to roll out this project. But when it starts, it won't stop."

Sushmita Sen talks about 2010 edition of the 'I am She' pageant

Fifteen years ago, Sushmita Sen charmed an entire nation with her intelligence and poise after she brought home India’s first Miss Universe crown.

The statuesque model-turned-actress is now all set to help groom young girls for the international pageant as host of its India preliminaries - 'I am She'.

Sen, who has earned a reputation for herself in the Indian media for being unconventional, spoke to Reuters about.

I am She', her adopted daughters 'Renee' and 'Alisah' and why she would like to adopt many more times.

Q: Why do you think India is not doing well at international pageants? What do you think is lacking in our beauty contest aspirants?

A: The reason you have had so many winners from South American countries, like Venezuela, Chile or even Brazil, is that they take this contest with the same seriousness that we take the Olympics.

It’s a competition for them, on a global platform. The whole country backs it. Even 'Miss Universe' must feel the pressure, because at a venue in the Bahamas, you can only hear Spanish because the whole of Venezuela has flown down for the event. A lot of the nations that come for the event, big or small, who don’t take this so seriously, suffer because their girls never get a natural push that the other countries get, just for sheer involvement in the event.

But we are going to change that, because we know inherently that nobody can make as much noise as we can. We are the loudest. This should be the kind of victory that your country calls to congratulate you for. Q: Your pageant is also associated with social causes. How important is celebrity status in the glamour industry?

A: When I was a kid in school if you showed me a social message on TV, it would bore me. But if it was integrated into a Santa Barbara, or a beauty pageant, I would be hooked. So for me glamour, sports are very important to be able to express the support for all the causes that one feels strongly for.

And there are so many of them. So we have tied up with five NGO’s for five causes that we strongly believe in for the 2010 edition of the 'I am She' pageant. Q: One of the NGO’s that you have chosen is 'Baalasha'. Tell us the reason behind the decision. A: That is an obvious one. 'Baalasha' made my first experience of becoming a mother so painless, and at a time when I was only 24.

At that time India didn’t allow single parents, especially actresses who were single, to adopt. Baalasha could have made my life really difficult, but instead they went out of their way and made it really easy for me. There are so many kids out there who just need to go home; they seriously need to go home. I feel that I will adopt many more times, because I feel that whatever is my capacity, I must do.

Q: You have just adopted another baby girl, Alisah. Tell us about her. A: She is adorable! She is so beautiful and Renee is almost like a mother to her. I was just waiting for the courts to make it legal for you to be able to adopt two girls, and the minute that happened, I jumped at the chance. She is three months old and I just want to ask everyone to pray for her.”

Q: What does it take to be a good businesswoman? A: To be a good businesswoman, most importantly is that you have to be aware. You can do no good unless you are aware. Awareness is of many levels. Once you choose a process, you have to trust it; you have to trust the team you have chosen, because they are your biggest strength. I would say invest in your people. Oh, and always watch your costs!

Vidya's one of the boys

Vidya Balan is glowing with the compliments pouring in for her superlative performance in R Balki’s Paa.

She may be a foot shorter than both her Bachchan co-stars, but when it came to the histrionics, she matched Amitabh and Abhishek perfectly.

Now she’s channelising her energies into Ketan Maroo’s Ishqiya where once again she is it pitted with two versatile talents Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

Talking about her sensuous role in this robust, earthy, love triangle, the diminutive actress says, “I play a village belle.

Yet I’m fully aware of my sexual charms and within the four walls of the bedroom, I’m unapologetic about using my guile and charm.

Vidya says quality work like Paa and now Ishqiya has made her realise that if she is patient, the right roles are bound to come her way. “Once again I have as many advantages as I had when I did Parineeta,’’ says the actress. “My filmmakers have realised that given an opportunity, I will not let them down.’’

The coming year is an important year for Vidya. She starts the year with Ishqiya and then moves onto Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Chenab Gandhi. “The decision to do fewer films is entirely mine,’’ says the actress who is now super-confident that when it comes to her career, she will not make one false move.

On the personal front, it is rumoured that almost all her heroes be it John Abraham (Salaam-e-Ishq), Shahid Kapoor (Kismat Konnection) and now Arshad Warsi (Ishqiya) are attracted to her. “Rubbish,’’ she flails her hands and says.

“In fact, I think none of my heroes even treat me like a lady. I’m treated like one of the boys. My heroes back-slap me and we share a few laughs and jokes. However, I don’t think any of them is attracted to me. If they were, I would have noticed.’’

Well, well...so even as the rumour mills continue to buzz about Vidya past romances with John and Shahid, the actress herself has rubbed her slate clean... and is looking forward to her knight in shining armour putting in an appearance in 2010. What should one say — Halleluah!

MERRY CHRISTMAS MIENFOKERS 2










THE NILES LESH PROJECT - All Rights Reserved 2009
Join the network of NILES LESH / MIENFOKS pseudo-friends !

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Wincing In Pain Katrina Kaif Leaves For Family Vacation In London

The healing process after her surgery last week is yet not even half-complete. But Katrina Kaif, recovering quietly from surgery at her Mumbai home, stubbornly decided to go and join her family in London for the annual Christmas-New Year vacation, which she had promised herself for months now. Katrina flew out of Mumbai early Wednesday morning after getting a reluctant go-ahead from her doctors at Breach Candy hospital. Wincing in pain she said a few hours before departure, “The pain will remain for a while. But the process of healing is on. I got my doctor’s consent in Mumbai and I’ve another doctor in London who’s fully aware of my condition. The doctors said the pain would be the same in Mumbai or London. And as long as I’m very careful about not exerting myself I’ll be fine. So I’m off.”

Katrina had gone into a depression earlier during the week when she felt she wouldn’t be able to join her sisters and brother in London because of her medical condition. On Tuesday after visiting the doctors Katrina and her mother took a decision. Said Katrina, “I can’t exert myself, can’t dance around or be boisterous. But that’s okay. Because our family is in any case not the dancing type. I just want to be with my sister’s little boy take him to the toy stores in London and buy him everything he wants.”Katrina returns to Mumbai in the first week of January, hopefully fully healed. “Luckily I’ve a doctor in London who knows how to look after me. So basically I’m just moving into a happier state of mind by being close to the people I love. That would help me heal quicker. Wish me luck.”

Tisca Chopras wish list!

Tisca Chopra, who is known for her versatility in her roles, recently shot for a commercial with Shahrukh Khan. The shoot went on smoothly and the whole town is buzzing about her fabulous chemistry with SRK! The beautiful actress had a secret wish list of working with certain actors, which is almost complete. The top contenders of the list were SRK and Aamir Khan.

The talented Tisca was last seen in Aamir’s home production “Taare Zameen Par’ as the loving mother of Darsheel Safary. She had an amazing and an enriching experience working with him. That’s not all; she is one of the few actresses who have worked with both, Shahrukh and Aamir Khan. The actress now wishes to do a film with Shahrukh and the next person on her wish list is none other than Mr. Bachchan. Well we just hope that all of Tisca’s wishes come true!