Sheila becomes Munni for Rs 2.5 crore

Last year's biggest Bollywood competition was between two popular songs, Sheila Ki Jawani and Munni Badnaam Hui, but in a strange turn of events, Sheila, or rather Katrina Kaif is set to become Munni.

The makers of the under-production Osthi, the Tamil version of Dabangg, plagued by fears of a possible comparison between the new Munni Badnaam Hui with the original, have decided to go for a new version of the song.

According to sources, they are signing Katrina Kaif for it and have reportedly set aside Rs 2.5 crore for the song.

While Farah Khan choreographed the original song, Saroj Khan will work on the new version. A source said, "Saroj has just completed a great number for Prabhu Deva's Rowdy Rathore. When Osthi's director S Darani learnt about it, he decided on Saroj."

According to the source, Osthi's makers decided to tweak the original song because of copyright reasons. T Series, which holds the rights to the original song, has refused to grant permission to reproduce the song.

The source also added that Malaika Arora Khan had made it known that she was not available for item songs outside her home banner, and talks were doing the rounds that Bipasha Basu might be roped in. However, they have now altered their plans.

Sonu Sood, who will be reprising his role in Dabangg as Salman Khan's brother, is apparently the reason why Kaif will be signed on. The source said, "The producers were keen on Bipasha. But Sonu is pushing for Katrina. He has already informed her.

Katrina always finds it hard to say no to her friends." Sood has been friends with Kaif, ever since he worked with the actress in Singh is Kinng. While in the original song, Sood has a limited screen time with 'Munni', in the new version, he will reportedly dance with the item girl from start to finish.

When asked about his friendship with Kaif and her casting, Sood said, "At the moment, all I can say is Katrina is a dear friend. Beyond that I'm not in a position to comment.

And yes, this time I'll have a lot more dancing to do." He added, "I am looking forward to that since my dancing partner is someone extraordinarily beautiful."

The new version of the film will star Tamil film star Silambarasan Rajendar, also known as Simbhu, in the lead.

Roshan highly impressed by Katrina Kaif‎

Actor Hrithik Roshan ,impressed by co-actor Katrina Kaif in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara praised her at an interview for her team spirit and efforts she puts in at work calling her a through and through professional.

“Katrina is a beautiful person both inwardly and outwardly, gentle and demure yet strong and self-assured”, he said. Hrithik who had claimed to have not seen any of Kat’s work before said that he was pretty impressed by her work in ZNMD. Kat too who was delighted working with the star called him a ‘phenomenal’ actor.

Hrithik also spoke about Abhay Deol and Kalki’s work in the flick. “Abhay is a fine actor with a larger than life character contrary to his on-screen performances”, he said. Hrithik also said in the interview that he liked Kalki’s open-to-learn attitude on the sets of ZNMD and added that she is a wonderful new addition to the industry.

Is Padukone copying Kaif?

If you receive a request from actor Deepika Padukone, what do you do? You grant it right away! This must be the exact feeling enveloping director Prakash Jha, when Deepika requested him for something. While most actors do it by reserving their demands on their directors, Deepy charmingly requested her director to get her way. Okay, now not holding on to the surprise any further, Deepika has a special wish.

The actor wanted a song like 'Mora Piya' from the film 'Rajneeti' to be picturised on her — just like the way it was picturised on actors Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Known for the melodious music in his films, Jha, for his upcoming film 'Aarakshan', was surprised when he heard of Deepy's request. A source adds, "Deepika is a smart girl and knows exactly how to put forward her wishes. Before the film's shooting, Deepika requested via sms to Prakash Jha to feature a love ballad on her, with a happy face smiley at the end. And her wish was granted. It was bound to — as where most actors reserve peculiar demands for their directors and are in the news for their tantrums. It was clear that Deepika's charming approach to get her special song worked."

When asked about the request, Deepika said, "I remember how 'Mora piya' was such a rage. I remember messaging him (Prakash Jha) to please give me a good romantic song in his new film because Prakashji has a really good sense of music. I was really looking forward to shooting this song and it's turned out amazing. Till now, Mora piya was always played on loop on my mp3 player wherever I was travelling. But now its 'Seedhe point pe aaona', which is such a playful and cute romantic song."

The song features Deepika opposite actor Saif Ali Khan. Just like the Ranbir-Kat chemistry, there is a lot of buzz about Deepika-Saif's camaraderie, which was visible in their earlier film 'Love Aaj Kal'. But we'll have to wait and watch to know if this number becomes a hit amongst the youth... given that the song is a result of Deepika's sweet persuasion.

Katrina still needs Salman in times of distress!

Katrina Kaif might have spent close to eight years in the industry, but the actress still needs to work her way from problems she lands herself into. Recently, she was charged by an institutional body for non compliance regarding a certain system of work among artists in Bollywood, when Salman Khan intervened much to the relief of our dame in distress.

Kat was sent summons from FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) and a shoot of her deodorant commercial at Mehboob Studios was halted. She is yet to fill the required forms and sign up for membership.

Apparently, it is mandatory for every working actor to be registered with the organisation. A source revealed, "Some members from the body came and stopped the shoot. They wanted to know her registration number, but since she hasn`t completed the legalities, they issued her a warning and asked her to comply with the rules. A visibly upset Kat was disturbed by the entire episode."

Calls were made and it was only when Salman personally gave assurance that she would complete the registration, did they allow the shoot to continue. Dinesh Chaturvedi, President-FWICE said, "We didn`t halt the shoot, but we wanted to know why Katrina still isn`t a member of our organisation. I understand she has a busy schedule, but it doesn`t take that long to finish the formalities. Everyone from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan has registered with us."

He added, "I did get a call from Salman bhai saying that the needful will be done. I am speaking only for the benefit of the actors who aren`t registered. Since Katrina is the only big star who doesn`t have the card, we wanted to know how we could help her out."

Chaturvedi further said that the card only costs Rs 600 but has many benefits. "It gives you insurance of around two lakh, besides you can even use it during international schedules. Our organisation is working towards making life easier for the industry”, he said.

Katrina Kaif rules out to throw lavish birthday party

Barbie doll Katrina Kaif, who will turn 27 this 16th July, has not been celebrating the special day for the last 3 years since Salman and Shah Rukh got into a rift.

Buzz is in the air that this year the actress is likely to throw a lavish birthday bash. Katrina on the other hand rubbished this to be a rumour and stated that she has no such plans.

She stated that she has not yet decided as to whether she will celebrate her birthday with her family as her upcoming film Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara will hit theatres on 15th July and hence she is likely to be busy with the promotion of the film.

She is all set to do some charity work.

Katrina Kaif meet her fans at Marina Mal

Highflying Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif – the face of UAE airline Etihad – touched down in Dubai on Thursday to promote the airline’s new destinations - and meet her ardent fans at Marina Mall. Speaking to Gulf News, she stressed the importance of her audience. “I’m not going to do a movie just because I will get critical support,” she said.

“As long as the audience comes to the theatre and enjoy themselves, I’m happy.” And come they did, thronging the mall to catch a glimpse of the actress, who gained huge popularity in recent months thanks to her raunchy item song Sheela Ki Jawani from the film Tees Mar Khan. But it’s not all singing and dancing. When asked how she feels about her best actress nomination in the upcoming International Indian Film Academy awards for her role in Rajneeti, Kaif admitted it was the first she’d heard of it. “I had no idea, thank you for giving me the good news. It’s very nice that the film was appreciated,” she said.

Is Zafar using Kaif for fame?

‘Tere Bin Laden’ fame Ali Zafar, who is currently shooting for YRF’ ‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ has found a reason to come in news. Sources from the set revealed that Ali, who is a co-star of Katrina Kaif in the film, has been trying to get a bit too close to the lady while shooting on the sets. More importantly, Ali has also been telling people that he’s more than just friends with his co-star.

According to sources, Katrina is quite gullible by nature and so, she hasn’t realized about Ali portraying that they two are more than friends. Moreover, people on the sets have also noticed a change in his attitude ever since the Pakistani-singer cum actress has got close to Katrina. The duo was also spotted spending time together in Ali’s apartment. Meanwhile, insiders say that Katrina has no qualms bonding with Ali; they feel that he is merely using her as a medium to raise fame.

Katrina Kaif denies approaching Shahid's dad

Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has slammed rumours that she approached actor-director Pankaj Kapoor for a role in his directorial debut Mausam. "This is entirely untrue," Katrina, who is currently working on Zoya Akhtar's Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara and Yash Raj's Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, said in a statement.

Added a source: "The news is utter rubbish. Katrina is in a position to pick and choose roles of her choice. She never lobbied for the role in Mausam and such rumours are spread by sources with vested interests."

Katrina Kaif leaves Kapoor for old flame Salman Khan?

It seems Bollywood siren Katrina Kaif is unable to get rid of the sweet memories of her mentor and old flame Salman Khan. Apparently, after a lot of introspection, the dainty beauty has decided to end her relationship with the blue-eyed boy of Bollywood – Ranbir Kapoor for his easy ways with women. Buzz has it that Katrina is deeply disturbed by Ranbir’s two timing habits and his umpteen clandestine affairs.

It is believed that in her darkest hour, it was Salman who came to Katrina’s rescue and provided her much needed succour. In fact, Salman and Katrina shared some quality time together and amicably resolved their differences. As of now, the two are very much together and happy in each other’s company.

Grapevine has it that Salman is planning to spend this weekend cheering for India in the World Cup 2011 Final at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai in the company of his lady love Katrina Kaif.

Sinha want to sort out the situation with Kaif

Sonakshi Sinha wants to sort out the problem with Katrina Kaif. Sources close to Kat reveal that she believes the Dabangg girl is feeding the media with stories about how she has replaced 'Sheila' in at least three commercials and some films.

There is no competition or connection between the two girls except Salman Khan. While Kat is his ex-girlfriend, Sonakshi is his current blue-eyed girl. When Shotgun's beti heard about her senior's ire, she decided to connect with her and sort out the misunderstanding. She messaged Kat and offered to explain her side of the story, but the Tees Maar Khan actress hasn't reverted. It is clear that Kat is in no mood to forgive or forget. Excerpts...

Tell us about your peace offering. I texted her on Wednesday to sort things out. I wanted to make it clear from my side that I had nothing to do with the stuff being written about us. Pull out any of my interviews and you will see that never have I used the word 'replaced'. This war has been created. The fact is that she has worked hard to reach where she is today and no one can take that away from her and that is what I texted her. As of now, I haven't got a reply.

If she hasn't done so, it means she is still mad at you, right? I don't think so. She could be travelling or could be super busy. I'm not jumping to any conclusions. I'll still wait for her reply. I have made myself clear.

What made you text her? I was reading reports that she was upset and so I wanted to clear the air. It's stupid to be part of a war that you haven't started and are not even aware of. It's annoying because it upsets both people who are being written about. My text was just intended to be my clarification. I'm being respectful towards my senior.

Is your proximity to Salman the problem? I don't know why it should become an issue. We both have different connections with him. Salman is a family friend. We have known each other for ages now. My father worked with Salim Khan. We go back a long way. With her it's a totally different connection. Just because I started my career with him is no reason to fuel tension.

What about the sudden spurt of negative articles about you? I don't think Katrina is doing it. It's a part of our job. People love sensationalism and stories of competition. She is a huge star and my first film has been a huge hit and I'm somewhere today. People need something to talk about.

Kaif upset over Sinha's false claims?

Newbie Sonakshi Sinha is making more enemies than friends in the industry. News has it that she has miffed Katrina Kaif big time. Apparently, Kat has not been too pleased with the ‘Dabangg’ hottie’s claims.Junior Shotgun has been telling one and all about how she has replaced queen bee Katrina as the brand ambassador of numerous products. But according to sources close to Katrina, Sonakshi hasn’t replaced the ‘Tees Maar Khan’ star. The truth is that Katrina`s contract with these products had either expired or she was not even their brand ambassador.

The two ladies also have another common factor between them-Salman Khan. Both the actress have been launched by the magnanimous star. And the ex-ladylove of Sallu never approved of his fondness for Sonakshi. Well, Katrina has nothing to lose as she is at a good place in her career today, but the big question is, can Sonakshi afford to have enemies in the industry so early in her career? Sonakshi Sinha better watch out.

Kaif willing to forgive Casanova Kapoor

The fondness issue in the middle of Katrina and Ranbir was the most obviously examined point in the tinsel town of Bollywood even a few days in the past.

The couple split up just as they had distinctions on the issue of marriage. Katrina Kaif wished to move toward getting married and settle down soon, where as the unlimited spirited Ranbir Kapoor detested the thought of being tied down so soon. This contention around them turned wild and they split. Be that as it may Kat has even now apologized to Ranbir, she has pardoned him and wishes to give their connection a second risk if just the performing artist could retouch his Casanova ways.

Ranbir Kapoor is well known for his issues. In the past he was consorted with the Bollywood diva, Deepika Padukone but the connection was brief and they soon broke separated. Furthermore Katrina Kaif was additionally identified with the tinsel town performer, Salman Khan. Both of them verged on one another when their parts. The late nearness and socializing of Ranbir with the character of “Rockstar”, Nargis Fakiri is deplorable for Katrina. Katrina is primed to take back Ranbir once he updates his direction. It is additionally caught that Katrina is looking for solace from her ex fire Salman Khan.

Sinha: I am not replacing Kaif

Yet there’s no denying that the girl who debuted with the super duper hit film Dabangg last year is the preferred choice for various product brands nowadays, so much so that she has replaced Katrina Kaif as the ambassador for the fashion and apparel brand Provogue.

Sonakshi was announced as the new brand ambassador of Provogue at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri. Speaking at the function, Sonakshi said: “I am not really replacing anyone. I am just filling in a space that was empty for long. But yes, I'm enjoying it a lot.

When asked about her equation with Katrina, the brand’s previous ambassador, Sonakshi said: “I've met Katrina quite a few times and we do not discuss this. They (the likes of Katrina) have been around for quite some time now I hope I will be there.”

No doubt the girl is brimming with confidence. After all, she’s got some big movies coming up: Joker with Akshay Kumar and a film with Kamal Haasan. Way to go girl!

Did Salman Khan plot the Ranbir-Katrina split-up?

According to a report in Open magazine penned by a senior journalist with an apparent inside info on the juicy happenings in tinsel town, the reason for the break-up between Ranbir and Katrina is that he came to know about a secret visit she made to Salman when the latter was shooting his film Bodyguard in Pune.

The report goes on to claim that Katrina deliberately travelled in an ordinary car so as not to attract attention. But still the news reached Ranbir. How? The writer goes on to suggest that Salman himself made sure that the news of Katrina’s hush-hush visit reached Ranbir’s ears. The young actor was obviously furious to know that his gal was still making secret visits to her ex. What followed next was a fight between Ranbir and Katrina and their subsequent break-up.

Kaif: Kapoor is a great mate

She is known as much for her good looks and streak of luck as for the insurmountable controversies surrounding her personal life. But actor Katrina Kaif, who has recently been under the media scanner for her alleged link-up with Ranbir Kapoor, is taking it all with a grain of salt. “He (Ranbir) is alovely person and a good friend but beyond that I don’t comment on these things at all.

If I spend all my time confirming and denying these things, I won’t have any time to work. Rumours like that go on and on. They are part and parcel of the industry,” says Kaif, 26, who thinks the constant attention ends up hampering relations.

“It’s pretty depressing sometimes because these are wonderful co-stars and nice people. Sometimes relationships can get strained because there’s too much funny speculation. But you’re stuck with a smile about it all, pick up your head and keep moving on and hope your work speaks for itself,” says the actor, who is endorsing Lux’s new variant - Lux Fresh Splash.

Katrina: I'm not married to Ranbir

Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif, who is currently in the news for her alleged 'marriage' and break-up with Ranbir Kapoor, says it is just a rumour. "These kinds of talks are just rumours. They are a part and parcel of the industry. One just has to smile and concentrate on work," said Katrina.

When asked if she was ever dating Ranbir, Katrina said, "I have never commented on my personal life. And will not do so now."Ranbir and Katrina have worked together in Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani' and 'Raajneeti'.

Katrina not part of any other IPL team

Shooting down rumours that she will join the Kochi Indian Premier League (IPL) team or the Pune Warriors as its brand ambassador, Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif’s spokesperson revealed that she is not connected to IPL in any way this year around.

After the 26-year-old stepped down as the brand ambassador of Royal Challengers Bangalore, it was speculated that she might join one of the other teams. “These reports are untrue and Katrina is not part of any franchise this year,” said Katrina’s official spokesperson in a statement.

“She is not a part of this 2011 IPL season nor were there any talks on her being brand ambassador for any team. The reports doing the rounds are absolutely baseless and untrue. Katrina will be shooting for Yash Raj Film’s Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, she has devoted her time to the project, which is why she opted out of the Bangalore team (Bangalore Royal Challengers) ,” added the spokesperson.

Kochi IPL sets eyes on Salman, Katrina for glamor quotient

With an eye on adding glamour quotient, the latest entrant in the Indian Premier League, the Kochi team, is in talks with Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif to be the brand ambassadors for the 'Indi Commandos'.

"We are currently talking to Salman and Katrina for endorsement deals," said Kochi IPL Team co-owner Mukesh Patel. While Katrina has been seen promoting the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the past, Salman has been reported to be keen on buying an IPL team.

Industry observers pointed out that if the deal is signed, the Kochi IPL team (officially named 'Indi Commandos') would get the much needed boost on the glamour front with the 'Dabangg' of Bollywood, Salman promoting the team along with Katrina.

They pointed out that IPL is not only about of cricket and glamour plays an important part with the likes of Shilpa Shetty adding zing for Rajasthan Royals and Shahrukh Khan doing the same for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Preity Zinta ensures that Kings XI Punjab has enough Bollywood quotient.

Arshad finds Katrina Kaif boring

She might have impressed everyone with her looks and dance skills, but Bollywood siren Katrina Kaif has failed to charm Arshad Warsi. The actor finds the beauty pakao, i.e. boring. Arshad, who caught Katrina's Mango Slice ad on television, found her boring in it. 'How pakao is Katrina in the Slice ad, kairi pakadti hai aur vo aam ban jata hai.Angoor do toh shayad Wine banjayegi,' he tweeted.

Katrina Kaif as a singer Mere Brother Ki Dulhan

The latest buzz in tinsel town is that Barbie doll Katrina Kaif has moved on from acting to singing. She will lend her voice in a song in her upcoming film “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan” opposite chocolate boy Imran Khan. She had earlier sung a nursery rhyme for music maestro A R Rahman’s album of nursery rhymes. It was her co-star Ali Zafar who had convinced her to sing a song in the film.

A source stated “Katrina was not really in the mood to try out something new. “She has just started to get a grasp over her spoken Hindi. It was Ali who convinced her.” The source added “Ali Zafar has sung three songs in the film and Katrina has sung one of the tracks composed by Sohail Sen.” Sohail Sen the music composer of the film however stated “We still haven’t decided on the singers.”