Arshad Warsi Buys Imported Luxury Cars for Wife Maria Goretti and Himself

Arshad Warsi has joined the ranks of Aamir Khan and John Abraham with his latest acquisiton — an Audi Q 7. He has also bought his wife Maria Goretti, a Volkswagen Beetle.

Wanna drive? Maria and Arshad Warsi with their cars.

Shipping it home

Arshad says, "Maria loves the Beetle, especially in red. I had gone to London for the shoot of my home production and the first thing I did was picked up the car for her. I completed all the legal formalities and shipped it back to India. After I came back, I decided to buy a car for my self."

Service counts

Arshad is fond of sports cars but says, "India doesn't have the roads and the climate for a sports car. Initially, I decided to buy a Range Rover but ended up buying an Audi since the service can be taken care of in India itself."

The first car Warsi bought with his own money was a secondhand Maruti 800, "It cost me Rs 75000 and I paid it in installments. Although my first vehicle was a bike I won in a dance competition some 15 years back. Then the collection of cars followed with a Maruti Esteem, Opel Astra, Toyota Van, Yamaha bike." Arshad was very sentimental about the van as he took his then-girlfriend Maria for dates in that, "It was a very ordinary car but I had some amazing trips in that car with and without Maria. I had the car some ten years back when I got married and continue to have it till two years after my marriage."

For love of black

Most of Arshad's cars are black, including the new addition. Arshad prefers to be driven by a chauffeur rather than take the wheel himself, "It is only when I have a family outing that I drive myself." He remembers his first long drive with Maria after their wedding. "After our wedding, we didn't have much time to go for a long honeymoon and we somehow managed to squeeze in a few days and drove down to Mahabaleshwar, which was a terrible idea. From there, we then drove to Goa, being one of our longest drives."

The father of two claims he is no speed demon and has zero road rage, "I am in no hurry to reach anywhere any time. In fact, it is Maria who is impatient and abuses everyone on the road," he laughs.

Car customs

Arshad has a special car, in which he smokes. He makes sure his kids don't travel in that car.
He's a music freak and his car always has a huge variety of music, "It can be Hindi, lounge, Latin American; every kind of music is there in my car."

His car needs to smell good.

Arshad is a strict follower of rules. He says, "I don't break signals. I never drink and drive either. If at all I drink, I take my driver along or Maria drives us back. Not just after the law was passed, but from the very beginning. Maria and I have been particular about the same."

The Warsis always belt up. "Maria is also very particular about wearing seatbelts. The kids always sit at the back and are asked to wear their seat belts.

Salman Khan's Raj Kapoor Painting Gifted to Ranbir Kapoor on His Show Dus Ka Dum

Salman Khan's Raj Kapoor painting gifted to Ranbir Kapoor, these are photos...Salman is not a bad artist..apparently he gifted this to Ranbir at his show Dus Ka Dum ...

Salman presents Raj Kapoor painting made my him to Ranbir Kapoor on his T.V show Dus Ka Dum

Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba on Salman Khan's show 'Dus Ka Dum' where he presented the Raj Kapoor painting to Ranbir.

Salman Khan's Artwork Sells for Rs 4.5 Cr in a Dubai Painting Exhibition

Some of Salman's paintings that went under the hammer

Video of the event

Salman Khan has once again proved his heart is in the right place. Salman Khan’s exhibition of paintings which was held in Dubai was a runaway success. The actor put up his paintings for sale at an art gallery in Dubai on Tuesday, and raised Rs 4.5 crore for his Being Human foundation. Salman even flew in for the exhibition.

Said a source, "Salman's sister Arpita organised the exhibition. She has been taking keen interest in Being Human. It was a by invitation only function, attended by members of the royal family of Dubai (whom Salman is very close to). The local media was kept out of the event. Nine of Salman's paintings were sold on the spot. There are bids for 15 more."

Each of the actor's paintings has a different theme. Through his art, he has been trying to say that all religions are equal and have a common thread.

Added the source, "For the last two years, he has been giving whatever he earns to the foundation, but in recent times it hasn't been enough. He wants to create awareness for Being Human so that more people contribute towards a cause that's close to his heart."

The actor will also walk the ramp at the Couture Week on October 13 to create awareness for his foundation. Salman remained unavailable for comment.

All for a Cause

Being Human is a non-profit organisation for the underprivileged, started by Salman Khan. It raises funds by selling T-shirts, watches and other accessories along with Salman's paintings.

Last month, he launched special gold and silver coins, proceeds from the sales of which would be donated to the foundation.

"This is my first art exhibition and I am eternally grateful for this generous amount. All this money is going for a good cause. When I came in, I was petrified that nobody would turn up. But I am glad it turned out fine," said Khan in an unusually modest manner.

The charity auction, organised by Standard Chartered Private Bank, also saw the notorious star mingling with Dubai's well-heeled set. The bidding war for the charcoal grey portrait began at Dh185,000.

“It is a well know fact that painting is Salman’s greatest passion. He paints whatever catches his fancy and he recently put up his paintings for sale to raise funds for a charitable cause.”

The paintings were sold out immediately and the proceeds have been used to fund Salman’s Being Human Foundation. His dad, Salim Khan, says, “The paintings helped us raise funds of over Rs.4.5 crores. The money will be used for educational and medical purposes.”

Salman Khan’s Painting Graces a Book Cover!

Salman Khan as an actor and person had always made news and appeared on a dozen magazine covers, and now it’s the turn of his painting to make headlines and appear on covers. We all know that as a hobby he had taken to painting in a big way and has also sold some of his paintings to collect money for his recently launched Salman Khan Foundation. But no one knows that one of his paintings has made it to the cover of a Hindi novel titled Doruba written by a Rajasthani author. “He is dad’s friend and also a local film distributor and when he wanted to use my painting for his book cover, I painted it and according to his needs and gave it to him,” says Salman.

5000 Youngsters Play Live Audience For a Song In London Dreams

A Scene From London Dreams

Not many youngsters would want to miss a chance to watch Salman Khan, Ajay Devgan and Asin perform live. This is how filmmaker Vipul Shah decided to make things easier when he wanted a young audience for a live concert to be filmed on the three stars in his forthcoming film, London Dreams. Vipul put up ads in newspapers and posters in clubs inviting youngsters to watch the stars perform live. Needless to say, youngsters readily came to the shoot to see their favourite stars.

A source said, “As Vipul wanted to tap into the infectious enthusiasm of a live audience, he did not settle for junior artistes. Ads were published in local newspapers and he also put up posters in colleges and clubhouses in Pune, Kharghar and Vashi. As a result, 5000 youngsters showed up for the shooting at ND Studios, Karjat where interiors of London’s Wembley stadium was recreated.”

The song Jashn hai jeet ka is a six-minute song.

Vipul Shah confirmed the news and said, “Yes, we put up posters inviting youngsters to watch Salman and Ajay perform live on our sets. The shooting was not only a means to tap into the enthusiastic mood of a concert but was also an acid test for my music as it was a live shoot with a multi-camera set up. Once the music started, everybody got into a lively mood. The song was shot with 18 cameras and we used 54 positions. I am happy with the result.”

Source: Mumbai Mirror

Freida Pinto Spotted With a Mystery Man in Israel

Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto returns to her hotel with a mystery male in Tel Aviv, Israel. The 24-year-old model-turned-actor is in town shooting Julian Schnabel's new movie Miral, which is based on the novel by Palestinian-Italian writer Rula Jebreal who documented the real-life story of Hind Husseini.

Ranbir Kapoor Shooting at a Housing Society in Sardar Get-Up (View Pictures)

Ranbir Kapoor has been shooting at a housing society in the suburbs.
When Yash Raj Films and Ranbir Kapoor got together for the first time for Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), they shot for it all over the globe. But for the actor's second film for the banner, he has been shooting in a housing society in Thane (West), on the outskirts of Mumbai.


A source who lives in the complex reveals, "The building is called Vrindavan Society and it is one of the biggest complexes in this part of town. The entire building's activities came to a standstill when the movie unit came in early and started to set up their cameras and other stuff for the film. The residents of the building complex were however pleasantly surprised that Ranbir Kapoor was shooting in their compound in a Sardar avatar."

Apparently the unit of the film is going to shoot for the rest of the week at the same location. Chak De! India director Shimit Amin is directing Rocket Singh and the film marks the film debut of Shazahn Padamsee.

Sonam Kapoor Graces The Cover Of Hi! Blitz.

She is definitely one actress with looks that defy simplicity. She is none other than Sonam Kapoor, the daughter of the ageless wonder Anil Kapoor. The April issue of 'Hi! Blitz' sees this PYT wearing clothes and accessories by Louis Vuitton and of course her trademark smile.

In this issue, she talks about her upbringing and her siblings, viz. Rhea and Harshvardhan and her relationship with her father and the rapport that they share. She also speaks about how she bagged Saawariya. We are sure that lot of you didn't know that this 'cover-girl' is an avid art enthusiast and that Anjolie Ela Menon, Jehangir Sabavala, Manjeet Bawa and likes figure on the top in her list!

This issue is a must buy for all you Sonam Kapoor fans as her photographs are a real visual treat!

Ajay Devgan Gifted a Modified Sportscar by his Director Buddy Rohit Shetty

AJ gets fast and furious at 40! Rohit Shetty gifts Ajay Devgan a car on his birthday that he will also use in his film. This is a birthday gift for the actor who turns 40 today.


Car freak

Rohit has known the actor for the last 18 years. He was an assistant director in Devgan's debut film Phool Aur Kaante. He says, "Ajay is a car freak. He digs fast, stylish, sleek cars and loves driving. In Mumbai, he loves to drive his Swift while he drives himself to his Karjat farmhouse or even to Goa with his personal van following him. So this year, I decided to gift him a modified version of a Toyota Celica. The vehicle looks like a sleek racing car now. It was re-built and designed by VJ Rannvijay and my team. It took two and a half months to make."

Rohit states that he did not gift Devgan a new one because he wanted to give him something different. "Ajay has so many new cars. Earlier, he had a Maserati and Ferrari, now he has a Z-Class Mercedes and a Swift. There was no point in giving him a normal car as it wouldn't be of value to him. When I presented it to him last Sunday at Madh Island, where we were shooting for All The Best, he loved it!"

There is a twist to the tale. Laughs Rohit, "Though Ajay loved his gift, I loved the car more. In my film All The Best, Ajay's character modifies cars so we have plenty of vehicles in the film. But I liked Ajay's car so much that I told him he had to give it back to me to use for the shoot and since he's the producer, he had to agree!"

Rohit is known to blow up his cars in his films. Will he do the same here? "No. Though I intend blowing up 25 cars in All The Best, Ajay's car will remain safe. He has made me promise that not a scratch will come on it. He took me out for a drive on Monday but that was it. Ajay's become very possessive about his car."

When quizzed about the cost of the modification, Rohit says, "The bill is yet to come!"
Rohit also adds that Devgan's paperwork is in place for his modified car. When Vivek Oberoi had his car modified by Dilip Chabria, he had run into trouble. A modified car, according RTO records, is in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 because its body has been significantly changed and the engine tweaked.

Aishwarya Rai's Sister-in-Law Shrima Rai is Mrs India Runner-Up (View Pictures)

Meet my Mr india: Aditya and Shrima Rai

In the run-up: The winners Shrima Rai, Sophia Handa and Shivalika Sharma

Shrima Rai during the earlier rounds

Proud sasuraalwaale: Krishnaraj and Vrinda Rai

Shrima Rai wins pageant. Will B-Town beckon her, too?

Looks like Aishwarya Rai has competiton on the homefront! Her brother Aditya Rai's wife Shrima Rai was the first runner-up at the Gladrags Mrs India 2009 pageant over the weekend. The 27-year-old has no modelling experience. Wonder if she harbours acting aspirations like her sis-in-law? Lending Shrima support at the event were Aditya with his parents Krishnaraj and Vrinda Rai. It was after a long gap that Krishnaraj, a cancer patient made a public apperance. But Ash was missing at the event. Guess she did not want to take the spotlight away from her bhabhi. Ash was also the first runner-up at the Miss India contest in 1994.

OK Magazine Sells Jade Goody Memorial Issue Before She's Dead!

LONDON: "Jade Goody 1981-2009", says the cover of OK! magazine, one of the UK's highest-selling celebrity weeklies. The current edition of the magazine, which has a "world exclusive" interview with Jade, jumped the gun on the British reality TV star's fight with cancer and went on sale yesterday, while she was still battling death.

Jade (27) is said to have just hours left to live after her condition worsened over the weekend.

The edition has since sparked outrage across the Internet, with many threatening to boycott the publication. While Netizens left messages on social networking sites against the magazine, the media also criticised the move.

"It's the 1981-2009 part that pushed it over the decency cliff for me," wrote one Netizen on Twitter.

"Shame and repugnance do not exist!" said Gawker.com

"Why would Ok Magazine put a time line on her life?! It is one thing for a doctor to say that you are going to die, but for a magazine to make money off of it... that's just sick!" said another website.

Goodbye to sons

Meanwhile, Goody has reportedly bid final goodbye to her sons as she is not sure to see them again. "It's horrible saying goodbye not knowing if I'll see them again. I just want us to spend as much time together as we can," a website quoted Goody saying in her weekly column in New! magazine.

"She has deteriorated so rapidly that the boys are unlikely to visit her again," a friend said.

Her sons Bobby (5) and Freddy (4) visited Goody for what was supposed to be an early Mother's Day party. But it was cancelled as Goody was heavily-sedated and was unaware what was going on.

"The boys went to see her and she was aware of them for a brief moment or two. She saw them and she smiled. She is unconscious most of the time now," said her spokesman.

'I want to be in Madame Tussauds'

Goody is hoping to have a waxwork made in her honour. The Big Brother star wants to make sure she's remembered. "I'd love to have a statue made of me," she said. "I would like to be in Madame Tussauds."

"And when I'm gone I want a foundation to be set up that will raise money for charitable causes."

Lakshmi Rai, The Maiden Who Bowled Dhoni Over

A Bangalore girl is being linked with the skipper of the Indian cricket team M S Dhoni.

Model-turned-actress Lakshmi Rai in the latest issue of Savvy admits, "Dhoni and I have been very transparent about our relationship. But you don't know what destiny holds for you… you cannot plan things out. But yes, any girl would be blessed to be his life partner." Lakshmi has featured in South films and will be seen in Bollywood with Himesh Reshammiya in Hey Gujju.

M S Dhoni's Girlfriend Lakshmi Rai

Aye, aye skipper! Lakshmi Rai celebrating her birthday with M S Dhoni (circled)

Filmfare Power List - 2008 / 2009

Filmfare Power List 2008 - Overall Top Ten:

1. Aamir Khan
2. Shah Rukh Khan
3. Yash and Aditya Chopra
4. Ronnie Screwvala
5. Karan Johar
6. Akshay Kumar
7. Farhan Akhtar
8. A R Rahman
9. Hrithik Roshan
10. Kareena Kapoor

Aamir Khan, who was nowhere on the 2007 Filmfare Power is up there at No. 1 this year. It must have something to do with the Rs 265 crore (gross) that his film 'Ghajini' earned worldwide, making it the biggest hit in the history of Bollywood.

Besides being the overall No.1 the actor has scored a hat trick by emerging first in the list of top ten actors and directors as well. As for producers, the father-son team of Yash and Aditya Chopra is still the top name in the game, but Aamir is close behind — his two films 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' and 'Taare Zameen Par' had the box-office jingling sweetly.

Shah Rukh Khan remains entrenched at No. 2. Yash and Aditya Chopra, for two years in a row, are down to No. 3, preceded by the two Khans — Aamir and Shah Rukh — who are now eyed as the two power centres in filmnagari.

A surprise showing was Ronnie Screwvala, a new entrant who has stolen a march over Karan Johar who produced just the one film this year, 'Dostana'. Contrast this with Screwvala's company, UTV Motion Pictures, which has had a golden run in 2008 with commercial success for 'Jodhaa Akbar' and critical acclaim for 'Aamir' (the film not the actor), 'A Wednesday', 'Welcome to Sajjanpur', 'Fashion', 'Oye Lucky Lucky Oye' and 'Mumbai Meri Jaan'.

Despite all the hype surrounding 'Singh is Kingg', Akshay Kumar slid from No. 3 to No. 6, while composer A R Rahman (obviously the poll was a pre-Oscar one) is at No. 8. In a more serious upset, Hrithik Roshan is now at No. 9, having been rocked by filmmaker-turned-actor Farhan Akhtar who is at No. 7.

Kareena Kapoor is the only woman (Heroine, Actress) in the top 10, and she's made it by the skin of her teeth at No. 10. None of the Bachchans grace the coveted list this year.

An Interview WIth Bipasha Basu

Aa Dekhen Zara is a romantic thriller, but we see you throwing Neil Nitin Mukesh off the roof in the trailor.
(Laughs) John's (Abraham) mother asked me, "Are you the villain?" I told her, "Aunty, you'll have to see the film." I get that reaction a lot. I have played the villain before so people are free to assume what they like.

But I can throw Neil like that very easily. I told him, 'Don't take pangas with me or I'll do it for real.' I also threw Saif (Ali Khan) off in Race, so I'm getting a reputation. In the film, you move ahead because of a camera Neil's character inherits. It's a simple story with no logic and yet it's treated against a real background and no gimmicks.

Neil told us he loves you both, but John's a darling and…
I'm a tyrant. I know I read that. I asked him, 'What did you say that for? Now everyone's calling, asking me how I'm a tyrant.'

At the beginning of Aa Dekhen Zara's shoot, everyone was relatively new. There wasn't that one thread holding the film together. Everyone needed a shaking-up, so yes, I became the villain for the first week. My director (Jehangir Surti) is so sweet and harmless that I told him to start cracking the whip. My director of photography Jehangir Chowdhury was one strong man, so both of us got some discipline on the sets.

So they started teasing you.
No, they were too scared to even do that! (Grins) The tyrant word is just coming out now. Neil supported me though in that.

So what would you label him?
Neil is a number. He's a sweet, over-excited guy who knows his job. He has a sound knowledge of filmmaking. He becomes something else on screen.
And he called John a darling… Let me tell you, Neil would be in a state of shock if he got to know the real John. (Laughs) John shows the face he wants to show. I know that best! Yes, I can be brutally honest or scare people, but that's me.

Raaz 2 released — did you catch it?
I love the songs, but I'm not curious to see it now. I haven't seen so many films I wanted to. I really like (director) Mohit Suri and wished him well before Raaz 2's release. I wanted to see it then, but now, no time.

So much has been made of size zero. What do you feel? Everyone thinks of Bipasha Basu as curvaceous.
Everyone has a certain body type. What fun would there be if everyone looked like the other's clone? If a girl has a petite bone structure, then you can achieve that size zero. I like to swing between athletic and curvaceous. I don't aspire to attain size zero because I'm too tall and would look too gawky. In the west, young girls diet trying to get that look, get anorexic, bulimic. But I wouldn't condemn anyone if they are a particular size, as long as they achieve it healthily.

When I go to the gym, I get a million compliments, but the moment I turn my back, people say, "It's unnatural. She must have done something." They don't see the two hours I put in, regardless of whether I had a 16-hour workday. I read in a publication that during Bachna Ae Haseeno, I did a tummy tuck. Why would I do that? (Laughs) I was so thin. It's ridiculous and gives the wrong idea to those who want to get fit. People then go for these short-cuts that can actually mess up your lives.

You're doing a Hollywood movie called Chaimera with Billy Zane?
That's not happening for now. If we work out everything, I'll make an announcement.

Bachna Ae Haseeno didn't do great, but you walked away with all the praise.
It was a difficult role. Ranbir (Kapoor) is so sweet and I felt bad being nasty to him! I can't be that way in real life because I'm too simple. That sham crumbles. I'm happy that everybody, wherever I've gone, has only nice things to say to me about my performance in Bachna.

You had problems shooting Lamha in Kashmir. All sorted?
Yes, it's fabulous, a film I'm so proud of. The problem was only in the first schedule at Kashmir. The people then were so restless and mistrustful of us. It became worse when they shot a scene using a fake AK-47 in a marketplace.

After that, when we went to shoot at Anantnag, my hairdresser and me were the only two women on the unit. The CRPF jawans there kept teasing me, 'Bipasha, zara chehra toh dikhaeeye, smile dijiye. Picture mein bahut smile karti ho.' One wanted to marry me! After seven days, I told my director, 'I'm leaving; I'll come back when things are under control.' I had fought with my parents and gone to shoot in Kashmir. They've never discouraged me; become a model, join movies, travel abroad, okay. But this shoot in Kashmir, they said, 'Bonnie, you can't.' I spoke to Sanju (Dutt), who reached the next day and packed up the unit. The next schedule, we were better prepared and it all got sorted.

It's Women's Day today. What do you love most about being a woman?
I don't ever want to be a man. There's a song by Beyonce (Knowles) If I were a boy, it would be just for one day. I wouldn't even want that. I'd have to be heartless. It's not their fault, they're made like that. They can't think like us. They're ineffective in time management. They can't balance their parents, lovers and work together. No man has mastered it, not even my father who's obsessed with his wife.

Men are like babies when it comes to their women. Their true, rainbow colours come out before their women. I don't want to be that. I like to smile always; at work, with my parents or boyfriend. It's not an obligation. Even if I work 20 hours a day, I would have the energy for my family or boyfriend. And women don't crib as much as men — for them, the world is always falling apart. I'm in control and have my priorities crystal clear and give them equal attention.

You've been in a relationship with John Abraham so long.
Eight years. We even crossed the seven-year itch.

What's the secret of a long-term relationship?
Patience! Lots of it. Every year has its own charm. The first three years is the attraction and going crazy over each other. After that, you decide if you want to be with that person. By then, you're hopelessly in love. There's habit, attachment, companionship, attraction, trust, protectiveness. Every year, you have more problems but if you want to be together, you fight them. Forgive and forget.

Men especially take women more for granted. But remind your partner not to. I've been good at telling him that. If you can't live without that person, don't take them for granted. Also, give each other lots of space; don't do everything together.

So as a couple in the spotlight, are you conscious of your body language?
If we're fighting and don't want to be lovey dovey, we're cool. I'm in an eight-year relationship — I have a right to fight with my boyfriend! We don't hold hands in public anyways. We're over that. We hold hands in private. It doesn't matter what people think. It won't last if people control it.

In the eight years together, were there any that were more difficult than the others?
Two years back was tough on me as a woman. But I'm very strong and secure in a relationship. That keeps us going.

Into the mind of a woman
Your current obsession: Workouts! (Laughs) All kinds — pilates, yoga and my favourite, weight training.

One subject that everyone turns to Bipasha as the expert: Other people think they can ask me anything glamorous, fashionable or even as a gamer or a planner. But I think I'm up for emotional, sensitive roles with less inhibitions.

The greatest actor of your generation: I love Sean Penn. He's fabulous in everything. In India, if I have to choose, probably Aamir Khan. He puts in a lot of thought.

The most wonderful film you saw recently: Hmmm, I saw Slumdog Millionaire last that was nice, but not out of the world. It should have been made more for an Indian audience to open them up to our poverty. Because it exists. Everyone's criticising how it shows India in a bad light. But when we land in Mumbai, we see slums. We see beggars at traffic signals. This movie will at least bring in some charity.

The one civic sense you wish people had: Oh I wish people would stop spitting! I've had so many fights. I've yelled at taxi drivers. I recently saw this amazingly dressed woman in a Honda Civic do the same thing. That was the end of it for me.

The one thing that's unforgivably rude in Bipasha's book: I've always been around chivalrous men. So it gets me angry when men rush forward to help me at an airport just because I'm an actor and ignore senior citizens. We need to be nicer to old people.

Deepika Padukone Talks About Why She Loves Being Born a Woman Again

'I would like to be born as woman again' - Deepika Padukone

"TO be honest, I have never really given a thought till now about why I am happy being a woman. This perhaps indicates that I do not think much about the great Man-Woman gender divide; and I feel I am equal to a man to begin with.

"I would say I am glad I'm a woman because I can be a daughter, a girlfriend, a wife, a mother, a career-woman, a homemaker. In a single lifetime, I get an opportunity to plays a range of real-life roles. I don't want to compare and delve into whether this is something a man can do or not. What is significant is that this is something that I find gratifying.

"What is exciting about being a woman is that she has the ability to simultaneously combine several roles. My mother (Ujjala) has always been my inspiration because she has beautifully balanced out both her worlds – the personal and the professional. She has supported my father (Prakash), my sister Anisha and me too. Apart from being a homemaker, my mother was also a professional. She was in the travel business but she made time for the family and kids despite her work. Before my sister and I were born, she provided an excellent support system to my father who had a career in sports. When I decided to take up the acting profession, she stood by me like the Rock of Gibraltar.

"I, at least, faced no discrimination at home so I am very happy being born a woman. I was never treated badly by my parents because I was not a boy; and by the same token, I wasn't given special treatment because I was a girl. My parents gave me a comfortable lifestyle but I have not been pampered with luxuries; I have been brought up the right way. My parents allowed me to pursue my interest in arts, dance and music and, yes, they also encouraged my interest in sports.

"I am fortunate that I live in today's day and age, when a woman being the bread winner is not an unconventional idea. Today's women are equally responsible to take on the mantle of bread earners.

"Happily, for most women, the days are gone when we were not allowed to step put of the home. And thankfully, woman have the knack for adapting to new realities — when I step out of the house, I realise I am a responsible woman of today; and I know what I should be doing and what I shouldn't.

"I am proud of being a woman because women are more nurturing and giving, they are a lot more sensitive — think of Mother Teresa or the nurses in our hospitals. Women are far more emotional and more expressive than men. We don't keep our emotions bottled up — we laugh and cry easily.

"I can dress up elaborately — that's another privilege of being a woman; and I appreciate that to the fullest. But I'm not someone who enjoys spending hours before the mirror deciding on the dress for the day. I have no fixed style or look. When I am in a bad mood, dressing up might cheer me up.

"The advantage of being a woman in the modelling world is that I have heard female models often get paid more than their male counterparts. I think we deserve more because we are required to put in far more work vis a vis male models. We have to go though the process of fittings, elaborate make-up and hairstyling etc. By and large, the guys just have to do wear a pair of jeans and a T-shirt and walk. The women are the head-turners everywhere. God made us in a particular way so that a man would appreciate her.

"On a lighter note, I feel lucky about being a woman because I have a handsome and caring boyfriend like Ranbir, but on the occasion of Women's Day someone should ask him how he feels to have me by his side. And I must say I am glad I am an actress of today – times are changing and we have kept up with the times. If I want to play an action heroine and do my own stunts, I can!

"Today's Indian women may be far more liberated, more expressive and may have more opportunities than the women of yore. But it is to our gender's credit that we have the good sense to remain Indian at heart. We know our responsibilities, our priorities. We will always value people and emotions.

"I would like to be born as woman again, no doubt about it. And an actress for sure."
—Bollywood News Service

Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor Shooting for Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahaani (Images)

Spotted
Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor on the sets shooting for Ajab Prem Ki Ghajab Kahaani in Magarpatta, Pune. It seemed like a party scene with the festoons and all.

First Look of Lara Dutta in a Bikini in The Movie Blue

Here's a dekko of sexy Lara Dutta in a bikini in Anthony D'Souza's Akshay Kumar Starrer Blue. The waterfront film has the actress shed her inhibitions along with the clothes. Dino Morea's girl has opted for a pink sequinned bikini and stayed clear from the now overseen white two-pieces on B-Town actresses — if not red and green. Strangely enough, the film's producers (Ashtavinayak) were zealously guarding snapshots of the films. And now, they chose to give it all away together in the invitation for a first look of the film that is being held at a Powai hotel tonight. Five truckloads of sand is being emptied at the venue to give it a beachfront feel. Bahamas, here we come!

Amrita Arora's Mehendi Ceremony Pictures

Amrita Arora and Shakeel Ladhak getting their mehendi done yesterday afternoon (5th March 2009) by mehendi specialist Veena Nagda. Kajol Devgan, Tanishaa, Malaika Arora Khan, Shaina NC, Salman Khan's Sisters Alvira and Arpita, Raveena Tandon and Sangeeta Bijlani were some of the other people who came to have their mehendi done along with Amrita's.

Images From The Mehendi PartyMohe rang de mehendi ke laal rang se! Bride Amrita Arora Ladak Photographed at Her Mehendi Party

Shakeel Ladak: I want one, too!

Malaika Arora Khan Shows off Her Mehendi Design

Kajol and Sister Tanisha Applying Mehendi at Amrita Arora's Wedding

Malaika Arora Khan

Alvira Agnihotri leaves after the mehndi ceremony

Arpita Khan With Mehandi on

Kareena Kapoor in Peach Costume as the Bridesmaid at Amrita Arora's Wedding (View Pictures)

Bridesmaids Kareena Kapoor and Malaika Arora Khan

Photograph: Bridesmaids Arpita Khan (Salman Khan's sister), Mallika, Malaika Arora Khan and Kareena Kapoor in peach colour costumes

Amrita's bridesmaid and best friend Kareena was the first to come and the last to leave. Saif was seen holding Kareena very close — as if to say 'Marry me right here, right now, Bebo'.

Amrita Arora's Wedding Pictures With Shakeel Ladak

Photos: Amrita Arora With Shakeel Ladak

Amrita Arora in her wedding Gown

Salman Khan at Amrita Arora Wedding Ceremony

Katrina Kaif at Amrita Arora Wedding

Karishma Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan arrive at Amrita Wedding

Gauri Khan Arrives

Raveena Tandon With Hubby

Gul Panag

Kim sharma

Actress Amrita Arora married Shakeel Ladak by Catholic rituals at Olive restaurant in Mumbai. Amrita was dressed up in an off-white vintage wedding gown designed by fashion designer Ashley Rebello. Ashley used Umelio Ungaro lace and satin for the high neck body-fitting gown, embellished with diamonds and rice pearls.

Bridemaids Kareena Kapoor, Malaika Arora Khan, Salman Khan’s sister Alvira and close friend Mallika wore peach coloured gowns in varied shades.