Her long hair drove Salman Khan crazy in the Dabangg series, Ajay Devgn and gang were reduced to making Po Po noises in Son of Sardaar while Akshay Kumar kept singing Dhadhang Dhang Dhang in Rowdy Rathore to the Patna ka  Phooljari… Sonakshi Sinha has used her tresses well in all her films. Asked if  she will ever sport short hair, the actress is quick in her repartee of saying,  “never”…

Today, Sonakshi feeds her hair a good diet.. From oiling her hair to indulging  in hair spas, Sona takes her hair seriously. As the face of Streax, she used their burgundy shade to style her hair.

Catch the video right here:

Sonakshi Sinha

The film is tentatively titled as Pistol and will be helmed by director A.R Murugadoss, who had previously directed Aamir Khan in the 2008 Blockbuster film Ghajini.

Akshay Kumar in Khiladi 786 Movie Stills

Roping in Greg Powell, who is the action director of Sam Mendes’ 2012 edition of James Bond franchise, that gave tribute to 50 year of the series, is expected to shuffle work between Pistol and his much anticipated upcoming Hollywood venture Fast And Furious 6.

It is no new that Akki is an expert at stunts and prefers performing them personally. The actor is enthusiastic and thrilled to work with Powell. It is the action director’s international fame, and previous esteemed projects with flawless sequences that hopefully will work wonders for this film’s action element as well.

Though Akshay is approaching 46 now, his commendable physical fitness and daredevil heart makes him an obvious choice for such roles. Powell’s construction of Akshay’s brilliant stunts will surely make Pistol, one of Bollywood’s most delightful action films.

Rohit Sheety And Akshay Kumar

Yes, Once Upon a Time at the Box Office, err sorry Twice Upon A Time the Box Office, the Indian audiences were treated with a clash of similar concord. The Rohit Shetty v/s Akshay Kumar date clashes have gone down the roads of history in a strikingly strange manner. Akshay who had always been the flavour of the season, since his Hera Pheri days, when he rose like a phoenix, has been ironically touted as the biggest brand at the box office at a time when Salman Khan had no Dabangg under his name. But the years 2009 and 2010 consecutively had a backlash between the director and actor who have been instrumental in shaping up Indian comedy from its declining stages.

With the audiences going gaga over the SRK versus Akshay clash this Eid, with no Salmania around, we bring about the score card of a War that had been running since the 2009s and with this Eid, the scores might just settle in, once and for all.

Blue and All the Best Movie Posters

Flashback to Diwali 2009 and you would recall how Akshay’s Blue was pitted against Rohit Shetty’s Ajay Devgn starrer All The Best! On one hand, you had an actor who gave back to back hits and on the other you had one director who was potentially capable of turning tables. And voila! Despite an interesting premise and an anticipated hype, the Akki starrer failed to strike a chord with the masses, falling in to the shackles of the deep blue sea, sinking without a trace. Though Blue had a better opening weekend at the box office, All The Best scored more eventually, courtesy, some rib tickling comic sequences, a Rohit Shetty trademark that kept the audiences enthralled and entertained, sans a strong script!

Action Replayy And Golmaal 3 Movie Poster

The coming year, the 2010s, saw yet another roll-rumble between the actor and the director with both their films again releasing on the same day, yet another Diwali edition, darling! The time machine formula going kaput with a rather dismal and highly irritating Action Replayy, doing no good to Akki’s career graph, the film hardly managed to rise above see-level, although it bragged of a powerful star cast. Akshay’s terrible hairdo made matters even worse while Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 3 raked in all the moolah, and received a thunderous response, thanks to a brilliant mad cap comic caper that the franchise boasted of! Not just that, Golmaal 3 shuddered in a lot of punch in the following weeks, to collect over 100 crores, easily enlisting its membership into the coveted 100 crore club, that had suddenly gained repute!

Chennai Express Movie Poster And Akshay Kumar And Imram Khan in Once Upon a time in Mumbaai Again Movie Stills

And now with a 2-0 lead over the actor, Rohit Shetty’s Chennai Express, which has already been one of the most euphoric movies of the year, with Shah Rukh in the lead in yet another romantic flick, one would be expecting firecrackers from the director yet again. Battle lines are drawn and the trumpets are blowing in full throttle as our Khiladi Kumar with Balaji scion, Ekta Kapoor in tow is expecting an earth shattering opening with a sequel to a film that had changed the Bollywood-gangster flick scenario way back in the 2010s. Though the SRK-Akshay combat is grabbing headlines much due to the heavyweight names, it is the Rohit Shetty v/s Akshay Kumar age old encounter that is all set to go on a mammoth ravage!

With Diwali being sidelined and Eid being the D-Day for yet another Rohit Shetty-Akshay Kumar collision, let’s just wait and watch how the scorecard settles, post the festive season. Will the Rohit-SRK combo walk alway with all the cheese and the cake or will Akshay bounce back to triumphant form giving Rohit and the Chennai Express team a shuddering jolt? Take your pick!

Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif

According to a leading daily, Sanjay is all set to revive the project and is looking out for both Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif for the roles of Mastani and Kashibai respectively. Padukone, is the leading lady in Bhansali’s upcoming film Ram Leela opposite supposedly beau Ranveer Singh. Ram Leela is scheduled for October 2013 release, following which Sanjay plans to begin the pre-production work of Bajirao Mastani. The film is expected to go on floors by April 2014.

Ranbir Kapoor and Salman Khan

Though there are antithetical reports over the film’s leading man, according to our sources, Sanjay is considering both Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor for the role of Bajirao. Salman has been on a low in the last few weeks, given his court dates for the 2002 hit and run case and his check up in U.S. However, the prime most reason why there are second thoughts over him is because of the overpowering haunting ghost of the Sanjay Dutt verdict, with something similar looming large on Salman as well.

In case Ranbir achieves an edge over Salman, the situation of the film will be replicable of the 1981 stint Silsila. With his ex-girlfriend Deepika and alleged current girlfriend Katrina working along with him in the same celluloid frame, this will undoubtedly rake excessive interest from the audiences.

Silsila (1981) Movie Poster

While it will be a smart move on the part of Bhansali and the actors to team up together for the film and cash in on their existing not so harmonious relationship, most trade analysts agree that this will result in a greater doom for Bhansali’s dream venture! The actresses were last seen together at the 2013 IPL opening ceremony and were visibly ignorant and cold towards each other.

While troubled interpersonal relationships are almost a norm in Bollywood, there are still a few actors who win the race at being the most controversial warring actors and still exhibit an amicable vibe.

Akshay Kumar – Shilpa Shetty

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty on the sets of Big Boss

They did not work together again after their elaborate romance turned conspicuously sour! Still, after a long span of many years, Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty came back together on the episode of Big Boss, where Akshay appeared to promote his show Khatron Ke Khiladi. Later, they reappeared together on Nach Baliye Season 5 where Shilpa was a judge and Akshay came to promote his film Special Chabbis 26. Well certainly all’s not hunky dory between the ex flames, they have moved on a long time and learnt the art of being publicly civil with each other.

Deepika Padukone – Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone in a still from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Movie

Former couple, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have maintained their friendship despite ending their romance. Though Deepika made bitter remarks about Kapoor on Koffee With Karan, the actors are coming back to sizzle the silver screen with their upcoming film Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani. Not only that, they are also scheduled to promote their film and tour UAE and UK together. The promotional tour clearly indicates all’s well and friendly between ex lovers!

Katrina Kaif – Salman Khan

Katrina Kaif, Salman Khan In Ek Tha Tiger Movie Stills

During their relationship days, Katrina once exclaimed how Salman hates candle light dinner and is unromantic. The media highlighted their break up on a large scale. However the two remained friends even beyond the end of their relationship. Salman and Katrina seemed to share a warm emotional connect on the sets of Ek Tha Tiger. More recently, Katrina Kaif walked the ramp for Salman’s NGO Being Human. Katrina has still remained Salman’s family; despite their relationship fazing out!

Sanjay Dutt – Madhuri Dixit

Sanjay Dutt and Madhuri Dixit

No one can forget this beautiful Bollywood affair. Almost set to be together for a long time, the duo separated because Dutt found himself entangled in legal issues related to the 1993 Bombay Blast case, for which he was recently convicted. The two were shooting for Subash Ghai’s film Saajan, which they managed to conclude amicably. In his last release Zila Ghaziabad, Sanjay was seen referring to ex-girlfriend very fondly. Years later, after both have moved into happier space, old stings matter much less.

Govinda – Neelam

Govinda and Neelam Kothari

After starring together in a host of popular films, Govinda was smitten by Neelam. He was so much in love that he wanted to marry her. But she kept denying Govinda, who later married the girl his mother chose for him. She went to date Bobby Deol, another relationship which ended bitterly. Recently the actress tied knot with actor Sameer Soni. Reportedly, actor Govinda sent his best wishes to the couple.

Preity Zinta – Ness Wadia

Preity Zinta And Ness Wadia

The duo was the most charming couple for a long time. Their relationship rocked for a good half a decade following which the couple broke up. Mommy Naureen Wadia heaved a sigh of relief as she never liked Miss Zinta too much. However, the two still continue to co-own their joint IPL team Kings XI Punjab.

Dino Morea – Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu And Dino Morea

The two dated for a long span during the 1990s. Despite their breakup, the two have maintained very cordial relations with each other. Recently actress Bipasha Basu unveiled Dino’s fitness brand DM fitness. After 5 years of their relationship, the two drifted apart following which Bipasha dated beau John Abraham for many years.

With the list being endless, actors today are more passionate than egoistic, more professional. They meticulously weigh their brand value and sensibly co-relate it to the success and revenue it can probably rake. Controversies can easily be deemed as the passport to greater anticipation and excitement from audiences, it would be sensible move to iron out differences and swallow the pride. All for the greater cause of fame and success!

The title track of the film is sung by reputed singers Sunidhi Chauhan, Shaan, Kavita Krishnamurthy, S.P. Balasubramaniam, Abhijeet, Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Mohit Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Sudesh Bhonsle, Shreya Ghosal, Shilpa Rao, Udit Narayan, KK and Sukhwinder Singh.

Starring Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan,Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh,Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Akshay Kumar,Karisma Kapoor and Juhi Chawla together, this song is an epic moment for Indian cinema.

Enjoy the song right here:

Bombay Talkies Movie Stills

Bombay Talkies is the amalgamation film comprising of 4 short films by directors Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibaker Banerjee and Karan Johar. The film is going to be screened at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.

Still From Bombay Talkies Title Track

This is quite a rarity in Bollywood and never before have so many singers been clubbed together for one song! The song also does another unbelievable task.It has successfully managed to get together 20 popular Bollywood actors for the music video of this song. Starring Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra, Farhan Akhtar, Shahid Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Sridevi, Akshay Kumar, Karisma Kapoor and Juhi Chawla together, this song is an epic moment for Indian cinema.

It took choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant a month to wrap up the shooting of this song. The actors and actresses were dressed in Black Tuxedos and Gold dresses respectively. Every actor in the song has shot for their part independently and had their personal stylists.

Doing the undo-able, Bombay Talkies is the amalgamation film comprising of 4 short films by directors Zoya Akhtar, Anurag Kashyap, Dibaker Banerjee and Karan Johar. The film is going to be screened at the Cannes International Film Festival this year.

Film theatres in important towns of Pakistan earn heavily due to Indian releases. Film makers of the local films insisted that this should be done to ease out situations for them, which a Shah Rukh Khan or an Akshay Kumar starrer will majorly jeopardize.

Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar

Analysts confirm that this move will result in an approximate loss of Rs 20 crore for the films. Both UTV and Balaji tried their luck at nailing down sense and stop the blackout, but the film makers refused to budge from their point. It is essential to safeguard the interests and needs of the Pakistani Film Fraternity. The option that was left open to UTV and Balaji was to schedule the films for a later release, on 15th August but the option would not help generate revenue because pirated prints of the film will already be doing rounds by then.

The decision is a loss-loss one for the screen owners and distributors who would earn more from SRK-Akshay releases than from local ones but the Government decisions on such issues are too strict to be challenged.

With a host of established actors starting Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh to John Abraham, all have showed keen interest in the Regional films productions. While Amitabh Bachchan’s production company AB Corp’s latest Gujarati release Saptapadii  already did great business, Akshay Kumar on the other hand has already announced his second Marathi film Adhantari, to be produced by his venture company Grazing Goats Pictures. The biggies are willing to invest in Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Punjabi and Malayalam films which offers an expansive audience base and flourishing takings.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan

These regional films experiment with distinctive subject matter and quite often secure rave reviews. Bachchan’s production house is laden with numerous projects and regional films scores a high on their list.  Be it Saptapadii, which deals with a couple whose life is altered with the arrival of an orphan, a survivor of terrorist attack or the Marathi film, Vihir, which narrates the story of the comradeship of two cousins and their unconventional outlook on life and family bonding, the films are gratifying expectations. Directed by Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni, Vihir also a Bachchan production was internationally acclaimed in the Berlin International Film festival (2011) and screened at the 2010 Rotterdam International Film festival. Saptapadii has also garnered its share of accolades since its release receiving the “Special Mention for the Green Rose at the Jaipur Film Festival”.

Not just critically, these regional films are successfully making their mark at the box office. The Bachchan Sr. basking in the film’s success appealed people to watch Saptapadii and appreciate the regional cinema in his social network site. He wrote, “Everyone who has seen the film has enjoyed it much…Go and see it…!! It will give huge boost for the Gujarati film industry.”

Amitabh further commented on his company’s agenda, “AB Corp has been actively involved in producing and promoting regional cinema. Our film Vihir in Marathi won several awards of recognition across the globe at various festivals.”

AB Corp, which has produced the critically acclaimed Paa, earlier had also a fair share in the Bengali art film, Antarmahal: Views of the Inner Chambers (2005). The Rituparno Ghosh directed film starred Abhishek Bachchan, Soha Ali Khan and Roopa Ganguly.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar

The Khiladi aka Akshay Kumar too has embarked on the production of Regional films, with his debut Marathi film, 72 Miles: Ek Pravas, slated for release very soon. He teamed up with Ashwini Yardii for ‘Grazing Goats Pictures’. Very recently, the house announced its second Marathi venture Adhantari. The film will see the pairing up of Tanisha Mukherjee (Kajol’s sister) and television actor Sumeet Raghavan. “We are very excited about our second Marathi film after 72 Miles-Ek Pravas. We will shoot it on a huge scale, it only shows how Marathi films are getting bigger,” said Yardi. When asked of the recent upsurge in regional film production Yardi agreed saying, “Regional cinema is really growing. We have already made a Marathi film and it’s in the post-production stage.”

“We are looking at the Punjabi market as well because Akshay is essentially from Punjab. Since I am from a Maharashtrian background, I think I know that market well. We are also looking to try Bengali films as well,” Yardi added.

Riteish Deshmukh

Ritesh Deshmukh

Even industry’s funnyman Riteish Deshmukh turned producer with the modest budget Marathi film, Balak Palak. The Ravi Jadhav film, which has a funny take on sex education in schools made for a runaway hit, earning great moolahs since its release. With this film, Riteish aimed to pave way for Marathi films on a national level viewed Genelia D’Souza, his wife and an actress. On a previous occasion she had said, “I wish Marathi cinema grows and that’s one of the reasons why Riteish is doing a Marathi film next year and we hope to see a lot more Marathi films next year.” The success of Balak Palak and positive reviews it fetched has made producers rethink of a similar Hindi remake.

John Abraham

John Abraham

John Abraham whose bold maiden production Vicky Donor struck a chord with the masses and settled as the greatest hit of the year, too has been enticed with the idea of making regional film. John has said, “I am producing a Marathi film. Definitely, I would love to produce a Malayalam film.” His production house is entitled as John Abraham Entertainment Limited.

The fresh trend of Bollywood stars donning producers’ hat catering to regional movies showcases their ingenuity and an updated investment scheme for the business minded celebs. Given the celeb’s partaking, it would not only rekindle the stakes of regional film industries but in all possibility augment the quality of the films made regionally.

With the recent Badtameez Dil creating nation frenzy, we decided to put together bits and pieces of the best dancing superstars from the tinsel ville who instilled the audience with the knack of moving and shaking their hips! Encore!

Salman Khan

Salman Khan

He made the towel dance a phenomenon much before our dearest Jr. Kapoor tried doing a full monty in his Jab Se Tere Naina, he did the stupidest steps yet making them something to reckon with, he did all the moves, sans the dancing, but he still is one of the biggest trend setters that we have today. A self confessed non dancer, Salman Khan beautifies the nonsensical gibberish steps with his Midas touch taking it to an elevated level of euphoria. From his belt shaking in Dabangg to the pocket moving in Dhinka Chinka, India’s Biggest Superstar had us all hooked and how!

Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan

Whilst Prabhu Deva could mesmerize us with his dancing skills, here was one actor who super shot to fame with his hugely animated dancing skills and power packed acting genes. A blend of both, a story that started with Ek Pal Ka Jeena and that still-famous hand move, Hrithik Roshan’s journey meandered through the thicks and the thins with acting jolts, but Hrithik-The Dancing Super Star has never managed to fall short! The hip hop jigs in Dhoom 2 and Krazzy 4 might definitely be the pick of all his fans but one can never forget the tantalizing Main Aisa Kyu Hoon, which Hrithik managed, surprising many with awed flawlessness. With Senorita doing the wonders for him yet again, Hrithik decided to shift to perpetual action star mode with Agneepath.But Hrithik-The Dancer has always overpowered Hrithik-the Actor, we must admit!

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar

Not just action, our Khiladi Kumar can gyrate to the beats too, darling! If the dancing spark was evident in the Tu Cheez Badi Hai mast mast number in Mohra, the spark grew into bright flames when Akki took off to full dancing flights with his famous jigs in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi or Housefull. When Twinkle’s Balma went the Monkey-way he was a treat to thee eyes. But our pick would definitely be the heavily fluorescent trouser adorned Akki doing a Chinta Taatop the buses! Gibberish but a dancing statement, for sure!

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan

He is a choreographer’s delight, a dancer’s dream. From his million ton energy to the never dying attitude, this Khan is known for his self determination and perseverance! Dancing on top of a train. Check! Dancing with an injured knee. Check! Dancing with a shuddered shoulder. Check! Shah Rukh has done it all. From his desi moves in Chhaiya Chhaiya and the Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhen, to his uber cool disco numbers, be it Its The Time To Disco or his Dard with the Disco, from the peppy yet powerful Ishq Shava Dance to the famous Chhammak Chhallo, this Super star has gifted us with some beautiful dancing numbers, with some simple yet catchy signature moves to gyrate to! Period.

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor

Among the flurry of superstars who has ruled the rooster for the last two decades, we suddenly have a newcomer packing in all the punch with his movies and dancing moves! While Badtameez Dil serves as a brave testament to the flamboyance that enveloped Shammi Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor caught the choreographers’ eye with his Sawaariya title number jig. And then, the story followed on! Be it the peppy Mera yaar nazar nahi aata number or the otherwise zingy and effervescent Tai tai phiss number, Ranbir rocked it totally! How we love his dancing statement from the high octane adrenaline pumping Anjana Anjani number as well!

While Amitabh Bachchan wowed the audience with the thumkas in Jumma Chumma and the trademark ‘haaye’, Aamir Khan floored us with the tapori dance in Ghulam, Rangeela. Even Ajay Devgn who is a non dancer is making tremendous effort to shake his legs with tinee winee exanples in his last Son of Sardaar and the latest ‘Taaki Taaki’ number from the otherwise dud Himmatwala.

With a lot of naach-ganna and some enticingly delicious moves, Bollywood has widened its spheres and how. From a time when choreographers were not given much of a notice to an Era where a nice hook step gets the nation hooked, creating an aura about the songs and the film, Superstars can’t just act. They gotta dance as well!

As things stand though, even this piece of ‘news’ isn’t confirmed and the makers are yet to make a final announcement around the eventual cast.

Arjun Kapoor And Emraan Hashmi

“If you see, no one from the production house or the director himself has gone on record around the change in cast. While Arjun’s name has started floating around, there is still uncertainty around whether Emraan is indeed no more associated with the film. It is all plain speculation so far. The only ones who are currently associated with the film are Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar and Punit Malhotra. There is no question of one actor replacing another as there wasn’t a name announced in the first place”, says a source.

In fact one is also led to believe that the makers are still contemplating around the final cast of  Gutka.

“Who knows, may be there is a third actor who comes on. Or even better, both Emraan and Arjun may end up being a part of the film”, the source adds.

When contacted, an official from Dharma said, “We are yet to cast for Gutka other than Akshay Kumar. All that can be made official is that the film would start in March next year. Other details would be shared in due time.”

We are waiting.

The film will be named Gabbar and not Ramana like its Tamil counterpart. Bhansali who is very careful about the titles of his films pays personal attention to such nitty gritty details. It was Bhansali’s idea to name Rowdy Rathore and the film performed miraculously well despite a hollow script.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Akshay Kumar

The film will also mark the directorial debut of reputed South Director, Krish of Vedam and Gamyam fame. Gabbar story will be focused on common man’s strife against corruption. Bhansali, who has meticulously mastered brilliant cinema is always keen to work on worthwhile scripts, with a well knitted subject and treat it with sensitivity.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will yet again pair up with Shabinaa Khan, the co-producer of Rowdy Rathore for Gabbar. Considering, Rowdy Rathore’s humongous success, Gabbar is expected to recreate the same at the box-office! Bhansali is having a latently thriving year, you bet!

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Khiladi Kumar, who seven years ago decided that he will not work on a Sunday and devote it to his family, broke the rule of sorts for his upcoming film Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again’s director Milan Luthria to finish shooting of the film.

Why? Well, it so happened, that Luthria was not well, due to which the shoot of OUATIM 2 was delayed for three days. Hence, Akshay agreed to work on April 7 (Sunday) to make up for the lost time. Moreover, it was the film’s last schedule and the makers couldn’t afford to push it any further.

Akshay Kumar and co-stars Imran Khan and Sonakshi Sinha started shooting at 7 a.m. on Sunday and worked till the sun went down.

Confirming the news, Luthria said, “Yes, I had asked Akshay for a big favour by making him work on a Sunday. But what we shot on April 7 is an interesting sequence. I haven’t told him yet, but I need him to work next Sunday too.”

Oh o! Seems the coming Sunday too will be another working day for Khiladi star.

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again is a sequel to 2010 hit Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai. It is being produced by Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor and is scheduled for an Aug 8 release.

Akshay Kumar

The ultimate Khiladi of the tinsel town, Akshay Kumar has been raining in crores with his films off late. But at a time when Akshay made his somewhat muscular foray into the silver screen, he was rubbed off the list as an actor with no talent. While the Khans had gone past ahead of him by miles, Akshay seemed difficult to pace it up to the ruling clans. But with some definitive films and some great commercial success in the mid 2000s, Akshay reached the pinnacle of his career shunning all his critics. But what remained was the Controversial tag that haunts him till date.

The real life Casanova has always been in news for his alleged closeness to his heroines, his long lost relationships and recent tiffs. Let’s go for a brief recapitulation!

Akshay Kumar-Raveena Tandon break up

It was the mast mast girl Raveena Tandon who got head over heels in love of Khiladi Kumar during the filming of Mohra. While they went Tip tip barsa pani in the sensuous avatar, they set the screen scorching for more. Eyeballs were rolling and the couple instantly grabbed limelight when they came out open with their relationship. Akshay who broke up with Pooja Batra expressed his love for his then favorite co-star Ravishing Ravs. But little did they know, that the khush mizaj Akki would soon turn his boat to another shore, but when the Shetty Jetty anchored the actor, he was floored. Dumping Raveena, who was left in pain and an almost lost career, he moved on top Shilpa Shetty!

Akshay-Shilpa raunchy stories afloat

Post his public break up with ex Raveena, Akki soon started dating Shilpa, who according to him was one of the most beautiful actresses in the industry. The chemistry between them took off to new heights with both of them signing Main Khiladi Tu Anari together, crooning on to the lovely and yet so remembered Churake Dil Mera number. But little had Shilpa even expected facing the same Fate as Raveena and suffered a huge bolt by a not so twinkling Twinkle Khanna! While he got serious with Twinkle, Shilpa was left with a life battered and a career on a decline. Few years back, a British tabloid also allegedly revealed raunchy stories about the couple’s intimate sex life and Shilpa’s first sex with the Bollywood hunk! Matters worsened as both of them were left as mere puppets to mockery and embarrassment.

The intimate Full Monty scene with Rekha

While Akki and Raveena were still into a very established and strong relationship, it was during the Khiladiyon ka Khiladi shoot that Rekha apparently tried being too intimate with Akshay. A particular song featured Akki and Rekha in risqué avatars when they decided to go Full Monty behind a toilet’s closed door! The song brought in lot of speculations and left Raveena absconding and fuming at the legendary actress for her growing closeness to a much younger Akshay Kumar.

The legal feud for ‘Unbuttoning’ his pants at a fashion show

Akki, who has been the face of Levi’s was all set to launch the ‘Unbuttoned’ edition of the clothing brand and at fashion show, he asked his wife Twinkle to unbutton his pant  publicly on the ramp. Rest as you know is history. A legal case was issued against the couple for promoting obscenity and vulgarity through their behaviour, which was condemned by most organizations. A case though very ‘weak in law’ did gain momentum, much due to the brand Akshay that got involved with it.

The Shirish Kunder spat

From taunting the Badshah to pissing the Khiladi and getting ousted from Dabangg Khan’s next. This director has always been in news for wrong reasons. A film maker whose films have regularly bombed at the box office, he also faced serious coordinating issues with Akshay while filming and promoting his no-brainer Joker. Akki on the other hand turned completely deaf and blind towards promoting Kunder’s Joker, much due to the brewing tiff between the actor and the director. Disputes over the film being visually fit and converted to 3D and the alleged editing issues led to fallout between the two where our Mr. Khiladi decided to never pair up with Kunder and his wife Farah Khan on screen ever again.

The controversy with the use of ‘786’ in ‘Khiladi no 786’:

The trailer of his much awaited action comedy had brought in a sea of cheers form his ardent fans but it hurt the sentiments of few Muslim communities who are religiously connected with the 786 number. While the number it itself has a religious connotation, the makers were asked to remove the number from the film’s title. After a lot of hullabaloo, it was finally changed to Khiladi no 786 from Khiladi 786 as Akki felt it would not be a fair move to change the entire title of their film, with the trailer already being released. To avoid negative reviews, Akki complied with the change and hoardings were immediately changed henceforth!

With the Khiladi Kumar raking in the moolah with each film every year, and being the first actor to cross the 2000 crore mark, it would be noteworthy of him to shoo away controversies from his life, only if that helps him in any case!

While Imran Khan looked suave in that cool chocolate boy look, Sonakshi Sinha looked like a baby doll, shedding off pounds like cakewalk. But it was the charming and overtly grasping Akshay Kumar who walked away with all the paparrazi.

Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai was a successful franchise. But OUATIM 2 touts to be bigger, better and grander! But what made the lead cast give a nod to this otherwise glamorized gangster flick. “OUATIM was a really good film and because the film was so good as a script and a story, I instantly got drawn in doing the sequel. And I can assure you that the second part will also be equally good, rather better”, quipped Akshay, gleefully fidgeting with his glares.

Imran Khan, Sonakshi Sinha and Akshay Kumar (Sonakshi Sinha Posted A Picture On Twitter)

But Imran Khan who has always attempted to do some power packed grueling action films and failed seems to be really hopeful about this film. “Apart from being a really good film, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai was a hugely entertaining film. I had watched the film and was hugely entertained. I select films that I would like to watch myself. There are every rare occasions when such films come our way where the emotions are so well portrayed and narrated. Be it the drama, the action or the romance everything in this film is really good. The funny scenes are hilarious, the romantic scenes are beautiful and the action scenes are power packed.”

Sonakshi who recently outdid herself in the retro look in the peppy ‘Thank God Its Friday’ number from an otherwise dull film is really keen to sport the retro look. “The main punch in the film is the beautiful story that it revolves around. It is a wonderful story, hugely entertaining and that actually serves as the film’s USP”

But right at the moment the word USP came out, Akshay quickly and very cheekily retorted back with a smile, “Sonakshi is the main USP of the film since we, as in me and Imran both fight for her.”

Khan, who is also the owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, who are the defending champions this year has been pitted against Khiladi Kumar as both their next films Chennai Express and Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2 are all set to release on the same day-the auspicious occasion of Eid, that’s been left vacant by the Ultimate ruler on Eid, Salman Khan. While both the two top notch superstars are giving each other a tough fight in gifting their fans the best Eidi possible, it was earlier reported that Akki and his OUATIM 2 team had approached the IPL owners to figure out a nice promotional campaign for his upcoming film. Knowing the extravaganza and the mass frenzy that the IPL boasts, this could have been just about the perfect platform for putting their film in front of the people nationwide.

Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar

But as one would have expected things to go, our Badshah had to pre ponder into the IPL stakeholders’ decisions thereby making sure OUATIM 2 gets absolutely no coverage from them during the 2 month long IPL schedule. The IPL authorities have been tight lipped about the entire incident just mentioning that no such offers were made and IPL has never been used as a platform to promote any film and that code of conduct still remains ethical!

Going by history, this is not the first time that such an incident has happened. Call it vindication, or a personal backlash of sorts, Salman Khan had apparently denied promotions of his ex flame Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Guzaarish on his famous Bigg Boss platform, much due to the stringed relationship between the two co-actors from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. Plus some filthy comments marked a distinctive end to the friendship that he shared with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali and an angered Hrithik Roshan’s strong counteraction fuelled the controversy. With cases like these, there have also been positive stories to share as well. Ex-flames Shilpa Shetty and Akshay Kumar who have always maintained distance from each other reunited on the sets of Nach Baliye when Akshay opted to promote his film Special 26 on the show judged by the fitness queen!

Though reports like these are often provided as feelers to generate hype and news, it would be sad to see our lovable Khan to manipulate his way to success with such maneuvers. Shah Rukh, on the other hand has happily accepted competition from all ends as most of his films have faced tough battles with another power packed release from a contemporary actor. Though most times SRK has emerged victorious, time would decide the Fate of both the films when they clash together this Eid. Catch this space for more stories of vindication and vengeance!

Akki posted some on location stills on Twitter. Take a look at it right here:

Akshay Kumar on the sets of ‘Boss’

Akshay tweeted: BOSS walking away from Thailand. My toughest shoot on record. It’s moments like this when an actor prays his work is Wanted!!

Akshay Kumar on the sets of ‘Boss’

Earlier, Khiladi Kumar had posted this picture and wrote: Buddha’s Blessings in Thailand for Holi! Big Day, Big Buddha. 2 days left of BOSS, it’s gonna be an emotional pack up.

Akshay Kumar on the sets of ‘Boss’

Akshay posted this pic on March 25, saying: After ‘ONCE UPON A TIME’ there will be a ‘BOSS’. Head first in the sand for the last day of the toughest action week of my career! HOT HOT HOT!!

Releasing on 18th October 2013, Naam Hai Boss also features Aditi Rao Hydari, Shiv Pandit, Mithun Chakraborty, Danny Denzongpa, Johnny Lever, Parikshit Sahani, and Ronit Roy.

The movie has been directed by Anthony D’Souza.

OMG Oh My God! Movie Poster

While the critics raised uproar about Tigmanshu Dhulia’s masterpiece Paan Singh Tomar losing out to Barfi! at Award Functions this year, the strangest catastrophe has failed to be located by both audiences and critics. While films like Vicky Donor, Kahaani and Barfi! are fairly basking in the glories of their success and adulation at all major awards in 2013, Paresh Rawal’s OMG! Oh My God was unduly negated by all and sundry.

To point out more specific details, the most important awards in Bollywood, the one of the black lady – Filmfare, rather conveniently ignored this critically acclaimed film. Nominated only in one category – Akshay Kumar for the Best Supporting Actor (Male), it is a shame that this film could not find itself a conspicuous place enough to be nominated, lest win awards. The film was not recognized in the Best Film Category or in the Best Actor category. Paresh Rawal, who is an actor par excellence, was shamelessly ignored by the juries of all important award functions Bollywood is attributed to, which includes Zee Cine Awards, Star Dust, National Film Awards and IIFA.

It is an intriguing question, what could have caused this underrated award show for a film which was thematically thought provoking and creative blended with a speeding screenplay and ace acting, it virtually had all the necessary ingredients to garner these appreciative tokens we term as awards. Being a satire film, commenting of social mores and mostly religion, a main reason why it could have been avoided was to refrain from clawing at the boisterous religious sentiments of extremist Hindus.

Not attempting to undermine any of the films nominated alongside, it is shocking to review that a movie as unusual and interesting was ignored at all the Awards functions unanimously. The movie was driven alone by Paresh Rawal backed by a brilliant script, which only an actor of his stature could so impeccably bring, alive on screen. I perceive it almost as an insult to the film and that man’s talent to have been brushed aside so ruthlessly.

Box office reports, film’s records and critics’ reviews all simply go on to prove the point. Raking over 80 crores at the box office, the film was one of the highest grosser of last year. While many films have grossed income by cashing in the mindlessness of a large part of the audience, this film received favorable reviews from majority of critics rating the film as excellent in terms of both story and acting. With content that powerful, the film has assuredly given its audiences Goosebumps at every twist in its tale and wrapping up with a climax that strong.

Spiritualists condemned the film as propagating atheism, but it is those who reject institutionalized religion who really understood the essence of the film. A unique subject in which a man sues God, it came strongly abundant on moral without directly being preachy. Many have been offended with the insult on Hinduism’s polytheism as well as Idol worship; it is only the new age, aware-of-worldly-religions Hindus who gave the film thumbs up.

So what exactly went wrong with OMG! Oh My God. Giving Bollywood satire a unique dimension, attaining the status of a trendsetter, I opine the film essentially failed for coming down too strong with its message. An offbeat, small budget film, this one was no star studded affair. It wasn’t lustrous and boasted minimalist airs. Awards, whether we accept o deny, is frankly swayed more by the glitterati than by sheer strength of talent. It is negatively amazing how the jury failed to notice a film this good!

Let’s just believe the omission of OMG! from most important categories of most important award function of 2013 was a mistake and was not intentional. Yet it doesn’t rectify the fact that a film this brilliant was unnecessarily and wrongly denied the right to fairly compete with other major films of the year which includes Vicky Donor, Kahaani, Barfi!, English Vinglish and Gangs of Wasseypur. In the end, OMG! remained to be an uncelebrated work of genius.

Akshay Kumar

According to a leading daily Akshay has paid Rs. 18 crores as his advance tax for this year and has beaten Salman Khan, who apparently paid 11 crores, Shah Rukh Khan, who paid 10.5 crores and Aamir Khan, who reportedly paid 8 crores this year.

Interestingly, it will be the sixth consecutive year for Akki to be Bollywood’s highest tax payer. It is said that the actor had paid Rs. 20 crores as advance tax last year.

“Naam Hai Boss is a masala film, big film… a lot of dance, comedy, and action. I am enjoying it, I have not done such a film,” the 34-year-old said here Wednesday at the unveiling of Popley’s Platinum Jewellery collection.

Catch the video right here:

Aditi Rao Hydari