Why Richa Chadda's family, friends insist on calling her Devi

Looks like Richa Chadha is still suffering from a massive 'Masaan' hangover.

The film won not only won accolades at the Cannes film festival but also won hearts back home.

The character Richa plays in the film is called Devi.

Richa’s parents and friends are so impressed by her portrayal of Devi, that now they have started calling her that instead of her original name.

Her doting dad has gone one step further. He has saved her number as Devi in his mobile.

How long will the Devi phase last? Let’s wait and watch.

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Richa Chadha happy it's time for 'good movies'

The success of 'Masaan' has given Richa Chadha a reason to cheer. She is glad that "good movies", like the critically acclaimed film, are finding an audience and praise. (Read more)

Shilpa Shetty fulfills her wish to dance with Amitabh Bachchan

Shilpa Shetty, the first guest on Amitabh Bachchan’s new TV show, 'Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi', fulfilled her wish to dance with the actor. 

Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt to enter 'Bigg Boss 9' house

The Weekend episode of Bigg Boss Nau Double Trouble will have the Shandaar jodi Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt bringing some relief for the consistents from all the trouble.

Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt entering the house.

The duo will be seen going inside the house to have a tete-e-tete with the housemates and play some interesting games. The contestants were delighted to have Shahid and Alis inside the house and gave them a warm welcome.

Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt with the contestants of Bigg Boss Nau

Shahid and Alia ask housemates to give each other interesting titles where Arvind gets the title of Soya Gennie, Rochelle as the hottest girl while Keith got the hottest guy title. Mandana and Keith were elected to be the best jodi in the house.

Salman Khan with Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt

Shahid and Alia further will be seen meeting Salman Khan on stage and speak about their upcoming movie. This is the third consecutive time Shahid has appeared on the first eviction episode of Bigg Boss and Shahid tells how this has become a ritual.

Further the episode will also have the Bigg Debate where contestants will be grilled by Salman in the secret room and ask them how there week has been in the Bigg Boss Nau House.

Which of these actors will make the ideal James Bond?

Daniel Craig says he would ‘rather slash his wrists’ than do another 007 movie. That makes us wonder which actor would be the ideal blend of regal charm, crafty wit and flaming good looks

Gadgets, martinis, drop-dead gorgeous women and menacing villains, all these make the heady concoction that is a Bond film. You can hate it or love it, but you can’t ignore the grandeur that is intrinsic to the James Bond franchise.

However, the most important ingredient in this potent potion is agent 007 himself — a man in tux with a cold gaze and a hot bod.

Of all the Bonds on screen, Roger Moore brought to the table a unique charm and ability to deliver punch lines like none before him, Pierce Brosnan stepped in with a wit and magnetism that was unmatched in many ways.

And in recent times, Daniel Craig fit the part of the super stylish secret agent to a T. Now that he has announced his retirement, hunt is already on for his successor. With new speculations making headlines each week, we round up a few (un)usual suspects:

The urbane Bond
Gerard Butler: With that suavity and humour, Butler has given more hits at the box office than most of his contemporaries. His meteoric rise on the scene has been attributed to him being a regular contender in the never ending ‘who will be the next James Bond’ debate, and rightfully so. With movies like RocknRolla and 300 in his kitty, one can assume that the actor would do justice to the inheritance even though he has been lying low for a while now.

The Connery-like Bond
Michael Fassbender: He is definitely a hot favourite for this role. Critics have even gone a step further to say that he carries a certain Sean Connery feel to him, and while the actor is obviously flattered at the comparison, it remains to be seen if he can fill the shoes with the flair and ease that Connery had back in the day. Knowing Fassbender’s penchant for taking up challenging roles and adding his own twist, he might give Bond a makeover of sorts.

The betting man’s Bond
Tom Hardy: Hardy undoubtedly has truck loads of sex appeal. Also, he has effortlessly proved that he has what it takes to play a lean mean machine in Mad Max: Fury Road earlier this year. In fact, if reports are to be believed, Hardy is getting maximum support with the betting odds leaning mostly in his favour. He is not only the bookies’ favourite, but also 0f the appropriate age.

The star-powered Bond
Henry Cavill: He has played several dangerous and interesting roles, both qualities characteristic of the inimitable Bond. There are several reasons why Cavill could pull off the role with ease. One, he has to his credit other spy roles that he’s played with elegance, read: The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Two, at 32 he seems to be both comfortable and confident on screen. And three, those killer good looks.

The unconventional Bond
Henry Cavill: What goes against the likes of Fassbender and Hiddleston is that they’re too successful and too well known already. But one can always hope. With his exceptional sense of humour and striking screen presence, Hiddleston could be an interesting replacement in the franchise. Loki as Bond would be quite a treat. Also, let’s not forget, the actor will bring him that much-needed British charm.

The mass favourite Bond
Damain Lewis: Lewis has repeatedly topped several ‘the next Bond’ polls. In fact, he could just be the dark horse on this list. With his unconventional looks and striking performance as lead in Homeland to back him up, Lewis definitely has what it takes. If Craig brought to the table a gruffness that is unmatched, Lewis could bring a certain poetic and calculative element.

The steady dream Bond

Idris Elba: Such was the furore over Elba taking the baton from Craig that he had to personally go on social media to quell the rumors. Everbody and his uncle wants Elba to be the next Bond. Reasons? One, it would be a breakthrough of sorts to see a James Bond of colour, something that the franchise has very obviously avoided, sparking a racism row. Two, because Elba could stand in his pyjamas and still outclass most of today’s actors. Elba’s gritty portrayal of a detective in the TV series Luther has been widely acclaimed and he has to his name a pretty envious filmography as well apart from several ‘Sexiest Man of the Year’ titles.

midday

Shah Rukh Khan conferred with honorary doctorate at University of Edinburgh

Shah Rukh Khan added a good dose of his trademark wit and wisdom to his speech at the University of Edinburgh after he was conferred with a doctorate. He stated, “What defines you is your heart. Ask the artist formerly known as Prince.

The Princess Royal of Edinburgh confers the doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) on Shah Rukh Khan at a function at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, on Thursday. Pic/ PTI

And learn a thing or two from him, if you don’t believe this insanely sexy Indian superstar standing in front of you.” He then said, “If you live by your fears, everything that could go wrong will go wrong, and you won’t have even done the funky chicken.”

Apart from making references to his movies, he even did the Lungi Dance with the students. In 2009, the University of Bedfordshire, too, had conferred a doctorate on SRK at a ceremony in London.

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Dr SRK dances on stage at Edinburgh University

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has received an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. SRK also enthralled the audience with his 'lungi dance' on stage at the university (Read more)

No baby shower for Kim Kardashian

Seems like Lamar Odom is still family for Kim Kardashian as she has cancelled her baby shower as he continues fighting for his life. It is being said that the 34-year-old reality star has cancelled the event which was set for this weekend at the same Beverly Hills home where her sister, Khloe Kardashian tied the knot with the former NBA star, reports a website.

Kim Kardashian 

The basketball player reportedly binged on cocaine, cognac and herbal sex stimulants at a Nevada brothel before he was found unconscious a couple of days ago. He is in a coma.

You can love the same person you want to kill: Angelina Jolie

Los Angeles: Hollywood's star couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt will be seen in 'By the Sea', that focuses on the thin line between love and hate, and the actress says relationships go through extreme emotions.

Angelina Jolie

The 40-year-old actress-director, who has six kids with Pitt, feels one can love the person they want to kill, reported Us magazine.

"Everybody knows that there is never just the tragedy of life or the humour of life or pure joy of life. Relationships have those extremes. You can absolutely madly love the same person you want to kill," Jolie said.

"It's the puzzle of figuring out those things that get in the way of really loving someone. A lot of it's the past, a lot of it's insecurities, a lot of it's wanting something so much that you focus too much on losing it," Pitt, 51 added.

Written and directed by Jolie, 'By the Sea' is a romantic drama about a couple in the 1970s who are struggling to save their marriage.

The film also marks the couple's first project together after 'Mr and Mrs Smith,' that released in 2005.

First look: Deepika Padukone in 'Bajirao Mastani'

Eros International and Bhansali Productions have released the first look Deepika Padukone as princess Mastani from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Bajirao Mastani.'

Deepika Padukone as Princess Mastani in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Bajirao Mastani'

This is also the first look of Mastani from the song 'Deewani Mastani' that will be launched on October 17 at a grand event in Delhi.

'Bajirao Mastani' is a story about noted general Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I (Ranveer Singh), his second wife Mastani (Deepika Padukone) and first wife Kashi (Priyanka).

The film is scheduled to release on December 18.

Watch 'Bajirao Mastani' teaser promo

Pune lawyer accuses Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Ranveer Singh of assault

A Pune-based lawyer has registered the case against 'Bajirao Mastani' filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bansali and actor Ranveer Singh for manhandling and restraining Pune in a government office in Bhor on Friday.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer Singh

The incident came to light, when a Pune based lawyer Wajidkhan Rahim Khan-Bidkar, a resident of Kharadi approached Bhor police, which falls under the jurisdiction of Pune rural police on Friday late evening. The Bhor police have registered the complaint and reported it in their non-cognizable offence register in this regard.

The incident took place at Bhor in Rajwada, a well-known fort where some government offices are also situated.

According to Bhor police sources, "Lawyer Khan had gone to the Rajwada fort in Bhor, where a government office is located. Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ranveer Singh were also present there for their film shoot. Khan, was allegedly insulted by Bhansali, by saying 'kale court wale' (black court person) and instructed him to leave the premises. Singh directed the security guard to move him out and it was on his directions the guard manhandled him and pushed him out forcefully."

No mistreatment on 'Bajirao Mastani' sets: Director's spokesperson
After reports of a Pune-based lawyer getting mistreated during the shoot of 'Bajirao Mastani'

Music release of hindi film, 'Love Exchange' launched in Mumbai

The music release of Hindi film, Love Exchange was held at a suburban theatre amid fanfare. While director  Raj V Shetty enthralled the audiences with his witty one liners, music director Jaidev Kumar and lyricist Kumaar shared personal experiences.

Producer Nadia Ali Shirazi was all praise for her music director and is positive about the film turning into a big hit. Other guests who attended the musical evening of this upcoming romantic comedy include the film’s lead pair, Mohit Madan and Jyoti Sharma, singers Javad Bashir, Dev Negi, Simerjit and producer, Girish Wankhede.

Nadia Ali Shirazi, Jyoti Sharma, Mohit Madan, Raj. V. Shetty; (inset) Girish Wankhede 

Spotted: Hema Malini and other Bollywood celebs

Hema Malini celebrated her 67th birthday with the media on October 16 by cutting a cake. The veteran actress, who became a grandmother recently, continues to live up to the tag, ‘dreamgirl’.

Artsy bug

Juhi Chawla admires the display at a photo exhibition. Sonakshi Sinha’s mom, Poonam was also spotted here. Pic/Datta Kumbhar

Fashion diaries

Neha Dhupia attended London Fashion Week in a sexy blue saree.

In support

(L-R) Deepak Singh, Kranti Prakash Jha, Imtiaz Ali, Neetu Chandra, Nitin Chandra, Pankaj Jha and Aarti Puri
Neetu Chandra’s second production received support from director Imtiaz Ali. Once Upon A Time In Bihar is based on true incidents that unfolded in Buxar, Bihar.

In style

Dorris and Bharat Godambe

Bharat and Dorris Godambe hosted a fashion show and convocation ceremony in Mumbai.

Aneel Muraka

New fashion store launched at Santacruz, Mumbai

Mumbai has yet another reason to celebrate its multi-dimensional fashion quotient as Jhelum an all new store-in-store concept opened with much fanfare at Santacruz. The brainchild of entrepreneur and designer Jhelum Gopal Dalvi and her mother Aarti Rele, Jhelum offers a unique experience in luxury, festive and bridal fashion.

The evening of October 14 saw The mother daughter duo with Kaykasshan Patel hosted a dazzling preview to celebrate the opening of the store in the presence of designers like JJ Valaya, Manav Gangwani, Suneet Verma, Rina Dhaka and Varun Bahl. Specially dressed in looks from Jhelum were Divya Kumar Khosla (in Anamika Khanna), Krishika Lulla (in Varun Bahl), Isha Koppikar (in Varun Bahl), Warda Nadiadwala and Arti Surendranath(in Rohit Bal), Shriya Saran, Evelyn Sharma and Narmada Ahuja (in JJ Valaya). Also seen at this glamorous bash were guests like Pinky Reddy, Ramona Narang, Rouble Nagi, Baba Siddiqui, Poonam Soni, Seema Khan, Maheep Kapoor and Prateik Babbar.

Resham Hemdev, Kaykasshan Patel, Wardha Nadiadwala, Rashmi Nigam 

J J Valaya, Varun Bahl, Rina Dhaka and Suneet Verma 

Ramona Narang and Rouble Nagi 

Aarti Rele and Jhelum Gopal Dalvi 

Manav Gangwani 

Isha Koppikar

Ganesh Acharya shoots for Hong Kong filmmaker Dante Lam's 'Operation Mekong'

Ganesh Acharya on the set of the film, Operation Mekong

Veteran choreographer Ganesh Acharya has been shooting for Hong Kong filmmaker Dante Lam’s action flick, 'Operation Mekong', in Bangkok. After watching Ganesh in 'Hey Bro', which released earlier this year, the makers roped him for the film as actor, not choreographer. Knowing Ganesh, he might do a bit of a jig in one of the scenes.

Tusshar Kapoor lends a helping hand for a good cause

Tusshar Kapoor

Tusshar Kapoor was recently spotted at an event for honouring the visually impaired. The actor prefers to spend his leisure time doing social work. Now that he has wrapped up the shoot of Kyaa Kool Hain Hum 3 and Mastizaade, he is using free time in hand to extend a helping hand to NGOs working across sectors.

Arjun Kapoor in 'Star Wars Mode'

Arjun Kapoor

Arjun Kapoor is a Star Wars fan. The actor was the first to get his hands on the new Kylo Ren Light Saber ahead 
of the merchandise launch in the country. The iconic Lightsabers are an integral part of the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Star Wars Lightsaber Challenge will give Arjun and other fans a chance to experience the Star Wars aura and master the Jedi’s moves.

Shot in the dark: Actress forgoes salary for role in big-ticket film

This pretty actress may have worked with big industry names, but she has very few hits in her kitty. Keen to salvage her unremarkable career, she requested the makers of a big budget film to cast her opposite a leading actor and even offered to sacrifice her fee. 

A source says, “Though she is counted among A-listers and always stays in the news, she is yet to establish herself as an actress to reckon with. She hopes that her upcoming film will give her unremarkable career a boost. Several top-notch actresses vied for the role, but she managed to bag it because she agreed to do it free of cost.”

Some say the actress’ family also played a role in influencing the makers’ casting choice. “She would send feelers to the lead actor when she heard the makers were looking for an A-list actress to play his leading lady. Her family also put in a word for her. If this film does well, she is optimistic that her career will get back on track,” adds the source.

Rihanna: I Tried To Be Brown's Guardian Angel

The singer reveals why it took her some time to break up with Chris Brown after he attacked her before the Grammys in 2009.

Rihanna has explained why she took boyfriend Chris Brown back after he left her bloodied in anassault in 2009.

The singer admitted that she thought she was strong enough to be with him and "was very protective of him" even after his attack before the Grammy awards in Los Angeles.

The 27-year-old told Vanity Fair magazine she thought: "Maybe I'm one of those people built to handle ... this.

"Maybe I'm the person who's almost the guardian angel to this person, to be there when they're not strong enough" and to be able to "say the right thing".

However, she said she soon realised that she was wrong and "finally had to say, 'Uh-oh, I was stupid thinking I was built for this'. Sometimes you just have to walk away."

Brown's probation only ended this year

The singer, who is one of the best-selling artists of the decade said she doesn't "hate" Brown.

"I will care about him until the day I die. We're not friends, but it's not like we're enemies."

Brown's probation for the case formally ended in March this year, six years after the incident.

Rihanna also weighed in on fame and her status as a pop cultural icon in the interview, as well as some controversial topics such as Rachel Dolezal, the white NAACP executive who claimed to be black and resigned her post earlier this year.

"I think she was a bit of a hero," she said. "She kind of flipped on society a little bit. Is it such a horrible thing that she pretended to be black? Black is a great thing, and I think she legit changed people's perspective a bit and woke people up."

Rihanna also admitted that fame can sometimes be scary and that she dreams "about buying my own groceries".

And she laughed off her reputation for hard-partying ways:

"I've been thinking lately about how boring I am," she said. "When I do get time to myself, I watch TV."