Item of the Week

RGV had signed Katrina Kaif as Radha for Sholay two years ago. But now Sushmita Sen is shooting for the role of Radha! Now it’s difficult to believe Sush in the repressed widow’s role. One would think Basanti to be more apt for Sush. But with Ramu, anything is possible. Within two years Radha’s character has undergone a sea change and hence the star change. Ramu's Radha is very different from Ramesh's (Sippy) Radha. This Radha is neither introverted nor repressed. And according to Ramu, Sush fits bang-on. But where does that leave Kat?

Aishwarya Rai

Jaya teaches, Ash learns

Jaya Bachchan saved Aishwarya Rai from the irritation she caused Big B by arriving late for a private dinner. Knowing what her patidev dislikes Jaya took a unique stance. She was extremely miffed and showed it clearly. When Ash tried giving excuses, of extreme work pressure, for not calling them to let them know that she would be late, Jaya went on to make scathing remarks like — ‘Take it easy, aren’t we all working?’ A very embarrassed and shocked Ash somehow tried to make up with a hug, promising never to be late again. This actually led Amitabh and daughter Shweta to intervene and rescue Ash. Looks like the beginning of a Saas-bahu war? Well, no, this is no prelude to what’s in store for Ash in the Bachchan family. Actually this is Jaya’s way of being on Big B’s side, who really gets irritated when people forget to honour time. This was just a crash course for Ash.

Gul Panag

Pulling the dor

Gul Panag has been extremely persistent. Well, she had to. After a series of BO non-churners like Dhoop and Jurm she literally bullied Nagesh Kukunoor into giving her the role of Zeenat in Dor. Right from the time Iqbal had released Gul kept bombarding Nagesh with congratulatory SMSes. She kept in touch with him all along even telling him very clearly that she wants to audition for his next film. And what else Nagesh had to agree.

Riya Sen

Ashmit-Riya under same roof?

Is there a possibility of Riya Sen staying under the same roof with Ashmit Patel? Well, yes, if the producers of the reality show Bigg Boss get a ‘yes’ out of Riya. Devised on the line of the popular show Big Brother the idea is to bring two warring celebs to live together for three months. Accommodation for fourteen such celebrities has been made in the remote part of Karjat. Ashmit has already signed the deal while Riya is being pursued.They will remain locked up in the house with cameras in every room keeping a watch. The participants will meet each other once they get there. It’s completely hush-hush till then. If you have Mika and Rakhi Sawant, Ravi Kissen and Nagma, Ashmit and Riya in the same premises you know it’s going to be a hot-hot November. That’s when the show goes on air.

SPOTLIGHT

Abhishek Bachchan

‘I don’t know what it (sexy) means’

He was just back from London in Mumbai to be with his father, and now Abhishek leaves for Chennai to shoot for Mani Ratnam. But not before getting discernibly embarrassed by yet another appellation.

Just the other day he was selected Asia’s sexiest man, and now he’s become a gay icon! Abhishek is flustered. “I don’t know how to react to this. Any kind of recognition is a blessing. I don’t believe in discriminating against anyone. As long as any community loves me for doing what I do onscreen, what more can I ask for? Of course, I’m flattered and I feel hugely complimented. It’s not everyday that one gets singled out by a very important and sensitive community. Of course, I enjoy the thought of being a gay icon…though let me tell you, I don’t think I deserve it.”

When told that he’s been chosen because of his clean-cut family image Abhishek responds, “It’s not as though I put on any image for effect. That’s the way I am. Family is the most important thing in my life. I don’t have to make an effort to be a family man. I’ve been brought up to believe in certain values.”

First sexy, now gay icon? “I don’t take these appellations seriously. My main job is to be an actor. And all these wonderful appellations come from that job. If I wasn’t an actor I’d be neither considered sexy nor a gay icon. I concentrate on my job as an actor. The rest I treat as bonuses given to me for doing my job seriously. My responsibility is towards my audience and entertaining them. ‘Sexy’ and ‘gay icon’ are terms of affection that are here today, will be gone tomorrow. I value them as long as they’re mine.” Abhishek is mature enough to see that conducting himself decorously is not a responsibility, it comes with the territory of being a Bachchan. “And why just a Bachchan? Every actor must be conscious of his public image. I’m very particular about my behaviour, and would’ve been so even if I wasn’t a Bachchan.”

Do you like being called sexy? “I don’t know what it means.” Maybe it means people want to have sex with him? Abhishek laughs in embarrassment. “I don’t think so. I really don’t know what being sexy is.”