Dubai dance

Remember Meghna Naidu, the dusky beauty who shook a leg to the remixed Bollywood song, Kaaliyon ka chaman, some years ago? Well, she may not have struck it big in Bollywood after that, but she has gone on to scale other heights. Naidu, who has worked with stars like Dhanush and has participated in reality shows such as Dancing Queen and Fear Factor, is now concentrating on her dance academy in Dubai, a city she calls her “second home”. A branch of the Meghna Naidu Dance Academy will open in a predominantly Indian area in Dubai this month. She will teach Bollywood dance to Indian expats as well as others as, she feels, people all over the globe are fascinated by Bollywood. Looks like Dubai is all set to match steps with Naidu.

Animation king

Heard of Mahesh Ramasubramanian? If you haven’t, it’s time you did. The talented guy has spearheaded the stunningly creative visual effects of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted. A computer science graduate from BITS Pilani, Ramasubramanian, originally from Chennai, has been with DreamWorks Animation in California since 1999. “He is one of the first Indian artistes to be the visual effects supervisor on a major animated feature film and is a testament to the growing talent and leadership of Indians in the animation industry,” says a spokesperson at the India office of DreamWorks Animation. Apparently, Ramasubramanian wants to keep working on animation because he wants to “put a smile” on his kids’ faces. Well, we are all smiles too.

Drug oath

Anil Kumble will do anything to promote a good cause. And when the cause is drug awareness, the former Indian cricketer will go the extra mile. Last week Kumble got students of 30 Bangalore colleges to take an oath: “I hereby pledge that I will not touch, take or deal with drugs,” they intoned after him. The effort was part of several initiatives undertaken during the Drug Awareness Week. Kumble, who is a member of the World Athletic Mission, which in turn is a part of the World Anti-Doping Agency, asked students to make friends with caution. “There are friends who might tempt and dare you to try the substance just once. They aren’t your friends,” he said. A truer was never said.

Crazy couture

She had set the small screen on fire with her portrayal of the evil Komolika, who, for some weird reason, always materialised before your eyes to the sound of “neka” in the background. Well, Urvashi Dholakia, the Kasautii Zindagii Kay star is now set to do a cameo on Zee TV’s Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein. Dholakia, whose last full-fledged role on television was in the serial Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharamyudh (2010-2011), will be seen as a celebrity food critic invited to a cookery show. Since Komolika was known for her jhak mak, over-the-top couture, Dholakia is apparently going to be outlandishly dressed for this role too — from what we hear, a crimson gown and a hat stuck with flowers! Eew.

Parade pride

Saif Ali Khan may be busy gearing up for his wedding with Kareena Kapoor. But that sure doesn’t mean he has no time for some worthy activities. This year Khan will lead the Indian Independence Day parade in New York City. It’s not exactly Agent Vinod style action, no, but, hey, doing one’s bit for the country never hurt anybody. The parade, which will be held on August 19, is the largest of its kind outside India. Khan will lead it past 10 blocks and around one lakh spectators before he winds up at a gala dinner at the Royal Albert’s Palace in New Jersey attended by Indian luminaries. Apparently, ghazal singer Anup Jalota will also be on hand to entertain the august assembly. If Khan doesn’t back out at the last minute pleading a packed schedule — which stars are often wont to do — it will be a nice and sporting gesture on the part of the actor.