Neil Nitin Mukesh's reluctant kiss for Deepika

Neil Nitin Mukesh  is doubtlessly a hot hunk but he has rather conservative views about kissing his female co-stars on screen. Right from the start of his career in Johnny Gaddaar, Neil has dodged any suggestion of a lip-lock.

But hat’s off to the persuasive skills of director Pradeep Sarkar, who made Neil renounce his no-kiss vow and dock his lovely pink lips with those of Deepika Padukone in the upcoming Yashraj Films presentation Lafangey Parindey.

Convincing Neil, however, wasn’t so easy. Sarkar had to make Neil realize the significance of the kiss in the scene. Deepika, who has already kissed her co-stars in previous films, was cool about the kiss. It was only Neil who was a bag of nerves.

The kiss we hear was a real smacker, lasting a long time. Hope Neil didn’t faint after that.

Deepika Padukone brought Kalpana Dutta character to life: Ashutosh Gowarikar

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker says that actress Deepika Padukone has brought energy and feistiness to the character of Kalpana Dutta, the 17-year-old revolutionary of the Chittagong Uprising, on whom his next film is based.

Gowariker said Deepika's efforts to breathe life into the character was very endearing. "She has brought energy in feistiness into the character," he said.

Deepika is paired opposite Abhishek Bachchan in Gowariker's film Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, which releases later this year.

The film which, a period thriller is inspired by a true event and based on the book Do and Die written by Manini Chatterjee.

Speaking about Kalpana Dutta, Gowariker said," Kalpana Dutta was just 17 when the Chittagong Uprising took place. She was a voracious reader and was inspired by stories of the youngest revolutionaries. Along with her friend Pritilata Wadadar, she played different roles within the revolutionary movement, including that of a courier-transporting acid from Calcutta to Chittagong. After she was released in May 1939 from jail she got married to communist leader PC Joshi. The author Manini Chatterji is her daughter-in-law."

Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey is Gowariker's first epic period thriller and is based on the book Do And Die which centres on the Chittagong Uprising of the 1930s. The film has been shot mostly in Goa along with portions in Mumbai.

Neil shares his first on-screen kiss with Deepika

Deepika Padukone has kissed Saif Ali Khan on screen. But her new co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh was a first time kisser on camera till last week when Neil had no choice but to succumb to a torrid kissing sequence with Deepika. Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh have one thing in common. They both follow a no-kiss clause. Katrina broke her self-imposed bow of smooch-celibacy in New York.

Now the conservative Neil Nitin Mukesh has pulled out the plug on his no-kissing clause. For Yashraj Films Lafangey Parindey Neil was virtually forced to do a long lingering kissing scene with Deepika Padukone. Director Pradeep Sarkar and Deepika had to use every possible power of persuasion before Neil abandoned his chastity vow.

Says a source very close to the project, “At first, Neil was totally against the kiss with Deepika. Barring Katrina in New York with whom he had no opportunity for a kiss, Neil has refused to kiss in all his films. In fact, his first director Sriram Raghavan threw a fit when Neil refused to kiss Rimi Sen. In his second film Tera Kya Hoga Johnny director Sudhir Mishra insisted Neil to kiss Shahana Goswami. Neil refused. Even in Jail where there was a love-making scene with Mugda Godse Neil refused to kiss”.

Conservative to the core Neil plunged into his first kiss only after the director assured him that the romantic relationship needed a culmination. Says the source, “Pradeep persuaded Neil and he finally saw his director’s point of view. But Neil was nervous. Deepika had kissed before on screen. Not Neil. He first suggested a peck. But he was finally persuaded to do a long torrid smooch comparable in intensity and duration with Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor’s kiss in Raja Hindustani”.

When contracted Neil said, “I can’t talk about this. But yes we’ve gone completely by the requirements of the script. And Lafangey Parindey is my first love story”.

Neil possessive about Deepika

Love makes the world go round, goes the cliche. But looks like Neil Nitin Mukesh is a firm believer of the same. “All the characters I’ve played have behaved in the way they have because of love, whether it was in Johnny Gaddar or Jail,” he says. And even in his next film Lafangey Parindey, Neil’s romance with the lovely Deepika Padukone forms the focal point of the story.

Don’t be taken in by the rough promos of the film, Neil would rather describe it as a gritty love story instead. “My character One Shot Nandu is a regular boy — rebellious and ambitious and likes making his own decisions,” he says.

What we’re more interested in is knowing about Neil’s real life love story. The actor, who broke off some time back with his girlfriend, is back on the single track. “But I believe whole-heartedly in love and relationships,” he smiles.

And the new relationship in his life seems to have been formed with his leading lady. But before you get any ideas, Neil and Deepika really are just good friends. And while the actress has been going around town telling everyone how great the light-eyed actor is, Neil too can’t stop raving about his gorgeous co-star. “But I’d like to talk about her as a person rather than as an actor,” he says, “I keep telling her that her smile is one curved line that makes everything straight.” Neil describes Deepika as an easy-going and simple girl.

“I’m rather possessive and protective about her. She’s a part of my family now,” he adds. Well now that Deepika has earned the distinction of being the first actress to be kissed on-screen by Neil, utna toh banta hai we guess!

Deepika Padukone to star in Agent Vinod

Deepika Padukone has been approached for a parallel lead role in Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod.

Kareena Kapoor is the female lead in the film. Co-producer Dinesh Vijan is presently in talks with Deepika. If things work out, this would be the first time Bebo and Deepika would co-star in a film.

The two actresses share a troubled history. Bebo had openly expressed her displeasure when her fav director Imitiaz Ali picked Deepika over her for Saif's first home production Love Aaj Kal.

However their jodi was liked by the audiences and the film was a hit, so it makes sense for them to be paired again. Bebo-Saif last came together in Kurbaan which failed, so now even Kareena isn't averse to the idea of Dippy joining the cast.

A source spills the beans. "Even though it's a second lead, the character plays an important role. Saif is extremely professional as a producer and will cast the actor who will do proper justice to the role. And while Kareena and Deepika aren't friends, that will not come in the way of casting."

When contacted, Deepika didn't deny or confirm the development. Dinesh Vijan claims there's no truth to the speculations.

Deepika interested in working with Ranbir

Deepika Padukone, the model-turned actor is presently all smiles, thanks to the success of Housefull, however contrary to popular belief she had to go through the grind as well. She started off in a music video by Himesh Reshammiya and this is when Farah Khan noticed her. She was cast in the super hit Om Shanti Om and Deepika tasted instant success. However, according to the actress it was only after post-Love Aaj Kal that her career graph started to show a rise.

She also talks about playing the role of a blind girl in the forthcoming, Lafangey Parindey. She says that Aditya Chopra had selected her to play the role of Pinky Palkar, the aforementioned blind girl. The character is not jut visually impaired, but is also a dancer on skates. Deepika had to go through rigorous training and self-control in order to perfectly essay this tough role.

It’s also said that Deepika and her co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh have bonded very strongly. She claims that he’s the most encouraging and supportive co-star she ever had.

She also reveals that she wouldn’t mind working with Ranbir, her ex-beau. She doesn’t have any films with him for the time being, but she would like to do one with him, sometime in the future.

When Neil shied away from smooching Deepika Padukone!

Although smooching on-screen has never looked like a big deal for most of the tinsel towners, Neil Nitin Mukesh is one actor who doesn’t seem to be very comfortable with the idea.

Reports reveal that when Neil had to kiss Deepika Padukone on-screen for their forthcoming flick, ‘Lafangey Parindey’, the actor got cold feet. Neil reportedly isn’t too pleased with the idea of kissing on-screen, and the actor has always stood by his no-kiss policy in all his films so far.

According to our source, this isn’t the first time that Neil didn’t want to lock lips with his co-star, as the actor’s refused to kiss actresses like Rimi Sen, Shahana Goswami and Mughda Godse on-screen in the past.

However, Pradeep Sarkar, the director of ‘Lafangey Parindey’, finally managed to convince the actor to kiss Dips in the flick, as it’s the demand of the script, according to reports.

Well, so Neil would now be seen smooching Deepika in ‘LP’, and how, for an insider has revealed that the lip-lock surely is pretty long and intense. Wonder what persuaded Neil – Pradeep Sarkar or the idea of kissing the sultry Deepika!

Deepika Padukone Pinky Palkar in LAFANGEY PARINDEY is blind!!

Deepika Padukone, the sizzling hot bollywood babe who plays the lead character of Pinky Palkar in Yashraj Films’ ‘Lafangey Parindey’ opposite handsome hunk Neil Nitin Mukesh, is visually challenged in the film and lives a completely mumbaiya life in the back lanes of the maximum city.

Deepika reveals that she had to do extensive research on the behavior and life of blind people by meeting and observing them closely. In the film she is needed to do skate dancing, while pretending to be blind, and mastering this too took considerable time of the lady.

In fact, the process for the shooting required all the cast members( Deepika, Neil, director Sarkar and others) to have a feel and understanding of the things that blinds do to carry on their daily lives.

Much care was needed when scenes were being shot for the film as Deepika and every other person had to behave in a certain way to look it realistic on the screen. The problem became acute as Deepika was not supposed to wear black glasses or take the hold of a stick to pronounce her blindness.

The catch was to look and act like a blind while actually seeing everything. Director Pradeep Sarkar, who had earlier directed ‘Parineeta’ was a great help to Deepika and explained everything in a very practical way.

Deepika Padukone, being a sports person and familiar with disciplined life due to training in athletics, was able to perform the stunts and dancing required in the flick.

Her character in the film is totally that of a ghati woman and her maid proved a big help in understanding the mannerism of that class of people.

On the other hand, Neil Nitin Mukesh essays the part of ‘one shot Nandu’ or Nandlal. This character is that of a boxer who fights blindfolded in the ring.

Initially, even Deepika Padukone was apprehensive about Neil playing this rugged character but after seeing him enact the role, she was happy and satisfied.

Acting blind is difficult: Deepika

Deepika Padukone

Lead actors playing visually challenged characters is not new, but for Deepika Padukone it was a first. She describes it as her toughest role yet but also says she is exactly like the heroine - a woman who is self-confident, ambitious and never gives up.

"For me, this role out of all the films that I have done was the most challenging. It's not been easy. It required a lot of focus and concentration. I had to observe a lot of blind people before I could play this role," Deepika said.

"I think I identify with the character Pinky a lot because Pinky is someone who is extremely self-assured. She is extremely confident, knows exactly what she wants. She is ambitious and she never gives up, which is exactly how I am," she said.

This time director Pradeep Sarkar has teamed up with Deepika Neil Nitin Mukesh and a bunch of other actors to narrate the story of a group of youngsters living in the back streets of Mumbai. Releasing Aug 20, it will see Neil playing a boxer who fights blindfolded, while Deepika will be seen as a visually challenged girl who can dance on skates. "The biggest challenge was to pretend that I was not seeing. There were no supporting tools like black goggles or a stick with me to make it obvious that I am blind. For example, we friends are sitting together and discussing something and one of them says, 'arre dekh na' and then realises I can't see. Or he removes a glass a bit aside spontaneously not realising I couldn't see that...So everyone had to focus and give a lot of attention all the time while shooting the film," said Deepika.

The actress along with other cast and crew spent time with visually challenged people to understand their behavioural nuances and figure out counter actions. "It took around six months of reading and interacting. Lots of physical movements I had to get use to. It's like feeling things around you without actually being able to see them. "We didn't visit any blind school, but all of us met a lot of blind people... it was not just for me but also very important for Neil and the group of friends I am interacting with in the film, even for 'dada' (Sarkar) to see how it is to interact with the blind. So I think it was a group process for all of us," she said.

Deepika says she didn't find it nerve-wracking to do the implausible stunts. "As I have been an athlete and a sportsperson before, I think it just makes it much easier and interesting for me. I think to be able to do stunts, you need to be physically fit. It needs a lot of dedication, it needs a lot of control on the kind of food you are eating. So it was a lot of discipline," said Deepika.

It's her zeal for sports that gave her the courage to train in scuba diving and sky diving. "The skating is something I had to learn for the film, but the scuba diving and this sky diving is something I have done for myself. It's always nice to challenge your limits. I always thought that I was scared of heights until I jumped off a plane. Today when I fly in a plane and look outside, it doesn't feel like anything," said Deepika.

After "Lafangey Parindey", Deepika has two films - "Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey" and "Break Ke Baad" - in queue for release this year.

The actress doesn't get bogged down by work pressure; neither does she get jittery by audience expectation. "I don't consider it as work pressure, as I enjoy doing it. But I feel very relaxed when I spend my time alone at home after I pack up every day or I speak to my parents and spend time with them. I don't expect people to expect anything. I know I have given it my best. I obviously hope the best for every film," said Deepika.

Lafangey Parindey lead man Neil Nitin Mukesh is Deepika Padukone’s new BFF

Deepika Padukone

News is out that Deepika Padukone has a new man in her life and it is none other than Neil Nitin Mukesh. Deepika Padukone and Neil Nitin Mukesh worked in Lafangey Parindey. The movie will hit the theatres on August 20, 2010.

Currently, Neil Nitin and Deepika Padukone are busy promoting their movie and Deepika is enjoying Neil’s company very much. Neil Nitin is Deepika Padukone’s new BFF (Best Friends Forever).

At the music launch ceremony, Neil and Deepika Padukon sat hand-on-shoulder which led many people to think that they were in love. However, Deepika Padukone said she had made a friend for life and she would cherish it all the time. She thinks Neil is a wonderful human being and his goodness also reflects on the screen and they went along really well.

Lafangey Parindey is an action movie which revolves around a bike gang in Mumbai. Deepika Padukone essayed the role of a blind but ambitious girl, Pinky Palkar. Neil Nitin Mukesh is a popular street fighter who goes by the name One Shot Nandu.

Deepika Padukone is also known for her affection for body tattoo. The lady has a tattoo featuring “RK” on her nape. Recent, she did another tattoo of a Payal on her left ankle. She did the tattoo from London. Deepika Padukone admits that getting a tattoo is quite painful but she loved it.

When Deepika Padukone thrashed the boys!

While shooting a scene for director Pradeep Sarkar’s film Lafangey Parindey, Deepika Padukone, who plays a foul-mouthed blind girl, was supposed to thwack co-star Neil Nitin Mukesh and his friends with a broom. But the actress hit them very softly, when the shot was canned.

That’s when director Pradeep Sarkar rolled up his sleeves and jumped in for a demo. He wielded the broom and showed Deepika how she was supposed to hit the boys, hard and fast on their butts. While the boys ended up with bruised bums, Deepika could hardly contain her chuckles.

So when Sarkar called for the retake, Deepika knew what she had to do. She held the broom firmly and whacked it hard on the boys’ butts and also threw a pail of water on them.

Sarkar was happy with the shot. Can’t say the same for Neil and the boys.

Katrina, Deepika in SMS race!

The last time Bollywood beauties Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone crossed lines was over their common interest in Ranbir Kapoor.

Now that seems to have been relegated to the past. There is fresh reason for the girls to have cold vibes.

Kat has been in Spain for the last 40 odd days, Ranbir is in Delhi romancing newbie Nargis for Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar and Deepika is in Mumbai promoting Pradeep Sarkar’s Lafangey Parindey.

But, what is interesting though is that by design or default, Kat and Deepika are destined to want the same thing. Both beauties are currently messaging one famous filmmaker continuously these days. One of these two heroines is set to start work with his banner and the other wants to desperately work with him.

So each day, whether they brush their hair or not, they message this director for sure. BT had earlier mentioned that five top directors are inundated with SMSes from Bollywood’s leading ladies daily. Seems like Kat and Deepika will relentlessly continue their pursuit till the big filmmaker signs them on!

Deepika Padukone on the Top of Bollywood

Deepika Padukone is ruling the Bollywood and beating all other heroines of Bollywood. Deepika Padukone has recently signed lots of movies and she is in news as Salman Khan has chosen Deepika Padukone for his next two films and rejected Katrina Kaif. She has beaten down the Katrina Kaif and has overtaken her upcoming films with Salman Khan one of which is the Bodyguard directed by Atul Agnihotri and second is Partner 2 the sequel of Salman khan and Govinda starring Partner. Recently the FHM magazine has titled Deepika Padukone as the world’s sexiest woman.

Salman Khan is not the only hero who wants to work with Deepika Padukone but other heroes of Bollywood also wants to work with Deepika Padukone in their films. John Abraham is also doing a film named “Desi Boys” with Deepika Padukone. Next is the Hrithic Roshan the super hero of Bollywood, who can forget his superhero movie Krrish who gave its first superhero to Bollywood. Priyanka Chopra has worked opposite to Hrihtic Roshan in super hit film Krrish but Hrithic Roshan wants Deepika Padukone to work with him in the sequel of his super hit movie Krish the Krish 2.Neel Nitin Mukesh has also worked with Deepika Padukone in the action romantic film Lafangey Parindey which will be soon in the theaters.

Upcoming movie Lafangey Parindey-Neil Nitin Mukesh and Deepika Padukone

The upcoming movie Lafangey Parindey,this movie is totaly revolve around a bike gangs  which was shoot in the gritty streets of mumbai.This movie “Lafangey Parindey” is a love story movie,in this movie DEEPIKA PADUKONE play a role of  Pinky Palkar,who is blind but have ambitious to dance.

Neil Nitin Mukesh play a main role in this movie and the name of this movie will also indicate that the story of this movie will revolve arround the biker gangs.Yash Raj will direct this movie Neil work with Yash Raj and Deepika Padukone “Bachana Ae Haseeno” BUT both these stars has signed for this movie last year but the time is now for this shooting.

The title ohf this folm was select by Pradeep Sarkar.Now the actor and the also audience has more expectations from this upcoming movie Lafangey Parindey.Both will play a perfect role and also do their best as well as they  can do.SO wait for releasing to that film on Big Box Office.

Salman Khan Prefers Deepika Padukone Over Katrina Kaif

All the acts of Bollywood star; Salman Khan are indicating that he has broken up with beauty Katrina Kaif. It was reported that the macho man of B-town is eager to share screen space with Deepika Padukone instead of Kaif.

Salman is set to star in the remake of South Indian film, ‘Bodyguard’ which will be directed by his brother-in-law, Atul Kulkarni. However, when Kulkarni suggested Katrina’s name as the lead actress of the flick Salman refused to agree and recommended Deepika.

A source quoted, "Salman is keen on working with Deepika. He feels they will look good on screen. When Atul suggested Katrina's name, he shot it down saying the project needed a fresh pairing. He's watched the original and thought Deepika would fit the role perfectly."

But, it is good news for Deepika as she always wanted to work with the heartthrob and finally the opportunity has knocked her doors.

Ranbir can't commit to Deepika

Not too long ago, this newspaper had reported that Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone are finally sorting out their differences and are back to being a couple again. Regrettably, that’s not happening. This love story does not have a happy ending.

After much discussion and rumination, Ranbir and Deepika are not reconciling. The man in question is not ready to make a commitment at this stage in his career.

Mumbai Mirror (May 7, 2010) had reported that the couple tried to resolve their differences on the condition that Ranbir wouldn’t encourage his “friendships” with PYTs and Deepika on her part would give him breathing space.

The couple in fact went to watch Housefull together in a Juhu multiplex (which we reported this on May 3, 2010). While both the actors had chosen to make amendments and abide by them to give their relationship another shot, it all fell apart recently.

A source says, “Ranbir and Deepika even had a tiff on the issue of commitment. A few days ago Deepika left for London to attend the Grand Prix. Deepika is looking for a full long-term commitment from Ranbir but he wants to remain single for reasons best known to him. This led to an argument between them.”

However, we hear, that Deepika is still a bit optimistic. She has sent feelers to Imtiaz Ali’s crew that she may be visiting the sets of Rockstar, which stars Ranbir. This would once again throw the two of them in close contact with each other.

The source adds, “Deepika still loves Ranbir very much. She still hasn’t got the tattoo RK off her nape.” Despite sending text messages, both actors remained unavailable for comment.

Deepika Padukone cheers on at British Grand Prix

She had vowed Cannes with her saree, but Bollywood beauty Deepika Padukone was seen in a all-together more glamorous avatar as she cheered on her favourite F1 team, 'Force India' at the British Grand Prix.

Dressed in her team's jersey and black shorts, the former model cut a striking figure as she cheered on from the paddock and posed alongside the pit girls.

"The energy and buzz of the place on race weekend is something else. I am here to cheer for Force India who have been my favourite," said the actress in a press statement.

The 24-year-old was cheering for the Force India Formula One team today during the qualifying session and will be there to scream her lungs out tomorrow during the British Grand Prix races.

Force India's Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi Adrian Sutil will start 11th and 15th on the grid. Deepika is not the only Bollywood star with a love of racing.

Badshah Khan, ie Shah Rukh Khan, had created a stir when he attended the Malaysian Grand Prix, as he has a huge fan following in the country.

John Impressed With Deepika Padukone

Who else can impress John Abraham other than girl friend Bipasha Basu? But, there is one more girl who has impressed him much to anyone’s surprise. It is Deepika Padukone, whose style and looks have smitten John.

John will be seen with Bangalore beauty, ‘Deepika Padukone’ for the first time in the  movie, ‘Desi Boys’. Both of them roles opposite to each other and John say that she is a perfect combination of beauty and brains.

He praises her beauty, attitude and the way she carries herself. So, is anybody jealous of all this? Definitely not, as Bipasha knows that John is mad about her killing beauty and matchless looks.

‘Desi Boys’ is directed by Rohit Dhawan and it also star casts Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta.

Presently, the actress is also busy with Force India Formula One team championship in London. She is cheering the guys in the race as she is also from a sports background.

She cheerfully adds, “The energy and the buzz of the place on race weekend is something else. I m here to cheer for Force India who have been my favorite ever since Dr. Mallya launched.”

John's high on Deepika

Deepika Padukone is currently in London for the car racing season. The Bollywood beauty is using her vacation time smartly.

She is actually being paid to endorse the races, we hear. What’s more, Deepika is expected to return to Mumbai for a short schedule of Break Ke Baad with Imran Khan and then fly back to London with John Abraham for Rohit Dhawan’s Desi Boys. Incidentally, John is very high on Deepika. He thinks she is the perfect combination of beauty, brains and has just the right amount of aggression needed to be a topper. Guess John doesn’t like the otherwise extra aggressive women who cross his path every other day.

Coming soon Krrish 2?

Here's good news for all the fans of Indian superhero Krrish! It's time to take out those black capes, and Krrish masks, as the superhero would soon be back on screen. After a not so exciting response to Kites, Rakesh Roshan is considering a sequel to the 2006 blockbuster. Rumours are rife that the sequel will most probably see Deepika Padukone as the female lead.

A source tells Mumbai Mirror, "The meetings for the sequel have already started. The Roshans have not taken the failure of Kites lightly and are making sure that the hit combination continues. Rakesh Roshan and Hrithik Roshan have done only three films together in ten years, which include Hrithik's debut film Kaho Naa… Pyaar hai, Koi Mil Gaya and Krrish. After that Rakesh wanted to take a break and produce films. In midst of all this, Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra was to direct the sequel of Krrish and many meetings were organized for that but it all fizzled out".

Hope the baap-beta team recreate the magic of Krrish again!

Deepika Padukone picks Salman Khan as her new bodyguard

Shocked? I am also, but , this is true, in these days, beautiful, stunning & hot Deepika Padukone will be having the most Wanted  actor and  Salman Khan as her bodyguard …

Tough and hard-hitting Salman Khan and the cool leggy lass Deepika Padukone will shine together for the first time ever.

The tough Sallu would turn a bodyguard of the bollywood just for their upcoming South Indian film “Bodygaurd” produced by Siddique.

The Malyalam version of “Bodygaurd” already entertained the viewers in March, 2010.

It is the story of a young man who gets fascinated by people with courageous qualities and serves them like a bodyguard but the film comes on an interesting way when one businessman hired him for his lovely daughter.

The lead roles were played by the south Indian Stars Dileep and Nayantara.

Deepika Padukone hot wallpapers (7th July)

Link-up with Deepika forced Dhoni to prepone wedding?

For all those who’re wondering as to why Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni got married in the spur of the moment, and that too in a hush-hush manner, there’s news. According to the latest buzz, the reason behind Dhoni’s decision to tie the knot all of a sudden was perhaps his link-ups with a hoard of B-town beauties, including none other than Deepika Padukone.

Grapevine has it that Sakshi Singh Rawat, who’s now Dhoni’s wife, was not quite happy with the cricketer’s romantic link-up rumours with Bollywood celebs. And this, perhaps, forced MSD to tie the knot much sooner than he intended to.

The Indian skipper has previously grabbed headlines for his alleged link-up with Deepika Padukone, Asin Thottumkal and a few others. Reports reveal that owing to this, the families of the bride and the groom decided to advance the wedding.

However, actress Bipasha Basu, who’s a close friend of the cricketer, has denied all such reports as she’s revealed that the wedding was planned months in advance.

"The wedding on Sunday night was all planned. But no one was supposed to know about it. Whatever the truth, we must all be happy for the couple. It’s party time!" said Bipasha.

Well, doesn’t look like it!

Bring it on Deepika: Saina

Nehwal may soon be serving against actress Deepika Padukone in a one-of-its-kind badminton match.

When Saina won her third Super Series title in a row, actress Deepika Padukone, a former state-level badminton champion, not only congratulated her, but invited the 20-year-old to play a match with her.

Talking to HT City, Saina said, “It will be fun to play a match with Deepika. Though I’ve met her once in Delhi, I’m sure it would great to meet her again, this time on the badminton court.”

“Let’s play a game when ur in mumbai next. been a while since I played,” Deepika had written on Twitter, after Saina’s win. Incidentally, Deepika is the daughter of veteran badminton player Prakash Padukone, whom Saina admires.

Nescafe announces Deepika Padukone as brand ambassador

Nestle India has made Bollywood actoress Deepika Padukone as the brand ambassador for coffee brand Nescafe. This would be the first such celebrity association for Nescafe in its existence in India.

The new strategy will serve two purposes: first to get coffee sales back on track and secondly to increase its market share in the market.

“It is not about the market share but we have to grow the pie, so we have to invest in the category just like we are doing in other categories,” said Antonio Helio Waszyk, MD of Nestle India.

But according to the latest Nielsen data, Nestle's Nescafe had a market share of 52 per cent in Jan this year while Hindustan Unilever's Bru has just 34 per cent share. But in April, the market share for both Nescafe and Bru stood at 41 per cent each.

But that's not all, even coffee shop chain Cafe Coffee Day is planning to move beyond cafes and sell these products in small pack sizes in modern retail chains.

“We want to be like an FMCG company in terms of packaging and distribution. We see many consumers from abroad coming to India and we want to give our cafe experience to their homes too,” said Alok Gupta, director of Cafe Coffee Day.

But for Nestle, coffee is also one of its only high margin segment in its current portfolio.

With a new brand ambassador and aggressive marketing campaigns, profitability in the short term could get impacted.

What is Deepika Padukone Saying?

When the stars get together to chat you can be sure it's juicy! Whether they gossip about their latest love interest or newest fight with a movie director, we love to know what's going on in our favorite celebs' lives! But while a photo can say more than words, it's hard to tell from a pic what the stars are up to. So why don't you tell us; what are they sayin'?

Going on the road with Deepika Padukone to promote the movie Housefull can't have been that easy, just at look at poor Ritesh Deshmukh in this picture! Both the pretty actress and the handsome actor are well dressed and ready to charm the audience and critics alike, but Dips is ruining the perfect picture with this monstrous face! What was she thinking? And more importantly; what could she be saying? What don't you tell us; what are they sayin'?

Are Sonam and Deepika unspoken enemies?

It was recently reported that Sonam Kapoor chose not to work with Deepika Padukone owing to personal reasons.

Sonam and Deepika’s supposed tiff started ever since their debut films released on the same day! Sonam’s Saawariya and Deepika’s Om Shanti Om clashed at the box office and just when everyone linked Sonam to Ranbir, news of Ranbir seeing Deepika broke, leading to certain awkwardness between the two women.

Ranbir is no longer with Deepika today and just when we assumed all’s well between Sonam and Deepika, news of Sonam refusing to work with Deepika came out, owing to personal issues.

Sonam however denied that she refused to work with Deepika in Rahul Dholakia's "Desi Boys", starring John Abraham and Akshay Kumar.

Sonam clarified, “"The role that Deepika is doing was offered to me before. I would have loved to do it but because I was busy with 'Mausam' and 'Thank You' I could not take it. It later went to Deepika and I am sure she will do a great job.”

She further added, “"I don't know Deepika. Then how would I have a cold war with her?"