Best of luck for Cannes: Deepika to Sonam

Sonam Kapoor is busy prepping for her much awaited stint on the French Riviera and fellow Bollywood beauty and gal pal Deepika Padukone has wished her luck for the walk down the Cannes red carpet. Deepika herself had grabbed headlines for her sari-clad appearance at Cannes last year and hopes that Sonam too has a good time while at the festival, which is attended by film stars from across the world. "I wish her all the best. I walked down the Cannes last year and it is a beautiful feeling," said Padukone who was in the city for the launch of Audi A7. The 26-year-old, along with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Freida Pinto, is attending the film festival as a spokeswoman of cosmetics giant L`Oreal. The last time Aishwarya and Sonam were to walk the Cannes red carpet together it had resulted in a much publicised "catfight". In 2009, just days after Sonam announced that she will be attending the French film festival, L`Oreal had announced otherwise. It was reported that Aishwarya was the force behind the decision and Sonam had retaliated by calling the Bachchan bahu "aunty" in public. But all is well now and the Sonam, will walk the prestigious red carpet on May 15. "It has always been my dream to walk the red carpet at Cannes. I look forward to meeting actors and filmmakers from the world over and attending screenings of some interesting films," said the daughter of `Slumdog Millionaire` star Anil Kapoor. Her friend Deepika had won plaudits for her appearance on the Cannes red carpet in a Rohit Bal sari and many comparisons were made with the 37-year-old Aishwarya who always wears gowns by international designers for her French outing. Sonam and Deepika became best of friends after they appeared on the talk show `Koffee with Karan` where they famously ganged up on Padukone`s ex-boyfriend and Kapoor`s childhood friend, Ranbir Kapoor.

Deepika Padukone all excited to play Rana's love

Recently, when Team 'Rana' met the press, Deepika Padukone revealed that she had not even dreamt of acting with the Superstar of South Indian cinema when she was approached by KS Ravikumar to play Rajinikanth's lady love in 'Rana'. She told that its not a dream come true, as she had never dreamt of it and that she is super excited to make her debutant movie in Tamil opposite Superstar Rajinikanth. While speaking to the press the actress also revealed that she has watched only 'Robot' by the superstar and was impressed by performance! 'Rana' is a period film set in the seventeenth century where Deepika plays a typical South-Indian beauty the lead role's love. All her costumes for the flick have been designed by ace designer Neeta Lulla. Neeta Lulla had also designed costumes for Bollywood period films like 'Devdas' and 'Jodhaa Akbar,' incidentally, even those movies featured Aishwarya Rai in the lead role! Deepika's first ever appearance as a South-Indian damsel has only increased more expectations for the movie!

Deepika Padukone Sizzles on the Set of ‘India’s Most Desirable’

'Dum Maro Dum' old vs. new

In hope to repeat the success of Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Rohan Sippy has titled his new film as Dum Maro Dum, also featuring a new and contemporary version of the popular song, which is remixed by music director Pritam.The original song from the 1971 movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna featuring Zeenat Amman in a tipsy hippie attire was an iconic song from the 70s.

For the present generation young film lovers, Ramesh Sippy has shown Deepika Padukone in a stylish look for this new variant of the old song. While Zeenat Amman danced in a flower printed dress, Padukone dance in a shiny hot pants and tattered skirt. Zeenat had enacted a slow dance move with an ecstatic look on her face while Padukone's dance is a fast moving hip-hop dance. The original song takes place in Kathmandu at a hippie party while Deepika's is a jungle party shot at the Mehboob Studios in Mumbai.

Deepika to follow orders by Rajini

Bollywood is buzzing with rumours about superstar Rajinikanth delaying the commencement of his forthcoming movie Rana by a week because he wants his heroine, Deepika Padukone, to look more glamourous and beautiful on-screen. The movie is directed by K.S. Ravikumar. The first schedule of this movie was set to begin at the same venue and a huge set was specially created for the same. Recently, the leggy actor flew to Chennai for a photoshoot of the movie featuring the lead pair at AVM Studios.

However, if sources in tinsel town are to be believed, Rajini, being the perfectionist that he is, wanted a more traditional looking Deepika than her present supermodel-like look. It is learnt that the film has a complex plot and spans three generations, this is the reason why the makers want it to seem as authentic as possible.

The model-turned-actor is paired opposite the superstar in the segment where he plays the young Rajini and the actor felt that Deepika needed to look like the traditional south Indian girl who is simple yet beautiful at the same time. A little birdie on the sets informs us that Rajini has asked the make-up team to create a new look for the actor.

Earlier, Deepika was on cloud nine when she signed this film with the superstar and even allotted dates to it on a high priority basis after walking out of the Housefull sequel.

Katrina brushes off Deepika

Actress Katrina Kaif is non-appreciative about questions on Deepika Padukone...

Katrina Kaif gained much popularity after her 'Sheila Ki Jawani' number. Leading actresses doing item songs is back in trend, what with Deepika Padukone grooving to the 'Dum Maaro Dum' item song.

Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone seem to be complicatedly connected. Not only are they contemporaries, but Katrina Kaif is known to be extremely close to Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika's once upon a time boyfriend, and is also known to be the cause of the RK-Dippy split.

So it is but natural that they be compared to each other. However, ask Katrina what she thought of Deepika's item number, and she wonders why everybody is asking her that question. She is heard to have said, "In what way am I connected with her (read: Deepika's) song? Ask me about mine, and I'll tell you how much I enjoyed doing it. There are some questions and comparisons that are so unwarranted."

The actress is recently back in the city after a shooting schedule of 'Mere Brother Ki Dulhan' with Imran Khan and Ali Zafar in Agra.

Deepika, Sidhartha cheer for team Bangalore

It was a 'gambhir' state of affairs for Gautam's boys as Team Kolkata lost to Team Bangalore by nine wickets with 11 balls to spare. But what lightened the mood was the presence of liquor baron Vijay Mallya along with son Sidhartha. And guess who was on his arms? Deepika Padukone!

The couple was seen enjoying the match and didn't lose any opportunity to steal loving glances at each other and an occasional hug. Those hugs turned out to be hugs of exultation in the end as Team Bangalore emerged winners, thanks to a whirlwind century by Chris Gayle. "Bapi bari jaa", was the common slogan in the stands but it was a tough guess as to who the slogan was directed at! The presence of the baron couldn't take peoples' eyes off the king himself. Post-match, Shah Rukh Khan was seen engaging in a friendly banter with Gayle and even resorted to landing a punch or two in his stomach. Later on, he played ball with kids Aryan and Suhana.

Anushka replaces Deepika

Ayaan Mukerji's second film with Ranbir Kapoor and Karan Johar's Dharma Productions has come up with a new surprise. Deepika Padukone, who was cast as the female lead in the film, has just been replaced.

Much like her off-screen life, Anushka Sharma will now be romancing Dippy's ex-flame on screen.

A source explains how the personal undercurrents have complicated the casting of the film, saying, "Deepika and Ayaan have been great friends for a long time now. While discussing the film, Deepika suggested that she wanted to be a part of the film.

Ayaan thought she was apt for the role. However, there have been many ifs and buts since then. Ranbir's then girlfriend, Katrina, was not very happy with Deepika being a part of the film. Besides, there were speculations about Katrina herself doing the movie.

However, after Ranbir and Katrina's recent break up and the actor's link-up to various women including Anushka, she seemed like the next obvious option for the role. And so, now, Anushka has been finalised for the film."

When contacted Karan Johar said, "Ayaan is still writing the film. He will lock his script in a month and then we will finalise everything. Right now the only person signed for the film is myself as the producer."

Ayaan and Anushka remained unavailable for comment.

Katrina Kaif says Deepika Padukone’s choreography in DMD looks good

Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone has no love lost between them but when it comes to appreciating one’s work it seems that Katrina is much more matured as recently she appreciated Deepika’s stint in Dum Maro Dum and said that the choreography was really good. This shows that Katrina is no doubt a professional to the core as she can be diplomatic and compliment her competitors without actually saying anything about the performance.

Although when the Sheila Ki Jawaani item girl was asked what she thought about Deepika in the DMD she said that she is not interested in such things and that she was busy shooting her own film Mere brother ki dulhan. Katrina Kaif was hugely appreciated for her performance in Sheila ki Jawaani and when some one asked her whether she thought that Deepika was hotter then her, the Brit laughed and said that was not the case at all.

As we all know that Deepika and Katrina avoid each other like the plague as they both have been with Ranbir Kapoor and that rest is known to everyone but we must give to Katrina for being modest and handing a teeny tiny compliment across Deepika’s way. Katrina said that she really liked the choreography of the song which was done by Bosco Ceaser and that he had done quite a few songs for the actress herself.

Although Deepika just has a special appearance in the film Dum maro Dum she has certainly made a mark with her smooth moves and her famous skirt. The song is our very own Dum maro Dum number which has been beautifully modified to suit the present generation.

Jha makes Deepika slog for dal-roti

Poor Deepika Padukone, her Aarakshan director Prakash Jha made her realise the full import of the phrase 'working for daal roti,' on the sets recently.

The scene required Deepika who plays Saif Ali Khan's love interest in the film, to roll out rotis.

Deepi, who is a novice when it comes to matters culinary, was at odds, holding the rolling pin awy from her body as if it was a detonator.

It was left to her director to show her the way, even as Saif tried his best to control his laughter.

Sendhil not smitten by Deepika

Heroes star Sendhil Ramamurthy isn’t amused with his “latest crush” talk in the Indian media. Some time back, tabloids and TV channels went all out to suggest that Sendhil has a crush on Deepika Padukone. But the US-based actor terms such reports as “rumours.” Sendhil says, “I have seen pictures of her and she is indeed a very beautiful woman, but tabloids make stuff up in order to sell their products.” Also, it was reported that he had asked director Gurinder Chadha to extend a personal invite of the screening of his film, It’s A Wonderful Afterlife, on his behalf to Deepika.

Although Sendhil rubbishes such talks, he is game to work with her in movies. “I haven’t seen any of her films but have heard she is very good from people whose opinion I respect. If the opportunity came along to work together, I would be up for it,” he says. Talking of Bollywood, Sendhil, who is impressed with Ashutosh Gowariker’s films, says he hasn’t “watched a lot of Bollywood films lately.” He adds: “I watched 3 Idiots and thought it was a fun film.

I also watched Jodhaa Akbar and enjoyed it a lot. Ashutosh (Gowariker) is someone I’d like to work with,” he says. Ask Sendhil if he is ready to do dubbed films in India like several NRIs such as Katrina Kaif and he shoots back: “I would never do a dubbed film. For me, a large part of any performance is the actor’s voice and intention behind the words he is speaking.” And while his TV show Heroes was cancelled last year, Sendhil is busy filming a new series called Covert Affairs in Canada right now. “I play a CIA agent on the show,” he says.

Is John Abraham secretly dating Deepika Padukone?

Bollywood hunk John Abraham has found a new ‘friend’ in Deepika Padukone just days after his split with Bong bombshell Bipasha Basu.

Apparently, while Bipasha is hanging out with ‘Singularity’ co-star Josh Hartnett and ‘Dum Maro Dum’ actor Rana Daggubati, John’s latest squeeze is the dimpled hottie, who could not take her eyes off John, while shooting for Rohit Dhawan’s ‘Desi Boyz’.

Talking to a daily, a source said, “John’s camaraderie with Deepika has been the talk of the industry. Both appeared extremely comfortable, in each other’s company in London.”

“One never expected John and Deepika to bond with each other and that too so soon. But it has happened,” added the source.

When enquired about Deepika, John said, “She’s sweet and professional.”

Well, one wonders what Sidhartha Mallya has to say of this new friendship.

While Deepika was unavailable for comment, a close friend of the actress said, “How can she come down for all the matches to be with Sidhartha, when she was shooting for ‘Desi Boyz’ in London, during that time?”

Interestingly, Deepika Padukone has publicly not confirmed her relationship with Sidhartha Mallya.

Deepika's Hot Skirt To Benefit Salman's Charity

Deepika Padukone's skirt goes under the hammer online. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Salman Khan's NGO 'Being Human'.

Coincidentally, the film she wears the garment in, is Abhishek Bachchan starrer Dum Maaro Dum and AB Jr is married to Sallu's ex Aishwarya Rai.

Says a source, "Producer-director Rohan Sippy came up with the idea of auctioning the skirt online, through the film's official website with support being provided by a portal that auctions film memorabilia. The beneficiary was discussed and the choice was unanimous - Being Human. They feel it has been involved in some exceptional charity work."

Why Deepika's skirt? "While on a nationwide tour, the DMD team is discovering that while the track itself is being criticised, there is great excitement over the costume that Deepika wears in the music video. There is a huge demand for it," reveals the source.

Rohan Sippy says, "We are all surprised by the reaction to Deepika's look in the track. We decided to auction it for charity." Anushka Manchanda has crooned for the DMD title track Mit Jaaye Gham song that Pritam Chakraborthy composed.

Designer Anahita Shroff Adjania, who was responsible for Deepika's look in the film, says, "We wanted today's girl at a rave - barefoot, dancing on the sand, wearing anklets and a white dress. Deepika's blouse made of stretch lycra, looks like a choli and is cut in such a way that the back looks bare. The skirt moves like a subtle shimmer as there are pieces of metal sheeting in it along with chiffon and is attached to a leather band. Inside, she's wearing a tiny sequined hotpants cut very high. She has a tattoo and feathers in her hair to give her a beach-grunge look."

Deepika stretches to star with Rajni

Deepika Padukone, whose character in Rajinikanth’s Rana is at par with the South superstar, is literally burning midnight oil to get into the skin of her role before she starts shooting next week. The actor is undergoing training in Vajra Mukti, a traditional martial art form. She’s also expected to learn Sanskrit while she’s completing her month-long London schedule of Desi Boyz with John Abraham and Akshay Kumar. The Om Shanti Om star, supposedly, does her homework for Rana after packing up everyday.

Deepika, however, has learnt Bharatanatyam in her growing up years, which is another essential requirement for her role. A member of Desi Boyz’s unit explains, “She just needs to brush up on the dance form. She trained in Bharatanatyam when she was staying in Bangalore, but didn’t practice it much in the last couple of years. To a certain extent, it’s the same case with Vajra Mukti. Deepika had trained in karate for Chandni Chowk To China.”

When prodded some more, Deepika’s associate informs that on the London outdoor shoot that wraps up on April 20, the actor is working on her body’s flexibility for the action scenes with Rajnikanth, who has already started shooting with director KS Ravikumar. “Her formal training in Vajra Mukti will start after she reaches Chennai. Its techniques are similar to kung fu, karate, jiu-jitsu and boxing. It’s associated with weapons wielded by hands and involves grappling and striking skills.”

Deepika admits, “There are some intense action scenes. I’m preparing my body first for the month-long martial art training. I have dealt with fight scenes before, but this time it’s something totally unimaginable.”

The star, it’s learnt, ends her day by learning Sanskrit from her south-Indian school teacher, since a part of Rana is set in the 17th century. She’s also undergone Hindi language polishing for Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan. Rana, produced by Soundarya (Rajni’s daughter), wraps up in the last quarter of the calendar year. Deepika’s part will be shot across 100 days in six months, keeping her date diary in mind. The actor, who green-signalled the film even before the narration was completed, beams, “Ideally, I’d have worked my dates as per Rajni sir’s requirements. I feel apologetic that he was forced to plan schedules to accommodate me!”

Deepika Padukone named ‘Tattoo Queen’ but missed First Tattoo Convention

The tattoo which was creating trouble for the beautiful Dam Maro Dum song actress Deepika Padukone proved to be a blessing in disguise. This actress who was had tattooed the name of her ex boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor on the nape of her neck was questioned about it time and again when they broke up.

There were rumors that she had even removed it but everyone’s mouth was shut when she confirmed its presence on the Koffee with Karan show. However, again due to the same tattoo, the first Tattoo Convention in India organizers, named her as the ‘Tattoo queen’. Sadly though, she could not attend the event.

The organizers were upset that Deepika could not make it to the show as she was the perfect ambassador for the event. This sultry actress who has made a name for herself in Bollywood right from the start would have been the perfect ambassador for the show as she sports a RK tattoo on her neck and another one of an anklet.

The first Tattoo Convention took place in April 10th and she was invited to be a part of it after the organizers saw her in the Dum Maro Dum latest version where she also has a tattoo. The Om Shanti Om actress is currently shooting for the film Desi Boyz abroad and that is the reason she could not make it to the event.

The actress however extended her invites to the team of Dum Maro Dum and Abhishek Bachchan, Rohan Sippy and Prateik Babbar could attend the place instead. The convention’s organizer Manoj Thakur and Partner at Par Excellence said, “Deepika’s absence was felt, especially at an event that she would have readily identified with.”

Sonakshi's hotter than Deepika

Sonakshi Sinha seems to be giving Deepika Padukone a run for her money...

If you thought her 'Thapad se nahin, pyar se darr lagta hai, sahab' dialogue in 'Dabangg' was too hot to handle, actress Sonakshi Sinha just proved that it can get hotter.

She has grooved to an item number 'Dance kar le English mein' which will be seen in the film 'Joker'. Chorepgraphed by Farah Khan, the unit members ensure us that there will be whistling and throwing of money by the first benchers in the theatre.

Compare her item number to Deepika Padukone's in 'Dum Maaro Dum' and everyone connected with Sonu's 'Dance kar le English mein' are more than ready to put money where their mouth is.

Sonakshi herself seems content with the way her dance has shaped up. She posted on her micro-blogging site: 'Joker update: dance karle english mein aur nach le tu hindi mein! filhaal yaha par toh hindi hi hindi mein naach rahe hain'.

Why did Deepika skip the tattoo convention she was invited too?

Deepika Padukone was invited to attend a tattoo convention held in Mumbai on Sunday but she skipped the event, playing the 'busy' card. Incidentally, Dippy sports not one but two tats the 'RK' print on her neck and an anklet on her foot. The organiser of the event says, "Deepika Padukone's absence was felt, especially at an event that she would have readily identified with. With her own much-written-about RK inking at the base of her neck and the Dum Maaro Dum tattoo she's seen sporting in the movie, she would have been the perfect ambassador for the expo."

Abhishek defends Deepika

Much against all the flak that the title track of 'Dum Maaro Dum' is receiving for its lyrics, Abhishek Bachchan defends Deepika Padukone's item number.

Recently there were rumours doing the rounds that Abhishek Bachchan was kind of insecure with Deepika Padukone's item number in Dum Maaro Dum and insisted director Rohan Sippy to have a promotional music video designed around his character of ACP Kamat in the film. That's how Thayn Thayn came into picture.

However Abhishek Bachchan puts a rest to all such rumours and on the contrary is going gaga over Deepika Padukone's item song. In fact, much against all the flak that the item number has been receiving for its lyrics, Abhishek defends the song saying, "We have 1.20 billion people in India and all can't like the song. But the fact is it's topping all radio charts and playing everywhere including night clubs, which means the youth have connected and loved the track. It's doing extremely well and I am very happy with the response that Deepika's number has got".

Also director Rohan Sippy negates the idea that Abhishek Bachchan's promotional video Thayn Thayn was incorporated because Deepika Padukone's item number was overshadowing the lead protagonist. "We always wanted a song for Abhishek's character even before we had thought of Deepika's item number", clarifies Rohan. "But unlike in Bluffmaster where the character had a lot of flair and flamboyance, the character of ACP Kamat was not an easy one to crack. So we kept it on backburner".

Meanwhile Deepika's item song became a rage. "Then one day (lyricist) Jaideep Sahni called and came up with this idea of Thayn Thayn which caught up with me instantly. It had a certain musical quality to it", says Rohan. And that's how Abhishek's item song followed Deepika's.

Deepika sizzles in chilly weather

Looks like the dipping mercury is not having any effect on Deepika Padukone, remarks my dhobi Safedi Lal as he strolls in. He says that for the last couple of weeks, she’s been shooting for Desi Boyz in London, wearing the shortest of outfits. So?

My washerman tells me that it’s cold in the British city where they’re currently shooting, with the temperatures going as low as minus two degrees. And since the weather has slowed down the pace of work, Deepika has been working for nearly 15 hours for 10 days.

Now, you only say if it’s easy to work in such short outfits in such chilly be-imaan mausam, he wonders. Point toh hai, I agree.

Deepika Padukone is gorgeous: Zeenat Aman

Though she still doesn’t like the way the item song 'Dum Maro Dum', has been picturised, actress Zeenat Aman is now making it a point to point out that she doesn’t have personal grouse with actor Deepika Padukone, who has performed to the song.

According to Aman, she still maintains that she is disappointed with the song but she wants to make it clear that this does not imply that she does not like Padukone.

However, it could not be ascertained whether Padukone herself called Aman or if a staff member communicated to Aman about how upset she was to learn that Aman , the original heroine on which the song has been filmed, doesn’t approve of the new version.

“I have not seen 'Dum Maaro Dum', so I cannot comment on (Padukone’s) performance,” Aman told DNA.

Aman is quick to add that that even though she has not seen her performance yet, she is sure that Padukone must have done a good job because she is a great performer.

“...But Deepika is gorgeous and I am sure (that) she has done a great job. I was personally disappointed with lyrics, but maybe they work in context of the film..,” adds Aman.

Yana Gupta shimmies ahead of Deepika Padukone

In the retro wave that’s hit Bollywood, many of yesteryear star Zeenat Aman’s chartbusters are finding their way into films of today.

However, the actress, not known to make much ado over her films or songs being remade, says she’s ‘disappointed’ with the way one of her iconic song, 'Dum maaro dum', has turned out with actor Deepika Padukone in it. The actress, however, is quite happy with another remake of her song with item girl Yana Gupta in it.

“I couldn’t sit through the song 'Dum maaro dum'. I am disappointed with it,” says Zeenat, “I didn’t like it. I am sure Deepika (Padukone) is a fabulous dancer and a performer, but I would like to reserve my comments on how the song was done,” she adds.

According to sources, Aman didn’t like the way an apparently ‘high’ Padukone was jumping in the song in a white mini skirt that she thought didn’t suit her or the song. “I don’t know whether I would be able to watch the entire song, but I wish Deepika all the best. She’s a fabulous performer and actor otherwise,” adds Aman.

Interestingly, Aman throws her weight behind Yana Gupta’s version of her iconic song, 'Laila O Laila' in Mahesh Bhupathi’s film Chalo Dilli. “I was a little apprehensive about how they would do the song. They have left a DVD at my house to watch it frame by frame, but I already like what I see,” she says.

“I’m completely confident with Yana. She’s a sensual lady and a wonderful dancer. I am sure that they’ll do complete justice to the song through her,” she ends.

Pracheen's big screen debut with Akki, Deepika

The 'Saas Bina Sasuraal' actor who has suddenly gone missing from his TV show is presently shooting with Deepika Padukone for Desi Boyz.

Shraman Jain who is better known as Pracheen of Saas Bina Sasural is on cloud nine as his Bollywood dreams are about to turn into reality. The young actor has landed a part in the upcoming movie ' Desi Boys ' and will be sharing the screen space with Bollywood biggies Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Deepika Padukone.

Shraman had to be in London for 20 days to complete the first schedule of shoot recently. The channel and production house supported him completely as they came up with a track in his TV serial Saas Bina Sasural in which Shraman (played by Aishwarya Sakhuja) was shown absconding from his house and the entire blame comes on poor Toasty.

Incidentally, while shooting in London he was mobbed by an avid follower of Saas Bina Sasuraal who gave him a piece of her mind by accusing him for running away from the house where Toasty is being blamed for his wrong doing. Poor Shraman was left shocked with the entire episode!

Siddharth Mallya: Deepika Padukone a childhood crush

Have you ever heard of a love story in which a boy dreams about a girl from his childhood and after a long wait he gets his girl and then they live together forever. May be you have or haven’t, but this is indeed the story of Siddharth Mallya, son of liquor baron Vijay Mallya.

Well as revealed to media by a close friend of Siddharth, our Sid boy was in love with Deepika Padukone right from the times when she was a model and used to date Nihar Padhya. Then he (Sid) didn’t have courage to ask the girl for a date and rather he also told his father about his crush. At that time his dad even joked and said that why don’t we invite the Padukone family to our house?

However, shy naturally, Sid said no and blushed. But it seems like destiny was at his side that is why after waiting for what seems like eternity and many men like Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni, Ranbir Kapoor, etc, now he is finally dating Deepika Padukone.

John And Deepika Bond In London

John Abraham and Deepika Padukone have been braving the cold weather in London, while shooting for Rohit Dhawan's upcoming movie Desi Boyz.

Akshay Kumar will also join the two when he returns from Mumbai. Deepika was spotted shooting for a song at a place called Brighton Pier.

A source said, "The actors are shooting round the clock. They clock in close to 14 hours of shoot. Everything is going as per the schedule."

The youthful, funky track that is being being shot was picturised on Deepika. This is also the first time John is working with the actress and the two have been bonding a lot.

SRK, Deepika aaja nach le

Bonjour my bourbons! The be-imaan mausam is making me feel oh-so-lazy ki kya kahoon! But before I can think of relaxing for the rest of the day, let me share with you some interesting scooplets. So read on sweetums…

For starters, it seems like Om still has a soft spot for his
Shanti. Yes, I’m talking about Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. But before you get any natkhat ideas, let me tell you that it’s strictly professional.

According to Sher Lock Holmes, the actor is keen on roping the lissome lass for a music video he’s planning for his next production venture, Ra.One. Apparently, SRK thought of casting Deepika after seeing her Dum maaro dum... item song.

Of course, this is not the first time Deepika babe will be doing an item song for her reel Om. After her superhit debut opposite King Khan, she also featured in one of the three item numbers in his subsequent production, Billu.

But first, Deepika is yet to confirm her participation as her date diary is very choc-a-bloc, says my supersleuth. Until then, we’re all waiting with bated breath.

Kareena miffed with Deepika

Seems like Kareena Kapoor is miffed with Deepika Padukone! Kareena is really upset with Deepika for spreading rumours that Dips was the first choice for Chamak Challo in Ra.One.

A source told Mid-Day, "Recently, Dippy has been telling anyone willing to hear that she
was the original choice for the Chamak Challo dance number in Ra.One and that producer Shah Rukh Khan had her in mind for the item number."

This piece of information miffed Kareena to no ends. Buzz is that Bebo feels that Dips is spreading such rumours because she wants to gain mileage for Dum Maaro Dum.

A close source of Bebo told the tabloid, "Chamak Challo is not even an item number. Kareena is the film's heroine and the song is part of the story so how can Deepika even be considered? These rumours amuse Bebo. DP may be spreading this rumour as her DMD track isn't the hit it was touted to be."

The director of Ra.One Anubhav Sinha cleared the air and said that Deepika was never approached for Chamak Challo.

Deepika refuses 3.5 crore offer to perform Dum Maaro Dum

While Deepika Padukone’s item song for Dum Maaro Dum continues to be a subject of debate for its crass lyrics, the marketing team of Harley Davidson is hugely impressed and wants her to dance to it at a major event of theirs in India later this month. But Deepika has reportedly turned down a lucrative offer of Rs 3.5 crore for her act.

The actor, who is currently filming Desi Boyz in London, is believed to have declined saying that, she will be involved with the film’s promotions then and will not have time.

But an associate from Harley Davidson confirms that Deepika is still their first choice. “The song is perfect for us because it has a great youth connect,” he says, under the condition of anonymity, “Deepika is a craze in the 16 to 30 age bracket. We unanimously agreed that she was ideal to take our bike to Indian connoisseurs.” The team has been tracking the song’s popularity ever since it went on air.

“The high-energy choreography and much-discussed lyrics have caught the fancy of youngsters,” he added.

The Harley marketing team is still keen on the actor and are hoping to convince her to come on board. Deepika, who is in London, didn’t revert to our text messages.

Deepika, the desi Lara Croft!

Deepika Padukone loves to do action scenes. She has proved she can do them well in Chandni Chowk To China, and now she's ready to flex her muscles in her forthcoming film Rana.

She will go through a month of intensive marial arts training. The actress reveals, "I have to do some martial arts and I am training for my role in the film. I have some scenes in which I have to do intense action and I need to prepare my body for that.

One month of martial arts training is what I'm looking at. It will be a challenging to shoot those action scenes. Though I have done action in Chandni Chowk to China, this has super intensity. I might also have some scenes in which I will get to do some action with Rajni sir." She's a very own Lara Croft, no?

Deepika outruns Kat to be Sallu's new girl?

Deepika Padukone lost one man to Katrina Kaif. Looks like she may soon get to avenge herself by stepping into Kaif's shoes as Salman Khan's girl in Kabir Khan's film, to be produced by YRF.

While Katrina is still under consideration for the role, both Aditya Chopra and director Kabir have zeroed down on Prakash Padukone's daughter.

Explaining how Deepika came into the picture, a source said, "They needed a young A-lister opposite Salman for the film.

So it had to be Katrina, Deepika, Kareena or Priyanka. Kareena and Priyanka are not in the running anymore.

After the misunderstanding over the promos of Roadside Romeo, YRF is not too keen on Kareena. As for Priyanka, though she had patched up with Salman, the chances of the two working together are very less."

Also, the fact that Salman is proving to be a major hindrance in his ex-girl Katrina's career, (Mumbai Mirror, March 29) tips the scales in Deepika's favour. If buzz is to be believed, to avoid speculations and controversies, the Kaif babe may herself choose to opt out of the film.

News of Deepika working with Salman has been doing the rounds for quite some time now, be it in Bodyguard, Kick or Ready. Deepika has always been open about her desire to work with Salman as well.

After an event in 2010 where Salman had expressed his desire to do a song with Deepika, she had said, "Just one dance with Salman is not enough.

I would want to do a full-fledged film with him." On another occasion, more recently, when asked about Salman, Deepika had said, "I have been very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the biggest names in the industry.

Now, I would like to work with Salman. I feel he is a very honest person. He is genuine about what he feels and from what I have read and known about him, he seems to be very caring."

Looks like, Deepika's dream is about to come true.

Rajini, Deepika sizzle

The city was abuzz with rumours that the photo shoot of Rana, Superstar Rajinikanth’s much anticipated movie, took place at the AVM Studios in Chennai recently.

The movie produced by Eros International is directed by ace filmmaker K.S. Ravikumar and the Superstar’s daughter Soundarya Ashwin taking the onus of technical direction.

The grapevine has it that heroine Deepika Padukone was in the city for a day for the photo shoot which was kept under wraps. Rajini’s different looks and few romantic combo scenes of the lead pair were shot by cinematographer Randy at the specially created sets at the 11th floor of the studio.

A close studio source confirmed that a highly guarded photo shoot was carried out recently with ‘thalaivar’ rocking in fashionable costumes designed by a Mumbai based fashion designer.

The same source revealed that shooting is to start in a week’s time in the same studios at the 8th floor which is said to be Rajini’s lucky mascot to commence shooting of his new movies. A huge set has been put up by Ocher where KSR has planned to can important scenes for about 20 days. Even Enthiran was shot here first, he claimed.

Soon after the photo shoot Rajinikanth along with his entire family left for Mumbai to watch the World Cup finals cricket match scheduled for today.

Kat and Deepika at war

Cat fights are inevitable in tinsel town and neither Deepika Padukone nor Katrina Kaif are strangers to them. So Ranbir’s ex and current have now embarked on a cold war of sorts as Deepika feels that Katrina has been badmouthing her Dum Maaro Dum item number all over town. She apparently labeled it ‘thanda’ and that it’s nothing compared to her Sheila ki jawani. Now we all know Deepika looks docile but isn’t one to keep quiet if she feels she is being unnecessarily targeted. Watch this space folks.

Deepika goes for shudh Hindi

No not that the tall, dimpled beauty is turning politician or something… It’s of course related to her profession…

For her forthcoming movie ‘Aarakshan’ Deepika Padukone is quite keen that she plays her role very perfectly – be it looks or language wise. Now being a Prakash Jha’s movie one can expect the lingo to be purely desi.

The actress’s character in the film is expected to speak pure Hindi as well as Sanskrit. So it was bit problem for Deepika to catch hold of the language. In order to get the perfect diction, sources said, that she is taking special classes, which will certainly help her to dub better for the film. “I can't sound like someone who has no hold over the language

I'm perfecting my diction and I'm confident that I will have no problems while dubbing," remarked Deepika to sources. Now that’s what we call a ‘beautiful’ commitment, right?

Slated to release on 12th Aug 2011, ‘Aarakshan’ stars Amitabh Bachchan, Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee, Deepika Padukone, Prateik Babbar, Shabana Azmi and Hema Malini.

Deepika's dream city: London

If you were in London two weeks ago, during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, then chances are that you'd have spotted tall and sporty actress Deepika Padukone, who was cheering for the Indian team there.

Absolutely in love with the architecture of London, the actress said the race was an incentive to visit this destination yet again. "Silverstone is a prestigious race track. I was overwhelmed with the sheer number of people who had come to watch the race. It's also amazing how drivers whiz past you on the tracks and reach the finishing point within minutes. I've become a fan of this sport now," she added excitedly.

London of course, has its own charm on Deepika. She had shot for long periods during the making of Housefull and Luv Aaj Kal here. She said that everytime she's in this city, she makes sure there's ample indulgence in food and shopping. "I am a big foodie. And I love to check out new eateries. Every afternoon, I used to hop into eateries and get drawn to the delicious aroma of dimsums and soups. I quite love the Italian fare there apart from the Japanese dishes at other stop-over. The choice is plenty," she added.

There's no better place to soak up some culture. Whether you prefer history or modern art, you'll find it in the streets of London. Here's where you can head:

British Museum: The world-famous British Museum exhibits the Parthenon sculptures, paintings and also mummies of ancient Egypt.

Hyde Park: I love jogging at Hyde Park. It's an ideal place to relax, cycle, walk or just go for a run after a hectic day's work. I met so many Indians there, who came by to greet me. Hyde Park is one of the largest Royal Parks of London, famous for its Speakers' Corner.

The London Eye: A major feature of London's skyline, it is the world's highest observation wheel. You can climb aboard for a breathtaking experience, offering you unforgettable views of more than 55 of London's most famous landmarks - all in just 30 minutes!

Oxford Street: Shop till you drop at Oxford Street. The place is always brimming with attractive offers. Incidentally. Oxford Street is also Europe's busiest shopping street.

The Big Ben : Big Ben is one of the best-known landmarks. It looks most spectacular at night when the clock faces are illuminated. It is said that the name Big Ben actually refers not to the clock-tower itself, but to the 13-tonne bell hung within.

Deepika's 'Dum Maaro Dum' stirs a fresh controversy

The song 'Mit Jaye Gham' from Rohan Sippy's Dum Maaro Dum has been in the news since the time of its release. Although it has become quite popular with young listeners, it seems to be causing yet another controversy.

The track, which features a skimply clad Deepika Padukone taking the item route, was earlier stirring a different plot, with reports that it had upset veteran actor Dev Anand. The actor was reportedly miffed over the use of lyrics from Zeenat Aman's track Dum Maaro Dum in his film, Hare Rama Hare Krishna.

Though that issue was clarified by the film's director, Rohan Sippy, who had said he got rights for lyrics for the song from Saregama, it is not the only problem that has risen for the track.

The lyrics of the song seem to be making a lot of people uncomfortable, with many believing that the steamy track is too hot to handle. There have also been complaints over the language used in the track, believed to be too course.

Lyricist Jaideep Sahni, who composed the Mit Jaye Ghum track offers an explanation and reasoning for the track. Sahni, who has earlier composed lyrics for songs of Company, Khosla Ka Ghosla, Chak De India, Salaam Namaste, Bluffmaster and Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi feels that the coarse tone of the Deepika Padukone track is because it was needed.

Sahni said, "These lines are actually taken from a longer piece of rap, written specifically for a situation of drug pushers and users in a drug induced delirium. The rap form was chosen because it's very effective in reflecting anti-establishment thought and behaviour, and usage of strong words to make a larger meaning is inherent to the very form.”

On why he chose to frame the track over lines from the Hare Rama Hare Krishna song, he said, “They were selected and placed together with the famous hippie song of the 70s in a directorial decision and vision to bring out the contrast between earlier hippie culture and today's drug mafia which is vicious and brutal. It's basically related to the subject of the film and hopefully will be seen in better clarity once the film releases.”

Deepika Padukone’s ‘Dum Maro Dum’ number surpasses ‘Darling’ popularity, hopes chorepgrapher Bosco

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is in the news for her special dance number in the title song of ‘Dum Maro Dum‘ and its choreographer Bosco hopes that it surpasses the popularity of ‘Darling…’

”Munni…’and ‘Sheila…’ have their own space and have already done what they had to do. We are looking forward to ‘Dum Maro Dum’ becoming one of the chartbusters. If we can do that, I think then we are kind of sorted,’ Bosco told IANS.

‘I think it should be one of the biggest after ‘Darling…’ that has made a lot of news. I hope the audiences kind of love the way it is done,’ he added.

Bosco made the steps tougher for Deepika, who is appearing only in the special video shot for the promotion of Rohan Sippy’s crime thriller that stars Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu.

Talking about Deepika, Bosco said: ‘The minute we got to know it is Deepika, we pushed the envelope and made the dancing little tougher. What is really positive is that Deepika learnt the steps very gracefully and executed them very well.’

The title ‘Dum maro dum’ reminds one of the iconic song from the 1971 classic ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’, which was picturised on Zeenat Aman. The film was acted in and directed by Dev Anand.

Bosco claims the new track is fresh and least comparable with the old one.

‘The track is very new. The whole treatment is quite new and then we got going with the idea. We didn’t want to compare it with the old one because the old one is so huge, you know. We wanted an identity for our own song so made a completely different sounding track and gave a completely different look,’ said Bosco.

‘You cannot overshadow something, which is eternal. You cannot compare and you cannot say this (new one) is better. They (classics) are priceless in their own form and it’s completely different treatment that we have given to ‘Dum Maro Dum’. That was chilled out, it’s more dance based,’ he added.

‘Dum Maro Dum’ is scheduled to release worldwide April 22.

Dum and dumber?

Dev Anand was once the only one to express his displeasure towards the makers of the forthcoming film, Dum Maaro Dum, for remixing the cult song from his blockbuster, Hare Rama Hare Krishna (1971). But since the item song, remixed by Pritam, went on air, many more have thrashed the track featuring Deepika Padukone for its crude lyrics, penned by Jaideep Sahni.

When quizzed on this, Deepika says that the song sung by Anushka Manchanda is different from what people had expected. “Dum maaro dum... is an iconic song and they have Zeenat Aman’s image in their minds,” she says.

“From the beginning, Rohan (director Rohan Sippy) was clear that the song’s look and feel should be different. It comes in the middle of the film and is shot in a particular way, keeping the story in mind.”

When told that many listeners have been complaining about the lyrics, the actor argues that it’s the director’s vision. “Actors have no control over the lyrics,” she shrugs. “We’re not meant to be ourselves. It’s rare that you get to be yourself in a film. That happened with me only in Love Aaj Kal.”

She is surprised that some consider the Dum Maaro Dum team, which launched the item song during the India-South Africa match, jinxed for the Men In Blue, who lost the match. “Two teams were playing to win, nothing could have influenced them.”

Deepika asserts that she’s overwhelmed by the feedback she has received for her performance in the song. “The last time I was on a high was when Om Shanti Om and Love Aaj Kal released.”

She was in for a surprise when she returned from Bhopal, after a marathon spell of her next film, Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan, to find a parcel of short skirts sent to her by some fans. “I think it was a really sweet gesture, though I don’t know what to do with them,” she laughs.

The new Dum maaro dum... song
Hey… Kya phir dekh raha hai?
Aaj aankh sek raha hai, kal haath sekega,
Aaj dheel chhod raha hai, kal khud hi tokega,
Aaj mere liye chair kheench raha hai, kal meri skirt kheenchega.
Kheenchega ki nahin?…
… Oonche se ooncha banda, potty pe baithe nanga,
Phir kaaheki society saali, kaahe ka paakhanda…
Chorus: Dum maaro dum, mit jaaye gham,
Bolo subah shaam, Hare Krishna Hare Raam…

Ranbir-Deepika will try and get back together?

Her item number in 'Dum Maaro Dum' was an excuse to get the two of them talking?

Just as we thought not all was well between Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, we hear the two have buried the hatchet, finally. And there remains no ill-will between them despite Deepika Padukone's cheesy comments on her once upon a time boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor, whilst she was a guest on Karan Johar's chat show.

Bipasha Basu and Deepika Padukone in Fistfight?

Shocking! Bipasha Basu claims that she got into a fistfight with Dum Maaro Dum item girl Deepika Padukone on the set of the movie! A media stunt to get the buzz going about the film or true story?

Actually, Bips was simply trying to make a point that the press is always looking for drama when two B-town heroines have to share screen time. But the Bengali bombshell insists there is nothing to the latest rumors!

"Yeah, we had fistfights too. I was thinking of taking a picture of Deepika and me embroiled in a fist fight and putting it up on Twitter for the media," the actress told Hindustan Times.

But in reality, Bips supports her fellow actress and is happy that her item number is a hit. "The song is already a chartbuster. And I'm sure it'll work for us," she said. Are you looking forward to seeing both Bips and Dips in Dum Maaro Dum?

Deepika shifts base in London

It's all work for Deepika Padukone who is shooting three films there

Deepika Padukone's forthcoming films take her to London's cooler climes. She beats the heat with Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz, Rajnikanth's Rana and Homi Adjania's untitled project with Saif Ali Khan.

However, she will make her appearances during the IPL season.

She muses, "It's all for work. One has to keep travelling, this time it's almost for three long months. But, I do plan to come back when my schedules allow me."

Deepika leaves before the release of Dum Maaro Dum. She features in an item number in the film.

DEEPIKA'S TAKES

ON THE MIXED REACTIONS TO THE DMD VIDEO
"I am not surprised. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Our attempt was to take a classic, iconic song and give it a modern-day twist. This one is for today's generation. It sounds and looks contemporary."

ON COMPARISONS TO SHEILA AND MUNNI
This isn't a music video, it's a part of the film. I am really happy with what we have achieved and people forget that I did an item song in Billu Barber with Shah Rukh. So this isn't my first."

ON DOING ITEM NUMBERS IN THE FUTURE
"Surely, why not? But it all depends on what's offered and the concept."

Ranbir Kapoor Finds Deepika Padukone’s Item Song Hot!

Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have managed to put across a friendly face even after their break up. Though things soured a bit after Deepika recommended Ranbir to be the brand ambassador for condoms in a talk show with Karan Johar, looks like the civility is back between the two.

News is that he even complimented her on her dance and looks in her item song in Dum Maaro Dum. With that teensy-weensy skirt and low top, we’re not surprised! But that doesn’t mean there’s something brewing between the old lovers.

In fact, Ranbir already has someone in his life, Anushka Sharma. There have been rumours that RK is even promoting his new found flame Anushka Sharma and wants to be paired opposite the Band Baaja Baaraat star in Ayan Mukerji’s next movie. The only problem is that the film was supposed to star Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone! Wonder how DP is going to take this.

Mallika, Deepika in for item songs

Hot item songs have become the order of the day, yet again. In between, item songs had gone extinct in Hindi films, but after 'Munni' (Dabangg) and 'Sheila' (Tees Maar Khan), item songs are back and how! In fact, several film-makers attempting masala films are ensuring that there's scope for at least one item number in the film.

What's even more surprising is the fact that the top league actors are more than enthusiastic when it comes to featuring in item songs, looking at the popularity of these numbers.

Mallika Sherawat's 'Razia' from Thank You and Deepika Padukone's 'Dum Maaro Dum' from Dum Maaro Dum have just been released, while David Dhawan has just filmed an item song on Sanju and Lisa Haydon for Rascals and Ready will feature a song on -- you guessed it right -- Salman Khan.

That's not all, there's talk that SRK will feature in an item song in his home-production Always Kabhi Kabhi, directed by Roshan Abbas.

Abhishek's 'Thayn Thayn' to challenge Deepika's 'Dum Maaro Dum'

One has heard stories of one actor taking on his counterpart from some other film in cases of professional rivalry. However, seldom does one see something like this happening within the same film. What also makes it even more surprising and quite rare is when it's the case of the leading man taking on an actress who has been roped in for a special song and dance affair.

"However this is what has happened in case of Dum Maaro Dum", informs a source who has been closely following the chain of events related to the film, "It was a given that the film would have a top actress gyrating to an item number for the film. The chosen song was the re-arranged version of the classic 'Dum Maaro Dum' and Deepika Padukone managed to make the cut. The song was kept in news right through the making of the film and has now been released in the biggest way possible during the World Cup. It is all turning out to be a rage."

However, this is where the other angle comes into picture. If one would have thought that Bipasha Basu, the official leading lady of the film, would have raised a hue and cry around her missing out on all the action then that was not the case. Instead, the man who was actually considered by the makers to step up from the front and get his own jig going to give Deepika some competition was Abhishek Bachchan.

"Abhishek and Rohan Sippy, the film's director, are childhood buddies and he worked in his debut directorial venture Kuch Naa Kaho when both were just starting off. The film flopped but the relationship continued with Bluffmaster. This is where Abhishek crooned 'Ek Main Aur Ek Tu Hai' which turned into a chartbuster", continues the source, "It was imperative that along with Deepika's 'Dum Maaro Dum', a special number by Abhishek too had to be incorporated into the film. There was no going back on that."

Pronto an SOS was sent to composer Pritam and a song was designed that suited AB Baby's personality as well as singing style. Lyricist Jaideep Sahni was entrusted with the responsibility of penning the lyrics of this rap song that makes a social statement while taking a dig upon Ministers, cops, goons as well as corruption.

When contacted, composer Pritam did confirm that there was a requirement for an Abhishek number. "Yes, it is a special song which is titled 'Thayn Thayn'", says Pritam, "It has a funky groove to it and Abhishek has cracked it. I was amazed that he could catch the nuances so well."

Now it has to be seen whether Abhishek's 'Thayn Thayn' turns the heat on Deepika's 'Dum Maaro Dum'.