Aamir, Danny Boyle bond at Slumdog premiere
What a night! It was glamour 'n' glitz all the way as the Indian premiere of Slumdog Millonaire saw the who's who of Bollywood mingling with the cast and crew of the celebrated movie on the red carpet. Aamir, Hrithik and Suzanne, Sushmita Sen, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Preity Zinta, Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi, Imran Khan with girlfriend Avantika, to name just a few… all came in their dazzling best. The Bachchans, however, were conspicuous by their absence.

Later at an exclusive party after the premiere, Aamir Khan and the film's director Danny Boyle were seen bonding like buddies, sparking rumours that the two might do a film together. Boyle had earlier said that he wants to make another film set in Mumbai and that he's a great admirer of Aamir's style of filmmaking.

Shahid, Priyanka in love?
The latest buzz in tinseltown is that Shahid Kapur has finally found a soulmate in his newest co-star, Priyanka Chopra. The two are supposed to be bonding big time on the sets of Vishal Bhardawaj's Kaminay and also share a steamy lip-lock in the movie. They happen to be neighbours too. Of course, we don't know where all this leaves Sania Mirza! However, Priyanka is rumoured to have told Harman Baweja in December that it was all over between them. The guy is now getting utterly fond of his Victory co-star, the petite and pretty Amrita Rao. Yes yes, the same girl who was once linked to Shahid.

Back to the Future with Akshay, Aishwarya
Nothing is confirmed yet but there is a buzz that Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai are all set to light up the screen again, four years after Khakee, in a movie tentatively titled Action Replay. Directed by Vipul Shah, Action Replay is said to be inspired by the Hollywood cult film Back to the Future which starred Michael Fox.

While on Akki and Ash, both the stars have been honoured with the country's prestigious civilian award, the Padma Shree for their contribution to cinema. While Ash expressed her happiness at getting the award, Akshay admitted he couldn't understand why he got it! "But I feel very honoured."

Big B in Hollywood-Bollywood venture?
Amitabh Bachchan, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Eva Mendes, Cameron Diaz and Katrina Kaif…interesting line-up of stars, you'd agree! Well, if the buzz is to be believed, then producer Feroze Nadiadwala has done the impossible - he's managed to rope in all these biggies for his upcoming Hollywood-Bollywood venture, Jewel Of India. What's more, he's got Rob Cohen of The Fast And The Furious fame to direct his magnum opus. Feroze is obviously inspired by his cousin Sajid's much talked about Kambakht Ishq with Sylvester Stallone and Kareena Kapoor!

Feroze is not willing to divulge much at this stage except that the film will be an adventure-packed fast-paced thriller revolving around the Kohinoor diamond.

MOVIE UPDATE
Sushmita Sen is slated to play Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in a biopic to be made by Pakistani filmmakers. Benazir was assassinated on December 27, 2007 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. " The producers are just waiting for the go-ahead from the Pakistan's People's Party," said Sushmita. The movie, tentatively titled Benazir Bhutto: The Movie will be a bilingual. Meanwhile, Sushmita's much hyped directorial debut Jhansi Ki Rani, where she was to play the warrior queen, has been shelved.

Ajay Devgan will be playing the smuggler-turned-film producer Haji Mastan in Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai. Amitabh Bachchan's character in the 1975 super hit film Deewaar was also modelled on Haji Mastan. Meanwhile, Bipasha Basu has been signed up for Ajay's new home production, a comedy being directed by Rohit Shetty.

Producer Vikas Kapoor and director Samir Karnik are planning to make the most expensive film ever in Bollywood history. It is tentatively being called Lanka. Kapoor and Karnik hope to rope in Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Ajay Devgan, Bobby Deol and Priyanka Chopra for the movie which will be shot extensively under water.

Saif Ali Khan's first home production being directed by Imtiaz Ali, has been titled Love Aaj Kal. The film is a contemporary romance with Saif and Deepika Padukone in the lead.

MOVIE REVIEW
Luck By Chance
Starring: Farhan Akhtar, Konkona Sen, Hrithik Roshan, Rishi Kapoor, Dimple Kapadia
Director: Zoya Akhtar
Music Directors: Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy
Zoya Akhtar makes a smashing debut as a director with a movie which brilliantly portrays the murky realities behind the rose-tinted façade of Bollywood. Unlike Om Shanti Om which adopted the tone of an indulgent spoof, Zoya gets more realistic even as the jibes are gentle. Undoubtedly, the riveting script, consummate direction and superb performances from the entire cast make the film a winner all the way.

Luck… has an assortment of characters, the pivotal ones being Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar), a struggler from Delhi and Sona (Konkona Sen), a runaway from Kanpur. The two meet in Mumbai, the city of dreams and become romantically involved. Among the other very life-like characters are the film producer Romi Rolly (Rishi Kapoor), his endearing wife (Juhi Chawla), the domineering mother and superstar of the 70s (Dimple Kapadia), her actress daughter (Isha Shravani) and the reigning superstar (Hrihik Roshan).

After Rock On, Farhan leaves an impact yet again. He is unpretentious and likeable in a completely natural way. Konkona as usual is marvellous. Rishi Kapoor as the superstitious mainstream producer and Dimple Kapadia as the mean mamma prove that vintage never does lose its flavour. The cinematography is excellent and the music, though not first rate, is pleasing enough. Sapnon Se Bhare sung by Shankar himself, stands out.

The film holds a mirror, not only to Bollywood, but to life itself. So here's your chance to get lucky. Go and watch Luck By Chance!

Current Top 10 Songs
1. Jai Ho (Slumdog Millionaire)
2. Hai Guzarish (Ghajini)
3. Masakkali (Delhi 6)
4. Sapnon Se Bhare(Luck By Chance)
5. Jaane Kyun (Dostana)
6. Haule Haule (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi)
7. Marjaani (Billu Barber)
8. Tu Ne Re (Victory)
9. From Chandni Chowk (Chandni Chowk To China)
10. Bandaa Re (Raaz - The Mystery Continues)

Current Top 10 Movies
1. Slumdog Millonaire
2. Ghajini
3. Raaz - The Mystery Continues
4. Luck By Chance
5. Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
6. Dostana
7. Dev.D
8. Victory
9. Chandni Chowk To China
10. Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye

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