"Asin overdid it, Nayan underplayed" - Trisha

Actress Trisha is busy reprising Nayanthara's role in the Telugu version of Bodyguard which Kareena Kapoor is playing in Hindi. Paired opposite Venkatesh in the film, the actress says she has completed the first schedule of the film.

With Trisha and Kareena playing Nayanthara's role, there has been a lot of buzz as to who will be the best and whether the other two will live up to or be better than the original act. Asin played the role in Tamil in Kaavalan opposite Vijay. Comparisons between the four actresses have been making headlines but Trisha said in a recent interview that she wants to be herself and stand out. She's also quoted as saying that she believes Nayan underplayed her role while Asin overdid it.

In Chennai on a break from shoot, Trisha took up the cause for dogs and encouraged people to adopt a pet.

Hottie Jacqueline accepts all bikini offers

Director Sajid Khan is having tough time convincing his leading actress Asin and Zareen to wear bikini for Housefull 2.

Sajid wants H2 to be as glamourous as the prequel. The director is expecting his glam girls to don the bikini just like Lara Dutta, Deepika Padukone and Jiah Khan did in the original. But as we all know, both, Asin and Zareen aren't comfortable sporting bikini.

It is believed that as per Sajid's instructions Zareen has lost weight to look glamorous for the film but bikini is out of question. Now that both the actresses are not convinced, Sajid has no option left but to concentrate on Jacqueline Fernandes to add the perfect glam quotient in the film.

The bold and beautiful Srilankan beauty Jacqueline has confirmed to sport the two piece. Hope that will give much-needed relief to director Sajid!

"Ready" collects 69.5 crores in its first week

Competition is scared of Salman Khan. Filmmakers have flinched at the thought of releasing their movies not just alongside Ready but even a week before or after. And those who have braved the competition have found fewer footfalls coming their way, this Friday’s release Shaitan being the case in point.

Produced by Anurag Kashyap, Shaitan opened to a rather poor 20 to 25 percent response at theatres. Even the flattering reviews by critics failed to see more seat bums in theatres.

The crowds continued to be drawn to Ready, which though panned by the critics, is minting money like there’s no tomorrow. First it became the second highest grosser of the opening weekend (second only to Salman Khan’s own Dabangg), now it has rounded off its first-week collection with a figure of Rs. 69.50 crores, thereby taking the third position on the list of all-time first-week collections of Bollywood films.

Moreover, Ready’s good run is far from over. The film might touch the Rs. 100 crore mark by next Friday or Sunday, which means that Salman Khan’s supremacy over box office continues unabated.

Among the other releases of this Friday, Love Express and West Is West took a poor start. Much better was the new Hollywood release X-Men: First Class.

The coming Friday would see multiple releases: Always Kabhi Kabhi, Bheja Fry 2, Bin Bulaaye Baraati, Bhindi Bazaar Inc, Cycle Kick and My Husband’s Wife.

Asin's Worries ..

Even before she could celebrate the box office success of her last film, actress Asin Thottumkal seems to be bogged down by a fresh set of problems these days. According to sources close to the actress, the London visa of almost all her staff members have been delayed, forcing her to fly there alone for Sajid Khan’s Housefull 2.

“Asin has just been informed that no one from her team of make-up persons and stylists have been granted a visa to go and shoot in London. Only Asin’s visa has arrived. She is really worried as it is a long outdoor shooting schedule and no actor these days shoots without their staff members, specially the make-up man because he or she is like a lifeline to the actor,” says a source close to Asin.

But Asin has decided to fly off to London alone because if she is delayed, the whole shooting schedule (which also involves actors Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty) will be delayed. Asin doesn’t want this to happen.

“She will probably have to rely on somebody else’s make-up person for the time being, to keep the shoots going. Asin doesn’t want to make everybody wait because of her,” says the source, adding that the visa of the staff members might be delayed for more than a week. This means that almost half of the shooting will be over by the time her own staff members reach the venue.
When we tried to get in touch with Asin, one of her close friends reverted, confirming that the visas were delayed. “She is just wishing that her staff’s visas are cleared soon but right now she is preparing to fly off to London,” says the friend.

"Ready" rocks the Box Office

The Salman Khan magic is working again. His latest film Ready, despite being panned by majority of critics, is drawing footfalls to theatres. The Ready box office figures already have the distributors heaving a sigh of relief and eyeing a fat profit as well.

Directed by Anees Bazmee, the comedy film starring Asin and Salman Khan opened to a rip-roaring start on Friday. It saw the occupancy of 60 to 80 percent at both multiplexes and single screen theatres. Some shows in the evening registered a house-full.

Coming less than a year after Dabangg, which recorded the best opening weekend collections for any Hindi film to date, Ready is not going as strong as Dabangg did, but is likely to surpass the first-day collection of 3 Idiots (Rs 13 crores). Ready’s Friday business is expected to be between Rs 12 to 14 crores. Not to be ignored is the fact that 3 Idiots released during the Christmas weekend while Ready has released at the peak of summers, with no festival around.

The business in the coming days will decide whether Ready is a superhit or a hit or an average performer. The film isn’t likely to flop.

The release of Ready has also punctured the collections of other Bollywood releases. Pyaar Ka Punchnama, which has done the business of Rs. 9 crore approx in two weeks, saw a steep fall in its collections on Friday, and so did Vikram Bhatt’s Haunted - 3D, which has already become a hit with more than Rs 26 crores since its release.

Salman & Asin sizzling chemistry off screen

Salman Khan and Asin were in the capital to promote their film Ready. What particularly came to our notice during the press meet was a caring Salman, who sat besides Asin and watched her animated expressions with an amusing glance.

Asin recently went on record to say she is very fond of Salman Khan. The actor is not only a good co-star but is also very supportive and has even referred her to some producers. However, what Asin likes the most about Salman is his bindaas attitude -- he is a man with no pretence or façade.

At the press meet too we could see their ‘Ready’ chemistry. Salman was chivalrous and was seen taking good care of Asin. The star, who is also a fitness freak, has even helped Asin with her gym sessions during the shoot of Ready. He has even given Asin a few workout tips. Oh yes! it definitely shows in Ready; Asin is looking fit, gorgeous and curvaceous.

Now, we know why the lassie is going gaga over Salman Khan.

Romancing The King of Khans . .

After romancing two of the three Khans in Bollywood (Aamir Khan in Ghajini and Salman Khan in London Dreams and Ready), Bollywood and Kollywood's sensational beauty Asin is all set to romance the third but the King of all Khans. Thats right, Asin would be seen romancing Shahrukh Khan in his new film titled '2 States', a screen adaption of Chetan Bhagat's bestseller of the same title to be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

According to sources, Asin was the first choice for the project and is chosen to play the lead role by both Sajid Nadiadwala,the producer and Vishal Bhardwaj, the director because of the Tamil origin of the lead female character in the novel. Besides, Asin is already working in Nadiadwala's another production Housefull 2.

2 States chronicles around the life of a young couple Krish and Ananya, who go against their parents for a 'Cross Cultural' marriage between Delhi and Tamil Nadu bearing fruit to their romance that blossomed while studying at IIM,Ahmedabad.

Curious Case of Salman : In Reverse mode ?

Sumit Dutt, who directed Salman Khan in the songs "Character dheela" and "Dhinka chika" for ‘Ready’, was surprised by the 45-year-old star's energy levels and said that he has become more energetic than he was when he worked with him in 2008.

'Salman in reverse mode, energy level increasing'

"This is my second experience with Salman. The first song I did was for 'Hello'. I directed him in 'Phone ki ghanti bajti hai'. Salman is in reverse mode. His energy level is increasing," Dutt told IANS. "He is so charged up and really out to deliver now. Today, he is a style icon, so whatever he does, people love it, whether its pulling his collar or his shirt. Also, I have noticed that now he puts much more into what he is doing," he added.

Both "Character dheela" and "Dhinka chika" are currently reigning over the popularity charts.

Directed by Anees Bazmee, 'Ready', a remake of the 2008 Telugu film of the same name, also stars Asin Thottumkal, Paresh Rawal, Arya Babbar and Mahesh Manjrekar. The film will hit the screens June 3.

Character Dheela Hai . .

Zarine Khan made her debut last year with Salman Khan's Veer but her striking resemblance with Salman's ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif piqued everybody's interest more than her work.

The pretty actress is back in the spotlight with Salman Khan and this time its for an item number in the upcoming laugh riot 'Ready' that has Asin leading opposite Salman.

Zarine sheds light on her weight issues, Katrina Kaif and new projects and goes "Yes, I am really happy. People have loved the song and it is topping the charts. After Character Dheela became a hit, people's perception about me has changed. People have started accepting me and it feels nice."

She said that she had to put on her dancing shoes and mentioned that she loves dancing and has learnt Bharatnatyam and belly dancing.

Well, We would all like to see them skills to be exhibited. Don't We ? Kya Karein salaa Hamara Character bhi hogaya thoda Dheela . .

"Ready" - Filled with dance, romance, masti..

Ready sees Asin play an orphan named Sanjana and Salman Khan plays Prem. Sanjana lives with her greedy uncles who are behind her wealth, she falls in love with Prem, and Prem sets out to teach her greedy uncles a lesson. The film has every element which can make it a joyride for its viewers - dance, romance, masti, and action - just like a typical Salman film.

Asin had quite the time working with Salman, parts of the film were shot in Sri Lanka and Bangkok, and the prankster in Salman always found opportunities to play pranks on her, making him fun to work with.

Says Asin, Salman is well composed, knows how to handle success and does not have any starry airs adding that he has reached a stage where he knows how to handle success. Quite humble for someone who has had so many hits, and is currently considered to be the numero uno in Bollywood with Dabangg being the biggest hit of 2010.

Salman Khan has also been using the Euphoria around Ready to bring attention to causes he believes in, his latest endeavor is to help the workers in the film industry; the 45-year old actor recently felicitated the employees of the Film City at the music launch of Ready.

This is Asin's third Hindi movie and her second with Salman, their first film together London Dreams wasn’t the most successful at the box office. This time round things are likely to be different, Salman mania is still riding high owing to the success of Dabangg. Salman himself is taking no chances and has even re-shot the songs in the film to make them more appealing.

Ready is a remake of the 2008 Telugu blockbuster by the same name. The movie promises to be a laugh riot, and boasts of a huge star cast and funny, eccentric characters like Paresh Rawal, Mahesh Manjrekar, Zarine Khan and Arbaaz Khan. The Hindi remake is directed by Anees Bazmee and will release worldwide on June 3rd.

"Salman asks Asin to eat an insect"

The gorgeous Asin will again sizzle on the big screen with Salman Khan after their stint in London Dreams.

Talking about her experience of working with the hottest Khan in first London Dreams and now Ready, Asin reveals that working with Salman is always fun but one thing about him that always scares her is his habit of playing pranks on her.

In a recent interview Asin talked about a naughty and scary prank that Sallu played on her on the sets of Ready. Asin said, "We were shooting for Ready in Thailand and I was getting ready for the next shot in my vanity van. As soon as I opened the door of my van, Salman popped in front of me with something in his hand.

"It was an ugly looking insect and he insisted that I eat it. I later spotted the crew from Thailand eating those insects. It's like edible insects that people in Thailand binge on. Even some of our Indian crew members try it."

When asked if she also experimented with her palate, Asin said, "Yes I tried one and it was very bland."

Well Asin, you must be thanking god that you weren't shooting in China! For the food out there is as bizarre as it can get.

Asin in another remake ..

Varalaru, the tamil film directed by K S Ravikumar that had Ajith in the lead role is being remade in Kannada.

When questioned Asin about the news that She is playing the same role that she did in Varalaru, she said,” There is news that Upendra is remaking the Tamil film Varalaru in Kannada. I don’t know whether this is a rumor or truth. Nobody has contacted me with regards to this. There is news that I have acted in a kissing scene in the Hindi film Ready which has Salman Khan in the lead role. There is no truth in this news also. There is no such sequence in this film. After this I am pairing with Akshay Kumar in the Hindi film House Full 2."

She also added that she would be acting in some more Hindi films and that talks were going on with regard to this. When questioned about returning back to Tamil films after Kaavalan, She giggled saying "If I get good stories, I will definitely act in Tamil films. Currently I am giving importance to commercial stories. I also want to have variety in the roles that I enact in different stories.”

"Ready" to rock you..

The theatrical trailer of the Salman Khan-starrer ‘Ready’ tips-off that the much awaited film will not be disappointing the moviegoers and Sallu’s fans.

Well, in ‘Ready’, Salman Khan plays the role of an engineering student named Prem, who is always ready to lend a helping hand to his friends.

On one occasion, while trying to help his friend elope with his girlfriend, Salman accidentally kidnaps Asin, who plays his love interest Sanjanna in the film. And from here, the love story of Prem and Sanjanna begins.

The film also includes some power-packed action sequences and the makers of the film are sure that it will sweep Salman’s buffs off their feet.

Moreover, the film’s music is such that one can’t restrain oneself from dancing to Salman’s tunes.

Talking about the movie, ‘Ready’ producer Bhushan Kumar said, "I was always looking for a script which has everything and I found that in Ready. The film has lots of humor, there are 2-3 action sequences which Salman fans will love, there are a lot of dramatic sequences, and we also have good scope for music. In short it's a total masala entertainer with proper story and screenplay".

Directed by Anees Bazmee and produced by Bhushan Kumar, ‘Ready’ is slated for a June 3 release.

Well, with romance, action and good music, ‘Ready’ is anticipated to be a complete entertainer.

Salman agrees to lock lips with Asin

After several denials, Salman Khan has finally agreed to kiss Asin in Anees Bazmee’s ‘Ready’. Salman was at first not ready to kiss Asin at any cost but when the director of the film, Anees Bazmee explained Salman about the demand of the script, he agreed.

Even Asin tried to persuade Sallu that the kissing scene is a demand of the script and he should do the act. However, it’s not a lip-lock but a peck on the cheeks. If not a lip-lock, the director has to satisfy with a kiss on cheek only.

Salman has starred in several films over the years and acted with so many female beauties but he never lip-locked with any of his actresses in this long tenure of acting.

Awestruck by Madhuri, watch Asin !!

Asin will look, talk, and dance like Madhuri Dixit of Hum Aapke Hain Kaun in her upcoming film Ready, and it was Salman Khan who wanted her to do a Madhuri in the film.

Salman seems to be a big fan of his Hum Aapke Hain Kaun co-star Madhuri Dixit. It’s learnt that Salman feels that the Mads of HAHK is the ideal woman, the kind he’d like to take home to his mother. Take notice girls!

So it was Salman’s idea to incorporate Madhuri’s adayein in Asin’s character for Ready.

Director Anees Bazmee also didn’t deny the fact that Asin’s character in Ready has a resemblance to Madhuri Dixit of Hum Aapke Hai Kaun. Asin’s character, costumes, and even the choreography are inspired from Madhuri in HAHK, reveals the director.

Confirming the news, Asin is quoted as saying, “If I’ve managed to capture even a fraction of Madhuri’s effervescence, I’ll be happy.” In fact, the movie also has a wedding sequence which will remind the audience of Didi Tera Devar Diwana song from HAHK.

All are Madhuri-struck, but we can’t imagine Asin emulating Madhuri. What do you say?

Asin's character similar to Madhuri's

Asin is all set to to play a character that is inspired by Madhuri Dixit's in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, in the upcoming movie Ready co-starring Salman Khan.

The tribute of sorts was Asin's co-star Salman Khan's idea. Salman Khan feels that Nisha of HAHK is the ideal woman, the kind he'd like to take home to his mother.

Salman apparently persuaded his director and Anees Bazmee was only too happy to oblige.

The director said, "There is a lot of Madhuri in Asin's character and presentation. We don't have item songs in Ready but conversational songs woven into the narrative."

Asin doesn't deny the likeness of her character to Madhuri. "The resemblance to Madhuri did not escape me. In fact, my first duet with Salman was very much like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun," Asin said. The wedding song in the climax is designed to echo the HAHK hit Didi Tera Devar Deewana.

Asin added, "That's true. The entire family joins in the celebration, while Salman and I get married. If I've managed to capture even a fraction of Madhuri's effervescence, I'll be happy."

Kareena prefers Nayan over Asin

Siddique’s Kaavalan is being remade as Bodyguard in Hindi. Salman Khan will be the hero and Kareena Kapoor has been selected for the female lead. Apparently, director Siddique gave her DVDs of the original version in Malayalam also called Bodyguard as well as Kaavalan so that she will get an idea of what is expected from her.

After watching both DVDs Kareena was simply blown away by Nayanthara’s powerful portrayal. She said that she preferred Nayanthara’s performance to Asin’s and will draw her inspiration from the Malayalam version.

The movie is also going to be remade in Telugu and Nayanthara has been asked to reprise her role again. She must be very pleased indeed with the compliments that she is getting!

Asin in a 2 piece Bikini

Asin is busy in the Hindi film Ready which has Salman Khan in the lead role. She has also been signed for the Hindi film House Full 2 which has Akshay Kumar in the lead role. There is news that Asin has agreed to act with two piece swim suit. When asked Asin about this, she said,” People who know me well will not believe this news. What is the necessity for me to act in two piece swim suit? Everybody knows very well that whatever big is the film, I will not commit unless the story is good. When things are like this, there is no truth in the news that I am acting in two piece suit. Maybe the people who spread this rumor might have the intention that I may act in two pieces because the Part 1 of this film had such scenes.

After the release of the film, people will come to know that whether I had acted with two piece or not. Apart from this the shooting of the Ready has to be completed and the shooting of House Full Part 2 will be commencing during September. I don’t know how such news is being spread so fast.”