Rajni wanted Sonakshi out, Deepika in

Sonkashi who is going to make her debut in Kollywood with Vishwaroopam opposite Kamal Hassan was the first choice for Rana.

It is believed that the Dabangg girl was offered the role before Deepika was roped in. But before she could give her consent, Deepika got finalized for the same.

Apparently the decision of casting Deepika was taken by Rana's leading star Rajinikanth as he wasn't comfortable romancing Shatrughan Sinha's daughter Sonakshi as his leading lady. Rajini and Shatrughan Sinha are friends since long time. The duo has also worked together in films earlier.

So makers of Rana wanted someone who is equally suitable for the role and Deepika bagged it. While Sonakshi missed the chance to debut opposite a big star like Rajinikath, she will now make her debut opposite an equally big superstar Kamal Hassan.

Venkat Prabhu teams with Sona

Sona’s Uniq Productions will produce Venkat Prabhu’s next flick. The actress, producer and entrepreneur is now producing Bagyaraj 2010 which has Venkat Prabhu’s brother Premji Amaren playing an important role.

She has said that Venkat Prabhu will direct a film for her production house once he complete Mankatha. Other details such as the lead stars and crew have not been finalized yet.

Katrina Kaif - World's sexiest woman

Katrina Kaif has been named the Sexiest Woman in the World by the Indian edition of men’s magazine FHM. This is third time Katrina has been named the sexiest by FHM.

Per FHM, Katrina was named the sexiest based on polls conducted online and via SMS. Katrina Kaif has been previously voted the Sexiest Woman in the World by FHM India in 2008 and 2009. Deepika Padukone was voted Sexiest in 2010.

Kabeer Sharma, Executive Editor of FHM India reveals that Katrina is the only woman to win the title of Sexiest Woman in the World three times in the 17 years since the magazine has been making the list.

The June issue of the magazine promises a list of 100 sexiest women in the world, with Katrina on the cover with the caption, "Sexiest Woman on the planet 2011 Katrina Kaif moves in next door".

The cover has Katrina posing in a white tank top and denim shorts. Her sylphlike figure, her windblown hair and her ‘come hither’ expression, makes her every bit a temptress.

There is no doubt that Katrina is beautiful, just last month she was named the ‘Most Beautiful Woman’ by People magazine and she has been immortalized as a Barbie doll.

And she is extremely popular! Besides winning beauty crowns “Katrina Kaif” is also called out for being the most searched keyword on various search engines year after year.

Birthday girl Sonakshi on Daddy's KBC

Sonakshi Sinha took the hot seat in the Bhojpuri version of Kaun Banega Crorepati hosted by her father Shatrughan Sinha, and she has given away most of her prize money to Salman Khan’s Being Human charity.

Sonakshi who turns 24 today decided to give the money to the Being Human charity because it’s a charity she trusts and believes in and she is certain that the money will be used to help those who need it.

Shatrughan Sinha talks in fluent Bhojpuri on the show, and it left Sonakshi quite impressed; this being the first time she was hearing her father speak in Bhojpuri.

Speaking about Being Human, Sonakshi said, "It's a charity I know, trust and believe in. I've seen the money move in the right direction. A lot of us want to help the needy. But how to ensure the money gets to the right place? I know the money is used to help those who need it."

Sonakshi - New face of celebrating life

"Dabangg" actress Sonakshi Sinha has been announced as the new face of the D'Damas diamond jewellery brand.

She has taken over from Preity Zinta."Sonakshi Sinha is the face of the new Indian woman who is confident, versatile and has got tremendous self-belief. She has the charisma, grace, beauty and the attitude that goes perfectly with the brand image," said R.K. Menon, COO, D'damas Jewellery India Pvt Ltd.

The 23-year-old is also associated with brands like Dyna Soap, Colgate toothpaste and Provogue's women wear line where she is seen endorsing the products.

"I connect with D'Damas because I personally live each moment to the fullest and believe in celebrating life. D'Damas adds celebration to both ordinary and even the everyday special occasions," said Sonakshi.

Kamal Haasan and his Viswaroopam ..

Padmasree Dr. Kamal Haasan’s grand venture went through some decisive moments today and we at Behindwoods are proud to be the first to be bringing you these exciting revelations about Viswaroopam.

The most important decision made today was that the responsibility of directing this magnum opus will no longer rest on the shoulders of Selvaraghavan. It will be instead taken up by Kamal Haasan himself. He will be directing the film in addition to handling the story, screenplay, dialogue and lyrics. So, we will be getting to see a complete Kamal film; script, dialogues, and all, after a gap of 7 years. The last time Kamal directed a film was in 2004, Virumaandi. And after listening to his lines in Manmadhan Ambu, who wouldn’t want more such poetic songs!

The decision to transfer the reins of Viswaroopam, a mutual one, came after it became impossible to defer the shooting of Viswaroopam until Selvaraghavan completed his current project, Irandam Ulagam. News is that Irandaam Ulagam will take at least another couple of months to get wrapped up and the producer of Viswaroopam, Telephoto Films, feels that it will be too long a wait. That is not without reason because the producer has planned a November 7 release for this opus.

Yes, that is November 7, 2011, not 2012. Less than 6 months from now. And, this is not going to be a simple romantic comedy or drama that can be wrapped up in double quick time within a limited budget. It is in fact the costliest film that has been planned in Tamil to date; the initial estimate running up to 150 crores. And, it will also be released simultaneously in 3 languages, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.

A 150 crore trilingual in 6 months! Going by industry trends, that is akin to climbing Mt. Everest in a matter of minutes. But, the team seems confident of meeting the stiff target they have set for themselves. And, their confidence is not without reason because the work has already begun. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have been entrusted with the music of the film and the first song has been recorded. So, as you can see, the team is wasting no time in getting things underway. And, for those of you who feel disappointed at not being able to see the Kamal-Selva combination, there is good news. The producer has expressed optimism that the trio will come together for another film.

There are not too many other details available at this moment except for the fact that Bollywood ‘Dabbang’ sensation Sonakshi Sinha will be seen opposite Kamal Haasan. Well, the young actress really does seem to have many cosmic forces favoring her at the moment; debut opposite Salman Khan that broke all box office records and now her first film in Tamil is opposite one of the finest actors in the country, in one of the biggest ever productions. It does not get better for a one film old actress.

And, what is Viswaroopam about? Well, trust Kamal Haasan! Whatever news comes out about the movie, we are sure to be kept in the dark about the premise until the day it hits screens. And, we know it will be worth the wait. Going by the initial indications, this Viswaroopam is all set to dwarf the benchmarks set by Dasavatharam.

With Superstar recuperating well in hospital, we also hope that Rana will be up and running soon. With that Tamil cinema will have two giant productions getting ready in its wings at the same time. And, who is going to have the best of it all; we, the audience of course.

Sonakshi all set to romance Kamal Hassan

If Rajnikant romances Deepika Padukone in London, Kamal will romance Sonakshi Sinha.

Yeah, both Kamal and Sona are expected to be in the UK for 35 days to wrap up a major portion of their film.

Sonakshi is really looking forward to the quiet of London because she wants time off from the local paparazzi who have been dragging her into controversies galore.

Sonam Kapoor in Bikini ..

Actress Sona who made her debut as glamour girl became a glamorous producer by producing a film titled Kanimozhi that had Jai and Shazahn Padamsee in the lead in association with T Shiva of Amma Creations.

Now there is news that Sona is scripting the story, screenplay and dialogues for a new film that would be based on her own life. She has mentioned that she will be directing this film and has plans to cast Sonam Kapoor to do justice to her glamorous image.

While Vidya Balan's role in director Milan Luthria's film 'Dirty Picture' is confirmed to get dirtier with Vidhya's appearances in hot pants, low necklines, translucent tube tops and petticoats baring her mid-riff, thighs and cleavage, one shall also imagine Sonam Kapoor sporting a two piece bikini if cast to portray Sona's glamorous days.

STR wanted Sonakshi

It is now confirmed that director Dharani will direct the Tamil remake of the Hindi film Dabangg. Silambarasan will essay the role done by Salman Khan in the original version. There was a talk earlier that STR wanted Sonakshi Sinha, who played the heroine in Dabangg, to essay the role in Tamil too. When he approached the actress, she brushed aside the offer as she had Kamal Haasan’s Visawaroopam to concentrate on.

But with Viswaroopam not commencing as planned due to the Visa hassles that the team is facing, Sonakshi is contemplating on offering her dates for this remake, sources say.

Meanwhile, Silambarasan is busy concentrating in Poda Podi and the team is in Spain filming some important sequences.

Who made Sonakshi a heroine: Govinda or Sallu?

Govinda has dismissed reports that all is not well between him and good friend Salman Khan after the superstar chose Sonakshi Sinha over his daughter Narmada for last year's hit Dabangg.

Speculation is rife in Bollywood that Govinda is upset with Salman for not keeping his promise to launch Narmada with his home production, which became the highest grossing film of 2010.

"There are no issues between us. I am still in touch with Salman and we often discuss each other's projects," Govinda told PTI.

Narmada created quite a stir when she accompanied Salman to the IIFA awards in 2007, but has not yet signed her first film.

"Even I had to struggle to make a career in Bollywood and we have seen the biggest stars struggling and waiting. What's wrong if Narmada is waiting? Her time will also come," said the actor who is fondly called Chi-chi by the film fraternity.

And as far as Sonakshi, the daughter of veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, is concerned the 48-year-old actor said that it was he who made her a 'heroine'.

"I made Sonakshi a heroine. I was the one who told her to lose weight. Both Sonakshi and Narmada are good. It is always time that decides everything," said the actor. There are no "issues" to sort out between us. I am still in touch with Salman. We do talk but about films and other topics as well, he said.

It was reported that Salman asked director David Dhawan to cast Govinda with him in 'Partner' to revive the almost dying career of the 48-year-old-actor.

"After giving a hit film (Partner) if you do not do a film together again then people start saying that there is no friendship between us. People treat us as if we are love companions who ought to be together. It is not like that," Govinda said.

The actor said that he and Salman are friends and will continue to be in future as well.

I asked Sonakshi to lose weight: Govinda

While Sonakshi has been giving Salman credit for her weight loss, Govinda says even he deserves mention...

It's all in good humour. Sonakshi Sinha was known to be obese before she became an actress, and the tale is that it's Salman Khan who convinced her that she would be actress material if she lost all that weight. And lose she did!

However, actor Govinda says that he had told Sonakshi a long time ago, probably even before Salman, to pull down weight and if she did that she was on her way to success. It can be remembered that even Govinda's daughter Narmada Ahuja is keen to become an actor.

Govinda doesn't compare his beti with Sonakshi. "Each makes their own way, I'm happy for Sonakshi and her success. At the same time it's absolutely ok that it's taking time for Narmada. Things will happen when they have to," he said nonchalantly.

Sallu cant save you from Kat fight, Sonakshi

Katrina Kaif seems to be in no mood to have any sort of association with Sonakshi Sinha. We broke the story of the the Dabangg actress messaging Kat to clear the air between them.

However the senior actress refused to acknowledge the message or even reply. It has now been fifteen days since well, Sona offered the Rajneeti star, an olive branch. And there hasn't been any response from the other side. It is a clear indication that the war is on and Kat isn't in the mood to wave the white flag. Meanwhile, another instance has angered Kat again.

A report said that Sona has beaten Kat, Kareena, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra in a popularity poll and the industry is wondering which poll is this that Sona has won given she is just one film old. Looks like Salman Khan's find is creating a circle of enemies around her. Watch out babe! Even Sallu won't be able to save you from these actresses.

No love making in Salman-Sonakshi starrer "Kick"

Seems like Salman Khan doesn't want to touch Sonakshi Sinha! No, the actor is not repulsed by her; he has only refused to shoot an intimate scene with the Shotgun girl in Sajid Nadiadwala's next.

A remake of Telugu film Kick, Salman Khan's next film is undergoing serious script changes to suit Salman's needs.

Buzz is that Salman froze after watching the love making scenes between Ravi Teja and Ileana D'Cruz and asked for the scenes to be modified immediately.

Salman has always been rather cautious about such scenes and when it comes to Sonakshi Sinha, who is over 2 decades younger to him, he is extremely protective and cautious.

A source told Mumbai Mirror, "Salman has always been very careful as far as romantic scenes are concerned. But with Sonakshi he has to be doubly careful. He treats her like a child. There was almost no physical intimacy between him and Sonakshi in Dabangg."

Now an expert has been summoned to modify the scene. Rajat Arora, who wrote the romantic sequences in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, will be making the necessary changes.

"Salman was impressed by the way Ajay courted Kangna in Once Upon A Time…He wanted a similar restrain and mellow quality in his courtship with Sonakshi in Kick," the source added.

The producer of the film, Nadiadwala confirmed that Rajat Arora is on board and that love making scene would have to be restrained to suit Salman and Sonakshi's equation.

Sonakshi overtakes Munni and Sheila..

Sonakshi Sinha gets the village excited and drooling as she cavorts bare back in a gypsy outfit in a new still from the film Joker just released by director Shirish Kunder.

A youngster in the audience misses it all, as Vindu Singh covers his eyes with his hand, finding Sonakshi's jhatak – lapak too sensuous for the boy's tender age.

The still shows Sonakshi dancing to the lusty beats of the song - Dance Karle English Mein - choreographed by Farah Khan.

Sonakshi's exotic looks and Farah's deft choreography. OMG! This one is going to be more potent than anything that we have seen!

The song, set in a village, was shot in Chandigarh during the film's first schedule.

Sonakshi had shared her excitement over the dance number while shooting for the film in Chandigarh.

"I'm finally going to dance in Joker. I wouldn't call it an item song because I'm the film's heroine and item songs are performed by guest artists. But, I know it will be well shot and lavish and aesthetic because it's being choreographed by Farah Khan," Sonakshi had told TOI.

Earlier in February, there was talk of a top actress joining Sonakshi in the dance number.

"Well, a top actress will be joining me. That's all I can say at the moment," Sonakshi had said, refusing to give details.

"This is a special song in the film as it has lyrics in ten languages. We had a ball shooting for it. Also, Sonakshi was a revelation. From being someone coy in Dabangg, it was a welcome change for her too to show a different side of her persona," Shirish commented.

Sunglasses in Joker inspired by Dabangg

Like Dabangg, even Joker has a rural setup and the cast will be sporting stylish glares.

While Salman Khan has denied rumours that he will be doing an item song in Joker , it still seems like he is inspiring the team of the film. There is buzz that director Shirish Kunder is intentionally taking references from Salman Khan's last year's superhit Dabangg for his film Joker .

"Like Dabangg , even Joker has a rural backdrop", says a source. "Shirish Kunder has shot the film in a village setup close to Chandigarh. Perhaps masses relate more to such film setting".

Other than that, another common element between both films is the style statement. "The hep sunglasses that Salman sported in Dabangg became a rage. Sonakshi Sinha seems to have taken forward the sunglass legacy from Dabangg to Joker and is sporting the same kind of glares in her second film. Akshay Kumar also follows suit".

Its no 'joke' that ' Dabangg ' has become quite a trendsetter!

Hrithik dying to work with Sonakshi

Superstar Hrithik Roshan and newcomer Sonakshi Sinha have formed the Bollywood's latest alliance, not for a movie though but for an endorsement.

It was hard to be ignored when Hrithik and Sonakshi recently come together to endorse a clothing brand. They appeared to be the members of a mutual admiration society. While on the filmy front Hrithik appeared to be dying to work with Sonakshi, the latter seemed to be his die hard fan.

On their first assignment together Hrithik said, "I am happy she is the new face. We have lived in the same neighbourhood and known each other, I think she is great and has a great future ahead of her. I am dying to work with her."

"He is the counterpart and sharing the space with him is amazing," said Sonakshi. Unlike her Dabangg co-star Salman Khan, she was all praise for Hrithik's last release Guzaarish.

"I cried while watching Guzaarish. In fact I even spoke to Mr Bhansali also after that," said Sonakshi expressing her desire to work with Hrithik, "I definitely am looking forward to work with him. It has started on a great note and hopefully we will see more. It would be my privilege. I am too small a person to comment on him. He is one of my most favourite actors. How much ever I talk about him is less."

Asked about the talks of a cat fight between her and Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi said: "A lot has been talked about it. I think, aapas ki baat hai, hum aapas mein hi sort out karenge (it is between us, we will sort it out ourselves).

Anushka Shetty - Numero Uno ?

Actress Anushka has a lot to look forward to this year.

After all, two of her most important films in Tamil — Vaanam with Simbu and Deiva Thirumagan with Vikram — will hit screens in the first half of the year. While she reprises the role she played in Vedham in Vaanam, its remake, Anushka apparently plays a lawyer in Deiva Thirumagan, being directed by Vijay of Madrassapattinam fame.

What's more, we even hear that Anushka is on top of the list for playing Simbu's heroine in the Tamil remake of the Hindi blockbuster Dabangg. In an earlier interview to CT, Dabangg's heroine Sonakshi Sinha, who's doing Selva's film with Kamal Haasan, said, "I will like to work in the Tamil remake of Dabangg.

"But again, it depends on the dates. If I had a chance, I'd like to remake the film in every language possible." But, Kollywood is abuzz with rumours that the producers of the Tamil version are keen to rope in either Anushka or Illeana for the role!

Erandam Ulagam: Lives before marriage

Director Selvaraghavan is all geared up to direct Viswaroopam starring Kamal Hassan and Sonakshi Sinha. The movie is expected to go to floors very soon.

Meanwhile, Selvah, who is directing Dhanush for a movie titled Erandam Ulagam, is shooting the movie at brisk pace. Selvaraghavan wants to finish Erandaam Ulagam soon so that he can move on to his venture with Kamal Hassan. With major portion of Erandam Ulagam completed, Selvah hopes to start Viswaroppam by June atleast.

In Erandam Ulagam, Dhanush has Andrea playing his ladylove. The movie speaks about a married couple and how their lives were before marriage. Music is by Selvah's lucky mascot Yuvan Shankar Raja and expectations are very high. The movie is produced by UTV and plans are on to release it by June.

Selvaraghavan has completed penning the script for Viswaroopam and Kamal Hassan is mightily impressed with his work.

Neetu Chandra inspired by Sona

Neetu Chandra’s popularity reached the pinnacle with her item number in Yudham Sei along with director Ameer. Though she made her entry into Kollywood with Yaavarum Nalam, it cannot be denied that this song was the turning point in her career.

The actress is currently acting in Adhi Bhagwan opposite Jayam Ravi and the film is directed by Ameer. Intending to diversify, Neetu has decided to turn into a producer. She has already floated her own production house and is producing a Bhojpuri film which is being directed by her brother.

It may be mentioned here that several actresses in Kollywood including Sona run their own production houses.

Viswaroobham

Is Kamal Haasan's next film directed by Selvaraghavan is titled as Viswaroobham?

Yes! The Kollywood circuits are at a buzz that this title has been finalized for Kamal's next which is a psychological thriller. Kamal and director Selvaraghavan has completed the script work for the film.
Though Selva confesses that the film is not the replica of Hollywood film Hannibal, but speculation is that it's a pure Indian version of Hannibal. Viswaroobham will move on to the floors in the mid of April in Hyderabad and later it will continue in Chennai. After the Chennai schedule, the unit will be moving to London and the idea of the unit is to finish the film in less than 90 days as the film heroine can't adjust her dates.

In an interview to a newspaper Sonakshi Sinha said "When director Selva narrated the plot to me I was very excited as the script reminded me by Bollywood debut. The whole package was very interesting and I was very happy to be a part of the film".

Sonakshi will take her flight to Chennai during the first week of April as She is going to meet Kamal and will hold some final discussions with the director regarding her role, her outfits and rest of the things.

Viswaroobham is being made in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi and would be released simultaneously.