Saif an incredible actor: Priyanka Chopra

SPOTTED: New moms Aishwarya, Lara at an event

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My first single is ready: Priyanka Chopra

By Hindustan Times

Actor Priyanka Chopra, who is busy working on her debut music album, says that if all goes well, her first single will be out by mid-year.

“Music has always been a passion but I wanted the right opportunity to venture into it. This deal with UMG-Desi Hits! is amazing. We are looking at
dropping a single sometime in the middle of 2012,” says Priyanka, adding, “I was really nervous the first few times I went into the recording booth to sing. But I’m really looking forward to sharing my music with the world.”

The actor, who spent time in Los Angeles writing and recording for the album, is also excited about her upcoming projects — Krrish 3, Kunal Kohli’s next, and Anurag Basu’s Barfii. “I play an autistic character in Barfii. It is one of my most memorable film experiences. People may think it is a very serious film, but it is a funny, sweet film,” says the actor, whose last two films, Don 2 and Agneepath, were blockbusters.

Music and films aside, Priyanka recently beat her contemporaries to win the title of India’s Glam Diva by a TV show. But for her, it is actors Marilyn Monroe and Madhuri Dixit who are the real divas.

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Sachin is my son’s greatest hero: Vidhu Vinod Chopra

By Hindustan Times

The 100th ton is finally in the history books. And the question on everyone’s mind is: What is next for Sachin Tendulkar? Today, it’s taking Team India to the Asia Cup final and later giving Mumbai Indians a winning chance in IPL Season 5 that flags off in April 4. On April 27, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Ferrari Ki Sawaari, a film about a young boy whose obsession with a Ferrari takes him to the Lord’s cricket ground, opens. Sachin owns a Ferrari and his son Arjun and Vinod’s son Agni Dev study in the Dhirubhai Ambani International School and play cricket together.

“Agni is a young cricketer and I’d gone to the MIG cricket club to watch him play. He wasn’t happy to see me, cribbing that now everyone would know he was my son. It impressed me to see a 10-year- old trying to make it on his steam, that sparked off an idea which the co-writer and director Raju Mapuskar developed into a film,” reminisces Chopra.

The climax is set in Lord’s and instead of cutting corners and faking the historic venue, Chopra decided to take his film to the London cricket ground. “It wasn’t easy getting permission to shoot. Initially, I got a curt ‘no’, but I went back with a detailed storyboard and eventually was allowed access into the Mecca of cricket, including the iconic Long Room at Lord’s,” he exults.

The Long Room that the players pass on their way to the middle from the dressing room and back, is a long walk lined with paintings of famous English cricketers and administrators and dates back to the 18th century. Only four overseas players from Australia have their portraits up there — Sir Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Victor Trumper and Shane Warne. “It was such a thrill to walk down the Long Room and on the grounds. I took Agni along for the shoot. He was impressed, but Sachin is still his greatest hero. Whatever I do, I can never be Sachin!”

Sachin in Ferrari Ki Sawaari?
The buzz is that the Master Blaster could make an appearance in the film. Last May, he had tweeted, “Vinod Chopra has a script called Ferrari Ki Sawari. Just heard it. Sounds awesome”, then posted a picture on Twitter, saying, “Hanging with Vinod Chopra and Atul Kasbekar... 3 more Idiots (sic)?” Two years ago, Sachin had shot a documentary on Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak temple, Vignaharta Shree Siddhivinayak, directed by Yashwant Ingavale. Prod Chopra on whether the rumour is true and he retorts, “No comments!”

Cricket in Bollywood
* All-rounder (1984)
* Malamaal (1988)
* Awwal Number (1990)
* Chamatkar (1992)
* Lagaan (2001)
* Stumped (2003)
* Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
* Iqbal (2005)
* Salaam India (2007)
* Chain Khuli To Main Khuli (2007)
* Victory (2008)
* Dil Bole Hadippa (2009)
* Patiala House (2011)

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I will match the energy of IPL: Priyanka Chopra

By Hindustan Times

Come April 3 and Priyanka Chopra will hit a completely different pitch — the cricket pitch, to be exact. The actor is scheduled to perform for the first time at the upcoming Indian Premier League’s (IPL) opening ceremony in Chennai. “I’m always very excited about performing live. And on
this occasion, I am doubly eager because I’m looking forward to kick-starting the IPL season with a bang. It will be a completely new experience for me,” says Priyanka, who has been shooting for Krrish 3 with Hrithik Roshan for the past few days.

The previous seasons have seen dance acts from A-listers like Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Hip-hop artiste Akon has also sung live at the T20 tournament. Apparently, IPL organisers were keen to have Priyanka as the performer this year since her acts at various award functions have become a talking point lately.

“Priyanka has never done a live act at any sports event before, but she loves to perform. That’s why she puts in a lot of effort during rehearsals,” says a member of her entourage.

The Don 2 star has already performed at almost all the year’s top award functions. “As an actor, I have always attempted to make my appearances completely different from each other. I don’t want to reveal too much before the performance, but I can promise it’s going to be a lot of fun. So for the IPL, I will ensure that I match the energy and the excitement of the tournament itself,” chuckles Priyanka.

Although organisers are tight-lipped about the details of her act, it’s believed to be a theme-based performance. “Priyanka isn’t allowed to speak about her act. She will start the rehearsals in a few days. Since it’s a sports function, it might not feature too many Bollywood songs,” says the insider.

At the moment, the actor is going juggling a hectic shooting schedule for multiple films like Anurag Basu’s Barfi!, Hrithik’s Krissh 3 and Kunal Kohli’s untitled next with Shahid Kapoor.

Salman returns to IPL!
Besides Priyanka Chopra, Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan are also set to be part of the Indian Premier League’s opening ceremony at YMCA College of Physical Education on April 3 in Chennai. Apart from Bollywood stars, the ‘Opening Nite’ — as per organisers — will also feature a performance from a leading international artiste.

Dancing sensation Prabhu Deva and musical duo Colonial Cousins will also perform at the event.

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Priyanka Chopra beats Sachin Tendulkar on Twitter

By Hindustan Times

Priyanka Chopra has more fans than cricketer Sanchin Tendulkar… at least on Twitter. The Bollywood star edged past the Little Master’s tally of 2,103,727 followers, with her own impressive figure of 2,156,056 adoring Tweeple.

“I can’t believe these numbers, and I certainly can't begin to compare myself to Sachin Tendulkar,” Priyanka insists, adding, “He is a legend who has brought fame, recognition and pride to our nation. He has been hugely popular on Twitter from the day he joined and I don’t think that is going to change.

The Fashion (2008) star admits that her numbers don’t really count when compared to the support Sachin enjoys. “His popularity, and the love and support he receives from millions of Indians continues to grow,” she adds.

The batsman, widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian sportsmen, is currently striving for the 100th century of his career. Priyanka hopes he will achieve it in the ongoing Asia Cup. “I wish him all the luck for the current series,” she says.

Interestingly, the female star has also surpassed the Khans — Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir — on the micro-blogging site.

Shah Rukh trails his Don 2 co-star with 1,996,060 followers, while Salman Khan’s tally rounds up at 1, 849, 567 and Aamir’s at 1,820,618.

The only actor ahead of Priyanka is Amitabh Bachchan, who rules the marquee with 2,304,293 followers.

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Priyanka Chopra wants to be part of Fashion 2

By Hindustan Times

Women-oriented films are the flavour of the season. And even as female actors show their prowess in The Dirty Picture (2011), Kahaani (2012) or the upcoming Heroine, talk is rife about a sequel to Madhur Bhandarkar’s Fashion (2008). Although makers, including UTV, are non-committal about the project, Priyanka Chopra has opened up about it.

“I am not really aware of any such sequel. Fashion is a film that is closest my heart and if Madhur plans a part two, why not? I would love to be a part of the sequel,” says Priyanka. The actor, along with co-star Kangana Ranaut, had won the National Award for Best Actress in 2009 for the film.

Fashion was one of the first female-centric films to come out from Bollywood. “I completely agree that the wave was started by Fashion. Now there are many more women-oriented films or subjects. I believe it’s the best time to be an actress in our industry. Today, I am getting more women-centric scripts,” says Priyanka.

For some time now, rumours have been doing the rounds that Bhandarkar’s next project after Heroine would be the Fashion sequel. Reports also suggested that Madhur Dixit-Nene, who has recently shifted back to Mumbai, had a closed-door meeting with Madhur regarding Fashion 2. However, there is no confirmation on the project as yet.

Based on the dark side of the fashion world, the film starring Priyanka, Kangana and Mugdha Godse depicted the glamour world through the protagonist’s (Priyanka) eyes. The film went on to become a huge box-office success. Probably that’s why Bhandarkar and UTV’s head honcho Ronnie Screwvala are also believed to be keen on making the Fashion sequel. But it will have to wait. At the moment, Bhandarkar is busy wrapping up Kareena Kapoor’s Heroine that shows the life and times of a Bollywood star. It is likely to release this year.

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