Amazing Bollywood

Jivraj Burman: Shah Rukh Khan, the Badshah of Bollywood, is an even bigger king of the advertising world, according to his tax figures.

The superstar has paid an advance tax of Rs.270 million ($6.8 million) on his estimated income during the current financial year of 2007-08, but a major share of it has gone into paying for his income from endorsing a slew of products and other sources.

Sources in the advertising agency for which the superstar has worked reveal that his income from endorsements fetches him Rs.1.5 billion ($38 million) a year, the highest for any Indian advertising “model”.

In comparison, though Amitabh Bachchan endorses more products than Khan, earnings from his annual endorsements do not cross Rs.1.2 billion.

Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, two other Bollywood stars who source a good part of their incomes from endorsements, earn a little less than Rs.1 billion each from advertising assignments annually. The rest of the Bollywood “models” are all in the Rs.50- million income bracket.

Industry observers believe that apart from the top chair he occupies in Bollywood, Shah Rukh is going to maintain his prominent position in the advertising world as well for some more years as there is no one yet who can rival his charisma.

In the current fiscal, his earnings from this source may go a little above Rs.1.5 billion as he has been made brand ambassador of more products - and more are waiting, the sources added.



King Khan’s earnings from endorsements stand at a notch much above the emoluments that he gets for starring in movies, which, according to his own admission, never goes beyond Rs.50-60 million per assignment.

A big chunk of his income from outside Bollywood in the current fiscal also came from hosting STAR Plus’ “Kaun Banega Crorepati” quiz series for which he received Rs.10 million per episode.

Additionally, he also made a quick profit of Rs.400 million across the table by selling the world distribution rights of his home production “Om Shanti Om” to Eros International for Rs.750 million as against the production cost of Rs.350 million.

The profit that he earned from the deal was apart from the remuneration of Rs.50 million that he gave to himself for leading the cast in the movie.

Barring this, the actual figure of his earnings from starring in movies was only Rs.200 million, as he featured in four movies last year. Considering his current star-price, his income from movies in the current fiscal may not go beyond Rs.300 million, which is way below his average earnings from endorsements.

If Shah Rukh earns less from movies, it is because he is seen as the least greedy among the Bollywood stars. Any producer would vouch for it. While other stars generally hike their prices after each successful movie, Shah Rukh never increases his price as others do without thinking. Even after “Om Shanti Om” became a super-hit, he has decided against hiking his price.



“Shah Rukh chooses his movies carefully. First, the subject matter must appeal to him and, if it does, his opting to star in the movie would largely depend on the credibility and antecedents of the producer and the director,” said an executive of the star’s production banner, Red Chillies Production.

“But once he has agreed to a movie, he would devote himself to it wholeheartedly and ensure that the producer never faces any problem in successfully completing it,” the executive, not wishing to be named, told IANS.

It is therefore no wonder that Shah Rukh has been seen to be working only for certain known banners in the last decade. It may even be said if any lesser-known production house rather than Yash Raj Films had approached him for a film like “Chak De! India”, he would have perhaps refused it.

“I have not seen him throwing star tantrums ever, like nitpicking on small things as most stars do. He comes to the sets and gets involved in shooting right away. As a matter of fact, on the sets, he never behaves like a star,” said a production controller, the professional who on behalf of the producer takes care of the needs of the stars during shoots.

In contrast, Shah Rukh behaves like a ’star’ when he shoots for TV commercials. There he refuses to compromise on anything, particularly on his price.

Says he: “Why should I compromise? TV commercials are what they are - commercials.

“The companies that manufacture the brands pay the advertising agencies to make the commercials and the companies do so in order to boost their sales. The agencies, on their part, use me as a prop to meet the demands of the companies. So there! If you use me as a prop to climb up, pay me. Unlike my price for movies, I have no fixed price for my appearance in commercials.”

But don’t the producers sign him up essentially to boost box-office performance of their movies?

The superstar counters this question, saying he is beholden to Bollywood because it made him the superstar that he is today. He says his charging less for movie appearances is his little gesture of gratitude towards the industry.

“Had the industry not put me in a position where I am today, would the companies have chosen me to be their brand ambassadors?” he asks.

Is King Khan, then, robbing Peter to pay Paul? As one advertising agency executive put it: “He is, but he has made his ‘larceny’ seem like a social service.”

For years, King Khan has maintained a low key when it comes to talking about his sister, and now it looks like the media is all set to get a glimpse of Shehnaz.

Shehnaz, who was not keeping good health for a few years now, has been living with Shahrukh and Gauri at their Bandra mansion ‘Mannat’. She is now however, decided to move out of her brother’s villa.

Shahrukh Khan has always maintained transparency around his family life with the media but, when it comes to talking about his sister SRK has always kept a low profile.

Based on sources close to the star, Shehnaz, who also manages work for SRK in some capacity, will be seen accompanying the star at various events.

We hope SRK fans pray for Shehnaz's quick recovery so we get to see more of the brother-sister duo along with true Khan power-house, Gauri Khan.

After their split Shahid Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor try to avoid each other at public events. But the stars bumped into each other at the Max Stardust Awards. The evening saw the presence of stars like Akshay Kumar, Celina Jaitley, Kangana Ranaut and Vivek Oberoi. But the people drawing most attention were Shahid and Kareena.

Kareena wore a black dress and was seen sitting with Saif Ali Khan's son. Shahid who was also in a black suit was seated just a few seats from her. The two even glanced at each other and exchanged a few smiles. Kareena and Shahid then met backstage, away from the public view. The two then shook hands with each other. However the meeting seemed very formal and lasted for few minutes.

The audience were then treated with a magnificent dance form the numero uno actress of Bollywood. Lover boy Saif was not to be left behind as he also performed to a song from his upcoming movie Race. Shahid off late has been dating Saif's ex girlfriend Rozzaa. The two were even spotted in a five star hotel together.

Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has appealed to Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to stop smoking in movies as millions of youngsters emulate them and imbibe the bad habit.

"I have already made appeals to Shah Rukh Khan," Ramadoss said in Karan Thapar's "Devil's Advocate" programme being aired on a news channel.

"But I would be happy to do it again and say, 'Please don't smoke in your movies, Mr. Shah Rukh Khan'. I would like to make an appeal to Mr. Shah Rukh Khan and Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and all the other personalities.

"Fourteen-year-olds are taking to tobacco. India should be very, very concerned about the alarming rise of incidence of tobacco (use) amongst young people," the minister emphasised.

Criticising movies with smoking scenes, the minister said: "The movies are most responsible (for encouraging smoking). When I said movies should not have smoking scenes, we have statistics which show that 52 percent of children have their first puff of a cigarette because of movie celebrities."



When asked about Shah Rukh smoking during a recent cricket match, Ramadoss said the actor should not have done it.
Bollywood Celebrities.
"Absolutely not. What was the necessity? See these are celebrities and millions of youngsters look up to these celebrities...I again say to celebrities, in whichever field they are, whether it's movies or sports, not to do these things in public."

Responding to a question if Shah Rukh and Amitabh could stop smoking like Tamil superstar Rajnikant, the minister said: "Easily, they could do it. Without a doubt."

Kareena Kapoor ditched Shahid Kapoor, her boyfriend of over four years, after spotting the stylish actor Saif Ali Khan on the sets of Yash Chopra's film Tashan. She looked happy and even agreed to bare her back in Tashan on Saif's request. Saif on the other hand curved Kareena's name on his arm to show his love for her. However, their love affair is not free from thorns. The news is spreading like wildfire that they had a tiff on the the last day of the shooting of Tashan in Greece.

It is said that Kareena is not at all happy with Saif's declaration that he would like to marry her this year because she wants her booming career to take greater heights. The fate is that she is on a new high after the success of Jab We Met, and she has a few promising projects on hand. Sources however said that the lovebirds sorted out the difference by talking to each other.
Well, Bollywood's hottest couple should know that there is many a slip between the cup and the lip!

Finally it is Bollywood Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan! The glamorous actress is to star opposite Tamil film icon Rajnikant in sci-fi film "Robot" though there is no official confirmation from either the producer or director.

In other words, you can define it as a Bollywood Gossip

Aishwarya told the media that she would be pairing with Rajnikant in the movie being directed by Shankar. This will be her second project with Shankar after "Jeans", which released in 1998. She had starred opposite Prashant in "Jeans".

Two weeks ago, Shankar had signed up superstar Rajnikant for the lead role in "Robot". Since then, the media has speculated on Aishwarya or Deepika Padukone for the lead opposite Rajni.

According to the film industry sources, Shankar was in Mumbai with the script and the former Miss World responded positively after "having gone through the script thoroughly".

Even for Shankar's "Sivaji: The Boss", rumour mills had predicted Bollywood Actress Aishwarya as the female lead opposite Rajnikant, but low-profile Shriya Sharan was roped in at the end.

One of Rajnikant's daughters is also named Aishwarya.

After the success of "Sivaji: The Boss", Shankar announced that he will repeat the 57-year-old actor in "Robot" - a Rs.1 billion film, which the industry predicts will be a greater success.

Both Rajni and Shankar are reportedly keen on "Robot" becoming an international success.

Most beautiful eyes: The winner is Aishwayra Rai Bachchan...This green eyed beauty has captured hearts of millions through her arresting looks and continues to do so.


Most beautiful hair: The runner up is Ayesha Takia. Those glossy locks make look Ayesha more beautiful than she is.


Most beautiful skin. The winner is Bipasha Basu...This dusky beauty sure scores the goal for having that flawless skin. We just wonder if Bengali food is doing her all the good?


Most beautiful hair: The winner is Celina Jaitley...Those well-groomed, luxuriant, lustrous hair make her look simply beautiful and sexy.


Most beautiful smile: The runner up is Deepika Padukone: Her dimped smile has got everyone smiling back at her.


Most beautiful skin: Kangana Ranaut...Something is really hot about this girl. We wonder if it is those naughty curls or the flawless skin which makes us sigh!


Most beautiful cheek bones. The winner is Kareena Kapoor..With her cute bebolicious cheek bones, she sure makes go many crazy.


Most beautiful lips: The winner is Katrina Kaif: Oh! That pout which has already won her awards for the most beautiful lips lot of times. All we can say is, humko deewana kar gaye!


Most beautiful smile: And the winner is Madhuri Dixit...Pearly smile like hers surely make us realise smile is the second best thing you can do with your lips


Most beautiful lips: The runner up is Lara Dutta: This ex miss world takes the runner up crown of flaunting the best lips in the town.


The most beautiful body: And the winner is: Mallika Sherawat: Need we say more!


Most beautiful cheek bones: The runner up is Hansika Motwani: She is all of seventeen but looks like a star has arrived.


The most beautiful back: And the winner is...Neha Dhupia..No one has turned a back to her, since she has started flaunting that sexy back!


The most beautiful body: The runner up is Priyanka Chopra. This leggy ex Miss Universe has got a body to make universe drool.


Most beautiful eyes: The runner up is Rani Mukherji..Most of the times her eyes do all the speaking and makes her the queen bee of Bollywood.


Most beautiful legs: The winner is Shilpa Shetty...Boss, she continues to create magic with her long legs even after 13 years in industy.


The most graceful: The winner is Sushmita Sen...This beauty with brains has been graceful and elegant always.


The most beautiful back: The runner up is Tanushree Dutta... She is bringing a sexy back...Check it out!

Reports claim Shah Rukh Khan and Lara Dutta are to shake a leg at Ekta Kapoor’s much awaited Global Indian TV Honours. According to sources, while Shah Rukh will perform alongside eleven beautiful TV actresses, Lara will dance with the handsome hunks of television.

Apparently, SRK was initially to perform with the Chak De! India girls. However, due to unavoidable circumstances, that didn’t work out. Also, the venue has been changed from Dubai to Mumbai.

Ronit Roy, Smriti Irani, Sakshi Tanwar and the Nach Baliye 3 winners, Aamir and Sanjeeda, will be some of the stars set to dish out sizzling performances. Also, SRK’s best buddy Karan Johar will do a special chat show with Ekta. Jeetendra’s little girl is sure set to make it a grand affair.

If the rumors in the industry circles are to be believed, despite here resounding success during 2007, especially ‘Jab We Met’, and hiked performance price, Kareena Kapoor has been dropped from director Imtiaz Ali’s next film.

Rejecting Kareena for a role in his film, Imtiyaz Ali has chosen the currently hot Bollywood glamour girl Deepika Padukone for the film.

Worse still, in a recent interview, director Imtiyz Ali has told a magazine that he had taken Kareena Kapoor for ‘Jab We Met’ even without liking the actress’ acting qualities and he stressed that Kareena is not a good actress at all.

Incidentally, Imtiaz Ali, who was the director of ‘Jab We Met’, has even ignored the recommendations of Saif Ali Khan the hero of his next untitled film, and rejected his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor to opt for Deepika Padukone.

Kareena Kapoor

More interestingly, Saif Ali Khan is not only the hero of the film, but it is going to be Saif's first film production!

Sources said that Saif Ali Khan had recommended Kareena Kapoor for their new film, but the director rejected Saif’s pleas.

Going by the standards in Bollywood, this is something significant as normally the directors seldom have the guts to ignore the requests of the hero and more so when he is also the producer of the movie.

But many here would want to know if the director would have the same guts to reject a request either by Shah Rukh Khan or Aameer Khan!

Finally, Kangana Ranaut has bagged her first endorsement project, and that too opposite none other than Salman Khan. Kangana has been chosen by a leading international shoes company Red Tape to endorse their brand of footwear which had been endorsed by Salman Khan so far.

Until now Red Tape manufactured footwear only for men with Salman as their ambassador. Now, the company is launching its female lineup with Kangana, who has already shot spots for hoardings and magazines and will soon be doing a TV ad with Salman Khan for the brand.



Apparently Red Tape has paid Kangana a whopping figure and has promised to enhance the amount by thirty percent in the next financial year. On being questioned about the reason for she being chosen for the brand, Kangana explains, “It was my my casual looks, I guess. The brand isn’t associated with formal shoes. Only sporty footwear, sneakers etc. They want me to endorse their shoes in my jeans and with my curly hair.”

Kangana is very excited about working with Salman, “It’s a good thought. I’m excited about the ad with Salman. I’ve always been his fan. I think he’s the only rock star in our cinema. I had watched him dance at an awards function and thought I’d be paired with him one day. It’s happening sooner than I thought.”

Bollywood Gossips - Bollywood Actor Shahid Kapoor is so over Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor. Reams are being written about the potential girls who can fill the void in Shahid's life. So who is the new girl... Amrita, Sania Mirza or Vidya Balan?

Sorry to disappoint you, but none of the above. Instead, we saw him with Rozza Katallano, Saif Ali Khan's ex- girlfriend, at a coffee shop of a suburban five-star where the two were engaged in a deep conversation.

This is not the first time that Bollywood Actor Shahid was spotted spending time with the Italian model Rozza. It may be recalled that Shahid had chosen to ignore the rumours of Bebo's closeness with Saif, but later, Rozza was the one who confirmed that it was indeed true.



Consequently, Shahid and Rozza became very good friends and have been constantly in touch with each other.

Ask Shahid if he is ready to mingle again and he tells, "Yes, I’m also hearing all these stories about me. Sometime, I’m caught watching movie with Bollywood Actress Amrita or having coffee with someone. I think, I will have to get a girl friend very soon."

So is he ready to fall in love again? "Absolutely," he gushes and adds, "It’s a lovely feeling to be loved cared by someone. I’m sure something will happen soon, I can sense it. I will find love again.

After her split with Saif, Rozza has been frequently seen in the party circuit, she was also linked with Bollywood Actor Vivek Oberoi. According to sources close to Rozza she is now staying with a friend in Andheri and hunting for an apartment.

Actress Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan seem to be made for each other. First, it was Saif who publicly showed his love for Kareena by tattooing her name on his arm. Now, the grapevine is abuzz with the news that Kareena went topless for Saif.

It is said that Kareena agreed to Saif's suggestion to go topless for their latest film Tashan. Sources revealed that the sexy actress would come out of a swimming pool in a bikini and undress herself. However, only her back would be shown on the big screens.

Well, Kareena has dared to go against the non-glamorous role she played in Jab We Met, starring her ex boyfriend Shahid Kapoor.

Kareena Kapoor's ultimate dream is to do a romantic movie with Shah Rukh Khan. The actress can't seem to stop gushing over her favourite actor.

"Very frankly I did the Yeh mera dil song in Don because of Shah Rukh. My ultimate wish is to do a full-on love story with him," said the actress whose latest movie Jab We Met is a box-office hit.

"When Farhan Akhtar offered me the song I wondered if making a guest appearance was right for me. However, the temptation of doing a song with Shah Rukh got the better of me."

Kareena says she is glad she did the song. "It got me tremendous notice. My niece Samaira has become my biggest fan. She dances to the song. And the minute she sees me she starts singing Yeh mera dil pyar ka deewana," said the young Kapoor.

"It's one film I'm truly proud of. I'm looking forward to working with VishalBharadwaj again. He's one of those rare directors who know how to tap into my potential. I need directors like Vishal and Imtiaz Ali of Jab We Met to come forward and give me a chance. That's why I've taken a long break to get my act together. I don't want to look back on my career with any regrets," she said.

This is no bluff, guys and gals. Bollywood’s pin-up boy John Abraham might soon pose nude for a good cause.

We have heard of Hollywood celebrities posing nude for the cause of animals. Now, John is set to do the same for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The theme of the ad will be: it is better to go nude than wear clothes made from animal products.

Ingrid Newkirk, founder and president of PETA, says: “It’s true. John has told us that if he ever decided to pose nude, it would be for PETA.”

If John indeed does so he would be joining the likes of international celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Kim Basinger and Tyra Banks.

Newkirk also adds that international male model Patrick Ribbsaeter will also do a nude PETA campaign for saving elephants in India.

Anuradha Sawhney, chief functionary for PETA, India, confirms that John might pose nude for PETA. However, she adds that the campaign will be done aesthetically, “keeping Indian sensibilities in mind.”

Speaking about John, Sawhney told a news channel: “John is truly concerned about animals, whether it be stray dogs or cows on the road or birds in cages. In fact, when he posed in a cage for our PETA campaign, we got such a tremendous response from people all over who wanted to know how they could help the cause.”

In fact, so intense is John’s love for the animals that recently at PETA’s 8th anniversary at ITC Grand Maratha, Mumbai, he willingly went on stage and asked the celebrities there to donate generously for PETA. Within minutes he helped the organization raise a few lakh rupees.

Given John’s passion, it is not surprising that he is willing to drop his clothes if doing so helps the cause of animals.

After getting time off to accompany Salman Khan for the unveiling of his waxwork statue at Madame Tussauds at London, Katrina Kaif stayed away from the event. At the event, only his sister Arpita and close buddy producer Sajid Nadiadwala accompanied him. Says Sajid, "How could I not go with Salman for such an eventful and important moment of his life? The statue shows off his arms in a black cut-sleeves tee with black jeans, a diamond studded belt and a silver-and- turquoise bracelet.

Mallika Sherawat had quite a successful 2007 with a hat-trick of box office successes to her name. However, even though 'Guru', 'Aap Ka Surroor - The Moviee' and 'Welcome' were all money spinners, Mallika only had supporting roles or cameo appearances in each of the three films.



While in 'Guru', she gyrated to the tune of chartbuster track 'Maiyya Maiyya', in case of 'Aap Kaa Surroor - The Moviee' there were rumors about her charging a whopping Rs one crore in fees for a short appearance.

In the film, she had an item track 'Mehbooba' in addition to a few scenes as a woman who had much more than just a crush on Himesh Reshammiya.

Even though she was promoted as a vamp in the film, she hardly seemed to be the one as the film progressed.

Meanwhile, the latest release 'Welcome' is her biggest blockbuster of all times. Even as she made an appearance only in the second half of the film, her arrival only made the proceedings livelier.

Her naughty antics with Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor managed to get the house down with her 'Kiya Kiya' song and dance number with the two veterans turning out to be a chartbuster.

Says a source closely associated with the actor, "The year 2007 has gone quite well for Mallika even though she didn't have a lead role to play in any of the three films.

After 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects', her fans have obviously been asking for more. After a consistently good run, in the form of three super hit films, she is all set to enter 2008 with a lot more confidence."

The year 2008 is indeed special for Madame M as she would be seen in at least three high profile projects - 'Ugly And Pagli', 'Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam' and a Tamil film 'Dasavatharam'.

Reveals the source, "'Maan Gaye Mughal-E-Azam' is all set to remind the audience of the great chemistry that Mallika shared with Rahul Bose in 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects'. The film is a wonderful package.

Not only does it comes from the house of Venus who are looking at making a comeback after the debacle of 'Aap Ki Khatir'; it also has Sanjay Chhel as a director who wrote such superb one liners in 'Partner'.

Actors like Paresh Rawal and Kay Kay Menon in the cast only make this yet another more comedy to watch out for in 2008."

Another comedy which Mallika's fans can expect from her this year is 'Ugly And Pagli'.

A Pritish Nandy Communications' production, the film, as per its producer Rangita Pritish Nandy, is 'Bollywood's quirkiest, kinkiest and funniest romance'.

To be directed by debutant Sachin Khot, the film sees Mallika paired opposite Ranvir Shorey who had a supporting role to play in 'Pyaar Ke Side Effects'. A romantic comedy, the film has music by Anu Malik.

Before the year comes to a close, Mallika would be also seen in her biggest and costliest Indian project ever

Emraan Hashmi has neither been approached nor signed for one of the principal roles in Himesh Reshammiya's second venture as a lead actor - Karzzzz. Though, rumours are abound that Emraan Hashmi has been finalized and signed for the role which was originally played by Raj Kiran in the original Subhash Ghai blockbuster, truth is completely different. Confirms a senior crew member closely associated with the film, "These are baseless rumours. With all due respect to Emraan, he hasn't been signed for the film.

Rakhi Sawant is one actress who always has one way or the other to stay in news. Getting emotional, or exposing too much or blabbering some rubbish………these are some tactics she uses to stay in news.

Everything she does seems so artificial and superficial that you do not know whether to laugh or to cry when she opens her mouth.

Sources reveal that the lady has decided to go unemotional in the New Year. She has decided to sober down in 2008

Well this statement has certainly brought the lady in limelight.

Also, she is in news for lodging a complaint against Star News, accusing them to be cheating the audiences, due to their alleged fake voting pattern.

The channel however, has not taken this allegation seriously.

“From now, Rakhi won’t cry, but will have people cry,” she roars.

Watch out guys!!!!!!

Vidya Balan turned a year older on New Year's day she brought in her birthday the way she liked best… in the company of her family.

She was In Delhi visiting her sister. Her parents joined the sisters. And Vidya had herself what she considers a perfect birthday.

"I've great faith in myself. I'm happy to get what I do.Of course there're tough times. But God has brought me to them he'll take me through them. That's what keeps me going. Last year there were lessons to be learnt.

Professionally I've learnt to say no to projects I don't want to do. I'm no longer apologetic about voicing my opinion.I guess I've become more confident and therefore assertive. At times I didn't know how to say no to a filmmaker.

I'd wonder how they'd react to me rejecting their creativity. Now that painful process has become less difficult. If I say no to a project I don't see that as a rejection of an inividual's creativity. I just see the project as as being non-relatable with me."

In 2008 Vidya is looking at something different to do. "At the same time I want to have fun. My two releases in the first-half this year Halla Bol and Lucky Charm are very different from one another. For this year I've only signed a Bengali film so far.I like where I am."

She laughs her musical laughter when her Lucky Charm hero Shahid is mentioned. "I've been linked with practically every co-star I've worked with.

I get along famously with all of them. And I am single. So people are looking for masala to make my life and theirs, more interesting," she laughs heartily.

"Spice apart, I got along very well with Shahid during our schedule in Toronto. People just wanted to say there was more to our dosti than meet the eye. Honestly even I like to gossip. Most of us enjoy it.

Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who has been sentenced to five years in jail for poaching, has been given permission by the Jodhpur High Court to travel to London for the unveiling of his statue at Madam Tussauds Wax Museum, his lawyer said.

Dipesh Mehta, the actor's lawyer, confirmed that he would fly to London January 14.

"He will unveil the statue the same day and return the next day," Mehta said.

Salman's wax statue will join the statues of other Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai.

The actor, currently out on bail, was found guilty of poaching a chinkara, an endangered species of deer, near Jodhpur in September 1998 while filming for the movie Hum Saath Saath Hain.

A lower court convicted Salman for the offence on February 17, 2007.

The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan, traditional custodians of the natural environment, had taken up the matter against Salman.

Not long back, this space had informed you that Mallika Sherawat was to play the role of a prostitute-turned-politician in Kundan Shah’s ‘Masquerade’. Now, the latest one is that the loud-mouthed bombshell has walked out of the film owing to some irrevocable creative differences with the director.

Mallika was initially very excited about the project as it was undoubtedly one of the best and most challenging roles of her career. She had even agreed to use the typical UP language laced with colorful epithets. However, during the course of the rehearsals, she developed serious problems with Kundan over creative issues. Word is also going around that she did not like the film’s technical crew but Kundan was adamant about not changing his technical crew. A lot of other creative differences cropped up during the film’s shooting and Mallika, with her no-one-messes-with-me attitude, walked out of the film.

With the leading lady walking out of the film, the project has an undecided fate now because the producers of the film, The Indian Film Company, too has decided to opt out.