“There’s lots of chemistry between Aishwarya and me, some of the most romantic scenes I’ve ever seen on celluloid but no, there’s no kiss,” Hrithik Roshan reveals. The superhero was referring to his next release, Jodhaa Akbar, which was expected to open this week but has now been put back to mid February.

One of the many reasons why fans are so excited about the historical romance is because it reunites the hot Dhoom 2 pair. Roshan and Rai ignited the screen with their unexpected and contentious smooch in the action blockbuster of 2006.
Set in the 16th century, the film tells of the love story between the great Moghul emperor Akbar, played by Roshan, and his Hindu Rajput princess bride Jodhaa (the lovely Aishwarya Rai).
What about rumours that the Roshan-Rai sweet vibes had gone sour? “Aishwarya is my most favourite co-star ever. She’s completely self-sacrificing and gives her all to a film. She gave us tremendous support and is so sensitive to the concerns of her co-stars,” Roshan diplomatically stated.
The KK diet

Is Kareena Kapoor still a vegetarian? The young actress gave up meat when she was seeing the veggie Shahid Kapoor (no relation). Now that the couple have split (“Shahid is still a great friend”), and the actress is dating Saif Ali Khan, insiders insist that Kareena is back on the non-veg food. Kapoor denied this, illuminating that her current weight loss was due to a diet of fruits, brown bread and lots of power yoga workouts. Kapoor’s next release is Tashan, opposite Khan and current box-office darling, Akshay Kumar. She plays a gun wielding toughie. “This role has totally empowered me; I have that rugged Kill Bill look!”

Love and loathing

As the Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai first wedding anniversary approaches, it appears that the junior Bachchan is in a philosophical mood. “I don’t like my nose, I don’t like my clothes, I don’t like the way I dance, I don’t like my hair…the list is endless,” Abhishek moaned. Let’s hope he has re-assessed his opinion of himself and that he likes his new wife!

Non Returning Indians

The outrage following the molestation of two female NRIs (Non Resident Indians) who left the JW Marriot hotel after celebrating the New Year by rowdy and randy males continues to make news in Mumbai. Protester No1 Shabana Azmi, the actress turned MP and social activist, recently joined members of 14 organisations to stage a public demonstration against the authorities poor response to the assault. To date, only a helpline has been set up. The victims have returned to America, vowing never to return to Mother India.

The Khans on award

Shah Rukh Khan remains in the news in 2008. When asked what his chances are of sweeping all the awards functions this year for his performances in Chak De! India and Om Shanti Om, the King Khan was his usual convinced self. “Unless someone’s judgment is clouded, I should win!” Aamir Khan, on the other hand, who will be up for nominations with his sensitive Taare Zameen Par, maintain his boycott of all Bollywood award functions. He tells me: “Indian film awards have lost their credibility.” So why did he attend the Oscars and last year’s Baftas? “I attended the Oscars because I value them.”

Giggly twosome

Bollywood latest best buddies are the hunky John Abraham and bachelor boy director Karan Johar. The pair was speckled at the recent launch of the Nano car in Delhi giggling and laughing incessantly. “When we are together, Karan and I laugh and giggle to the point that people stare at us,” Abraham confirm. Johar adds: “John has a wicked sense of humour. He’s someone who can make me laugh.” Let’s hope the joke is not on Johar’s original favorites, Shah Rukh Khan.

RIP

The sad passing of Hollywood actor Heath Ledger made me reflect on his daring decision to accept his Brokeback Mountain role. This is quite unlike our macho Bollywood hunks and Quentin Tarantino aspirant directors who refuse to break out of their set images and push further the restrictions of the Bolly-envelope.