Mallika's near-death experience
Sultry siren Mallika Sherawat, who has been lighting up the screen with her oomph for the past few years, almost lost her life while shooting for Sanjay Chhel's Maan Gaye Mughal-e-Azam. For the scene, which was being shot on a beach in Pondicherry, Mallika was required to stand in waist-deep water with a musical instrument. But the crew didn't realise that high-tide had arrived. The water level rose and Mallika was dragged into the ocean. Fortunately, there was help around and she was saved. The professional that she is, Mallika decided to continue shooting and completed the scene.
Hrithik turns down Bhansali's next
After prolonged talks, Hrithik Roshan has refused Sanjay Leela Bhansali's next film, yet another love triangle.
According to sources, the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam director gave Roshan a copy of the script and held several meetings with him to discuss the various nuances of his character. But when the time came to sign on the dotted line, the actor got cold feet and backed out. Insiders say that after the Saawariya disaster, Bhansali is finding it hard to convince big stars to sign his films. It would have been great to get an explanation. But since Roshan is currently in Mexico shooting for Kites, and Bhansali refuses to be interviewed, it was not possible to get their takes.
Overworked and underpaid
The glamour dolls of Bollywood are up in arms. No, they are not doing action flicks. They are protesting against discrimination – monetary, that is. The first one to bring this issue up was Kareena Kapoor and supporting her is rival Priyanka Chopra (above). "I'm overworked and underpaid," says Priyanka without mincing words. Prod her a little more on the issue and she reiterates: "Trust me, it is true. I don't get paid enough!"
Jiah's animal instinct
Jiah Khan, the one-film-old siren, has been appointed brand ambassador of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). That's odd, considering that this Ram Gopal Varma prodigy is a non-vegetarian. She says, "Yes I am non-vegetarian but I am trying to give it up and turn vegetarian. However, it's not as if non-vegetarians cannot support PETA." As part of the campaign, Jiah will help stop bird deaths caused by kites. Says the actress, "One must not use glass-coated thread while flying kites. It can slit the necks of pigeons, crows and sparrows."
