IS SHAHID GOING AROUND WITH AMRITA RAO AT THE COST OF WRECKING HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH KAREENA?

There are enough rumours doing the rounds that the Kareena Kapoor-Shahid Kapur relationship is on the rocks. While the Shahid camp followers blame Kareena for going around with Saif Ali Khan, here comes a new twist to the story. It seems that Kareena is reportedly miffed with Shahid's dalliance with the Atidhi girl Amrita Rao.

Close friends of Kareena indicate that one of the reasons for the relationship going awry is that Kareena is not too happy with Shahid's friendship with Amrita Rao. For she feels that there is more to the friendship between the two, and that the two -- Shahid Kapur and Amrita Rao -- have become thick pals during their Vivah days.

For those of you who don't know, Vivah starred Shahid and Amrita and it went on to become a roaring hit. Kareena is allegedly angry with Shahid over the latter two timing her.

Recently, when a journo asked Amrita about the rumours doing the rounds, she shot back saying, "Excuse me, Shahid going around with me, no way". She also went on to say that she has better things to do than wreck someone's relationship. Whatever the truth of the matter is: for now Atidhi girl is in the news for all the wrong reasons.

NAGARJUNA WANTS A SUPERHERO SUBJECT AHOY!

Nagarjuna is willing to give a chance to anyone who can give him a blockbuster. But, he should be able to deliver a blockbuster. Nothing less. Of late, he has been harping on the "mass entertainment" factor too much in his interviews. "I want to do a film like Shiva, which has a wider appeal," he had gone on to say in a recent interview. And it is not easy to understand why.

The younger actors like Mahesh Babu, Junior NTR, Allu Arjun, and the likes have stolen the thunder from under the feet of the Big Four -- Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Balakrishna and Nagarjuna -- leaving them tottering on the brink of extinction. And what they need is a massive hit to stabilise their position. While Balakrishna and Venkatesh are managing to hang on there with their cleverly crafted subjects, Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna have been struggling to maintain their image.

Especially for Nagarjuna, who is unable to bracket himself in any category unlike the other Three, it has been a Herculean task to withstand the competition. Which is why he is singing the "mass entertainment" mantra. Don't think he has any love lost for you, on the contrary, he wants to count his money. And the bigger the packet, the grander their words. So, don't be surprised if you see Nagarjuna twisting and tearaing the hands and limbs of villians in his next film a la a super hero. Remember, he is only trying to be in the reckoning.

WHERE IS THE SUPERHEROINE IN TELUGU CINEMA GONE?

What has happened to the superheroine in Telugu cinema? There was a time when the likes of Sri Devi and Vijayashanti strode the silver screen with the dare devilry of any hero. And even actors like Jagapati Babu played second fiddle to them.

They were followed by Soundarya, who excelled in the role of a superheroine in her own way in family subjects. Remember how she stole the limelight even from actors like Venkatesh and Nagarjuna in some of the films like Pavitrabandham and Nuvvostavani?

To some extent, Simran too did shine bright with some good roles on par with the heroes of her time.

But today, it is a different ball game altogether, what with every actor worth his name -- from Gopichand to Chiranjeevi -- has assumed the superhero avatar, reducing the heroine to a prop. We have woman-oriented films like Missamma, but Bhumika is no superheroine in the film, though she gets to essay a wonderful role to perfection.

Is it because the subjects which revolve round real estate wars and faction politics don't have a place for superheroines? It is time to ponder over the death of the superheroine.

BRAHMANANDAM HAS A KNACK OF GETTING BEATEN UP, HERO OR HEROINE NO BAR

HIS ANGLO-TELUGU COMEDY IN CHENNAKESAVA REDDY


AND HIS COOL COMEDY IN ATHADU

AMRITA RAO IS THE NEW GIRL WITH A COOL ATTITUDE, CHECK HER OUT

AMRITA RAO BOWLS OVER RENOWNED ARTIST M F HUSSAIN WITH HER SMALL TOWN LOOKS

Ram Charan Teja is not the only one raring to act with Mahesh Babu's dream girl in Athidi Amrita Rao. M F Hussain has been raving about the girl, so much so, that today she is his muse. He has seen Vivah, God knows how many times, and totally smitten by her simple looks, he has started a series of paintings on her.

Here is what Hussain has to say about Amrita Rao:

"I’ve already started my series on Amrita Rao and I just can’t seem to stop. For me she represents the small town girl of India, an aspect of womanhood no one seems to remember in any form of artistic expression today -– in art, cinema, drama or literature.

"I’m trying to paint a woman who is not aggressive.. but is still very strong in her values and attitudes. I’ve been seeing Vivah over and over again..don’t ask me how many times though…I’ll tell you that next year.

"She was very shy and courteous. When I saw her before me, I was taken back to the days when I was a boy in Indore. I would see such lovely girls in the gullies and bylanes. They would walk with a faint smile but their faces would look away.”

And what does Amrita feel?

“My friends told me that being an artist’s muse; one has sit in front of him for hours together. But Husainsaab just needs to say ‘statue’ and I’d freeze forever!”

HAS MAHESH BABU SIGNED A THREE-FILM DEAL WITH UTV FOR RS 15 CRORE?

Looks like there is too much money and too few avenues of investment in India. Which is why the big business houses have entered the entertainment segment like never before. And this has not only benefitted the audiences but also boosted the revenues of actors. Today, we hear that UTV has signed a three-film deal with Mahesh Babu, the star who is raising eyebrows in the Telugu film industry with the rollicking success of Pokiri. With this Mahesh Babu becomes the first actor in the south to sign a mega deal and the highest paid actor.

For starters, UTV has produced films like Rang De Basanti, Life in a... Metro, Khosla Ka Ghosla and has a major stake in television channels like Hungama, Disney's kids channel.

After its successful entry into the entertainment sector, especially in Bollywood, it is ready to spread its wings to the south. What more, with the kind of global response Rajnikanth starrer Sivaji: the boss has received, it has reinforced their resolve to take the long journey to the South Indian film industries like Tamil and Telugu sooner than later. Already Adlabs has made films in Tamil, and has announced plans to invest in Tollywood. Do we hear the young directors sing, Happy Days Are Here Again?

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REAL PHOTOS, REAL FUN
ENGLISH IS A FUNNY LANGUAGE
IT CAN HAPPEN ONLY IN INDIA

WRINKLE, WRINKLE SUPERSTARS: A SPOOF ON THE BIG FOUR OF TOLLYWOOD

Mahesh Babu has been breaking one box-office reord after the other, Junior NTR has been riding the crest of a superstar wave, and even Prabhas and Gopichand are making heads turn with their 'hit'man profile. What are the reigning superstars doing to keep themselves in the race? We take a hilarious ride on what could be on the minds of the superstars. It has been done in jest, so take it in the right spirit and have a rollicking Sunday!!

Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna are sitting together with their backs to each other. There is pindrop silence in the room. The emergency meeting has been called by Balakrishna for reasons better known to him. And him alone. The Big 3 -- Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna -- have arrived half-an-hour back, but Balakrishna hasn't opened his mouth yet, and naturally they are restless and waiting for him to speak up. And after an hour, Balakrishna finally speaks up.

BALAKRISHNA: (In a pensive mood, slowly raises his head and gets up to address the others) All of you must be wondering why I've called for the meeting. It is a grave issue that needs to be addressed immediately. If we don't address it now, it is going to take a toll on our careers....

(The moment he says careers, all of three sit straight in attention with apprehension writ large on their faces)

You know that a number of young heroes have burst on the horizon...

(Chiranjeevi is unable to take the the suspense anymore)

CHIRANJEEVI: Balakrishna, cut the crap and come to the point.

BALAKRISHNA (irritated): Coming to the point, a number of young heroes have burst on the horizon...

CHIRANJEEVI: (cuts in again): I told you to cut the crap...

BALAKRISHNA: (trying to calm himself): Don't get angry Chiranjeevi, I'm coming to the point. The point is....the point is... what was I talking about?

(Now Venkatesh and Nagarjuna too are pretty pissed off with Balakrishna's inability to speak out his mind. And they start squirming in their seats. Chiranjeevi gives Balakrishna a glare.)

BALAKRISHNA: (continues) I hate it when someone pops a question in the middle. See, you've cut my train of thought... Okay, okay, now I remember, the point is: the younger heroes are going beyond their brief and straying wildly into our territory. If we don't do something about it, we are going to face serious consequences.

(Venkatesh gets up and tries to say something, but Balakrishna waves his hand asking him to sit down)

BALAKRISHNA: Learn to wait Venkatesh, why are you in a hurry to speak up? Let me complete.

(Venkatesh is miffed at Balakrishna's snub)

BALAKRISHNA: What was I saying? Yeah, the point is: They are imitating our roles, bashing up the same villians we've been grounding to pulp, and they are even flirting with the same heroines?

NAGARJUNA: Yeah, I've tried my best to get a heroine and they say they are busy with this film and that film, and so I had to settle with Anushka for Don.

CHIRANJEEVI: Yeah, they don't even have respect for a megastar like me, who has won a Padma Vibhushan, and spent lakhs of rupees to tom-tom it to the world. Look at Mahesh Babu? He has robbed the only ad I have on television -- the Thumps Up ad. And I had to settle for that greasy Navratan oil ad. (Sighs) And this should happen at a time when I am launching my son.

BALAKRISHNA: That junior NTR, he tags my father's name, he robs my image and now he is trying to usurp my identity as well by making films based on Rayalaseema themes -- my bread and butter.

NAGARJUNA: What is worse Chiranjeevi, they are looking down at me as if I am a old hag. Do I look that old, Chiranjeevi?

CHIRANJEEVI: How can you be old Nagarjuna? I'm told by my chamchas that even now you are fooling around with the young young juicy juicy fruitty tutti heroines. What luck brother, you speak good English and give good good parties and get to flirt with heroines naa? Otherwise why all heroines call you Nag, and come to your house even though you don't have a proper hit like me in the last couple of years?

(At this, Nagarjuna gets put off and looks to Balakrishna for help. But there is a glee in Venkatesh's face that Nag has been snubbed by Chiranjeevi.)

NAGARJUNA: (mustering courage) So what if I don't have hits? I am not becoming old like you know. See the wrinkles on your face?

(At this, an enraged Chiranjeevi picks up his mobile and rings up his All-India Chiranjeevi Fans' Association president and tells him to pull down all Nag's hoardings across the State for having insulted a megastar like him.)

(Nag gets agitated and even fears for his life. He slips out of the room and uses his wife's clout in the English press to plant a story of how Chiranjeevi fans are rowdy elements and how he tried to settle an issue between Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi, despite Venkatesh backing Balakrishna and how the whole thing blew out of proportion culminating in Chiranjeevi ordering his fans to pull his cutouts down.)

PRESS REPORTERS: (on the other side of the phone) When did you have cutouts Nagarjuna? All your films have been either flops or average grossers and you have been keeping up this myth that you are still a loverboy.

NAGARJUNA: Did you forget the party my brother-in-law gave you last week? He will give you an even bigger one at Hotel Taj Krishna next week, where you can have a comfortable stay with your friends and family.
(All of them are happy and think of how to write a mindblowing copy with a mindblowing headline.)

Meanwhile, Venkatesh is fumbling for words and he is talking with all the parts of his body except his mouth. His throat is parched, and he is making wild gestures trying to put across his point. He must have removed and put on his cap some 50 times and scratched it evey time.

BALAKRISHNA: (who has been watching Venkatesh's funny antics) Stop doing that Venkatesh, you are pulling the little hair you have on your head.

(And Balakrishna can't contain his disgust at the pettifoggying between the stars)

What the fuck is this. We are supposed to be fucking superstars and we can't even fucking discuss this, leave alone reach a fucking conclusion.

(When he use foul language, he is very audible. While Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna are aghast, Venkatesh is virutally shaken. With Balakrishna's shooting episode still fresh in memory, Venkatesh immediately rings up his brother, Suresh, for an idea, lest Balakrishna takes off the heat on him. But Ramanaidu comes on the line and a nervous Venkatesh mumbles on the phone.)

RAMANAIDU: (on the other side of the phone) Stop stammering and tell me what it is.

VENKATESH: N..n..n...n..nothing papa, I...I...I j...j...j....j..ust wanted to know if you had your dinner (and cuts the call)

(Later he realises that in his frenzy, he had rang up Ramanaidu and not Suresh. So he tries for Suresh's number. Now it is the turn of Chiranjeevi to get angry at Venkatesh.)

CHIRANJEEVI: Acting in women's films and degrading the image of superstars like us, you've become like a woman Venkatesh. For every bloody thing, you ring up your father or brother to take permission. Is this the same with your wife, too?

(He comes closer to Venkatesh and puts his hands on his shoulders and shakes him up)

Be a man, Venkatesh

(Now it is the turn of Nagarjuna to giggle).

BALAKRISHNA: Enough of that giggling Nag, you are no different from him. He is doing it in films and you are doing it outside. Both are one and the same, birds of the same feather.

CHIRANJEEVI: What can you expect from them, Balakrishna? You know pretty well that they studied together in the US, and were even roommates there till they became rivals in the industry and fell out.

(Saying this, Chiranjeevi bursts out into howls of laughter. Balakrishna too joins the fun)

BALAKRISHNA: Chiranjeevi, these two guys can't do anything now. Since it affects the two of us more than them, only we should come up with a solution.

(Chiranjeevi clasps his chin in his hands and starts thinking very hard for an idea. Likewise Balakrishna. While both of them are engrossed in their quest for an answer, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna are playing with their mobiles)

CHIRANJEEVI: (after half an hour) I've got it Balakrishna, I've got it. Why not copyright the Rayalaseema narratives and the choreographed fight sequences that have a row of Sumos, Qualis, Scorpios, etc kicking up dust. The brand name of the vehicles is also important.

(Balakrishna nods his head in gleeful agreement.)

BALAKRISHNA: (Visibly happy) How did you get this brilliant idea, Chirnajeevi?

CHIRANJEEVI: (Mighty impressed with himself) What do you think I am? I'm a Gandhian now. No, a street smart Gandhian. I'm no more an ordinary superstar. A Gandhian superstar. Haven't you heard about my new film Shankardada Zindabad?

(But Balakrishna is nor more interested in Chiranjeevi's Gandhian lecture and takes a dig at Chiranjeevi.)

BALAKRISHNA: I should have done this -- opted for the copyright -- after I've made Narasimha Naidu, Chiranjeevi, so that you wouldn't have poached on my theme and made Indra, and stolen some of the thunder from under my feet. What a shame Chiranjeevi that you should stoop so low to copy my themes!

(Chiranjeevi gets mad at Balakrishna, pulls out his mobile and rings up his fans to stop pulling Nagarjuna's banners and posters and instead burn up Balakrishna's cutouts and banners.)

(A fuming Balakrishna too gives the same instructions to his fans. And in an even louder tone. That done, they exchange a war of words.)

CHIRANJEEVI: (gulps down a quick drink he is carrying in his pocket and launches a tirade) You are too caught in your image, Balakrishna. That's why you are scared about the kids and have called for this meeting.

BALAKRISHNA (burning with rage): I walk 5 km around Brahmananda Reddy Park everyday and exercise regularly. Can you beat me in looks or physique? Never. And right from the beginning, I was clear about my image. Not like a you -- doing this theme once and that theme another time.

CHIRANJEEVI: That's because you have no choice, Balaiah. (Chiranjeevi's drink starts acting on him) You are stuck in your image. But I, I'm a universal actor. I even acted in a couple of Hindi films.

BALAKRISHNA: That's because you were unsure about your self and looking for avenues in various places. But what happened? The two or three films you've done were flops. I'm not like you. I'm too sure about my image and don't and won't waver under any circumstances. Narasimha Naidu, he says (slapping his thighs) and lets out a roar.

(Venkatesh and Nagarjuna stop fiddling with their mobiles and try to flee from the place before the two guys get into fisticuffs.)

(Venkatesh gets into the gestures drama and tries to tell them not to get worked up over the issue. But, as usual, he cannot do it..so Nagarjuna takes over)

NAGARJUNA: (in his drunken sounding voice) Look, I'm not into all this on-the-sly stuff, and I'm very jumpy just now. I've to go look for a heroine. (He excuses himself and walks away)

VENKATESH: (Searches for an excuse but can't find one) I too have lots of work in the studio. My brother told me to tally the accounts in the morning, but since we had the meeting, I couldn't do that.

(Saying that he runs from the place without waiting for a reply)

Now only Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi are left and both of them are glaring at each other, waiting for the other to strike first. There is an uneasy calm in the hall for 15 minutes. And both of them speak up at the same time...

BALAKRISHNA: Sorry, Chiranjeevi, I shouldn't have poked fun at you.

CHIRANJEEVI: It was my fault, brother, I should have been a little serious, as you have called for this meet in right earnest.

BALAKRISHNA: The point is not that brother. We have been in the industry for around 25 years, and today these bachcha actors have become thorns in our side. How do we regain our old popularity?

CHIRANJEEVI: I know Balakrishna, I can understand your feelings. That is why I am launching my son to fight the battle on two fronts. While he will cash in on the youth's craze, I will be able to cash in on his popularity by piggybacking on his success. That is called killing two birds with one stone. How does my idea sound?

BALAKRISHNA: But what about me? I don't have a son whom I can launch into films right now. What do I do?

CHIRANJEEVI: Jump into politics, brother. Anyway, there is a huge craze for your father, and people too are expecting someone from the NTR family to take up the reins. And if you are successful, I too will take the plunge.

BALAKRISHNA: That sounds like a good idea, Chiranjeevi. It will reinforce my acting career, and my acting career will reinforce my political career. Both can feed on each other. And I can be a powerful factor in both the fields.

CHIRANJEEVI: But, how will you take the plunge?

BALAKRISHNA: I already have the line ready brother -- "If people want me to enter politics, I will....one day". So, my brother-in-law Chandrababu Naidu has already opened his channels of communication and paving the way to induct me into the Telugu Desam Party.

CHIRANJEEVI: Wish I too had a lineage like you Balakrishna, so that I could take the plunge into politics immediately. Although I've been putting up this front that I am not interested in politics, I can never be sure whether I would be successful in politics or not, especially after Imran Khan and the late Shivaji Ganeshan, who have been demigods in their own right, have been sent packing by the voters... And going by the way they've rejected Chandrababu Naidu in the last election, my fears have only worsened. What do I do Balakrishna? How do I do it?

BALAKRISHNA: You don't need to worry Chiranjeevi, your popularity surpasses theirs by a mile. Where are they, and where are you. But, the point is, after all this, do we need to take the plunge into politics after all the attention we have -- I for my birthday and you for your welfare activities? We are just worrying about something which is not there, brother. It is just a figment of our fearful imagination. What do you say?

CHIRANJEEVI: That gives me the courage, Balakrishna. Look at Rajnikanth, how he has shaped his career? We only need to do a bit of planning and we would be where we are for ages to come -- right on top.

BALAKRISHNA: Yes, Chiranjeevi, kids come and go, but we will rule Tollywood forever.

CHIRANJEEVI: Let us say it together once again, brother, in a sing-song fashion.

(And both of them start singing)

We will, we will rock Tollywood!!
We will, we will rock Tollywood!!
We will, we will rock Tollywood!!
For ages to come!!

(And the last we heard they haven't stopped singing)

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ASIN IS FLYING HIGH IN BOLLYWOOD, GETS READY TO DO AN ENGLISH FILM TOO

Asin is one heroine who has done exceptionally well in Tollywood and moved on to other industries, not because she doesn't have the acting talent or the good looks, only because she has done too many films, and the audience expects beautiful belles to dance around with the aged heroes. So, she has been busy in Tamil and Malayalam. And doing some great films there too.

Now that she has prove her mettle down south, she is slowly inching her way into Bollywood and also paving her way to act in cross-cultural cinema. The kind that directors like Nagesh Kukunoor makes. She is acting in an English film, which will be based on a short story by renowned Malayalam writer, M T Vasudevan Nair. There are huge plans of roping in Kamal Haasan to do the lead role, and if that happens it would be the right shot in the arm for Asin. In case Kamal turns down the offer, Mohanlal may be taken to play the lead. Either way, it is going to be a great break for Asin. And not without reason. The film, we are told, may star some renowned Hollywood actors too. And if that happens, all the attention would be on this Mallu Kutty.

She is already hogging the limelight for her role in the Hindi remake of Ghazni, and she is acting with none other than Aamir Khan. What more, she is also being tipped as the heroine for the Hindi remake of Pokiri, starring Salman Khan in Mahesh Babu's role, and being directed by the boneless wonder Prabhu Deva.

Her next big film in Tamil is Dasavataram, the Kamal Haasan starrer, which is tipped to be the next best thing to happen to Tamil film industry after Sivaji: The Boss.

Good going Asin, may all your ventures yield you tonnes and tonnes of money and admiration.

HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW: SOME HAIRY TALES OF TOLLYWOOD SUPERSTARS

It is the season of hairstyles in the Telugu film industry. First it was Mahesh Babu to go for a hip look with his new hair style. Prior to that Nagarjuna tried miserably to put up a hunk look with his weird hairstyle in Super, only to revert to his original hair style. Next it was Junior NTR, who opted for the long hairstyle for the film Yamadonga, and even tying it with a rubber band in the back. Now, following in the footsteps of his peers, Kalyanram is growing his hai. He now sports long flowing hair whereever he goes. And he says, he's doing it not because he likes it, but because director Samudra wanted it for his new film. Whatever the case maybe, hairy days are here again in the Telugu film industry.

IS CHIRUTHA BREAKING ALL RECORDS IN THE TELUGU FILM INDUSTRY? IT'S DOING BUSINESS OF RS 30 CRORE AND ABOVE

There is no denying the fact that Ram Charan Teja's debut is the most awaited debut of the decade. For two reasons. One, it is for the first time that a son of the '80s actor, who went on to become a legend, Chiranjeevi, is becoming a hero. And two, it has the best director of the day, Puri Jagannadh, direting it. And this has naturally hpyed the craze for the film. And now, with the frenzy over Sivaji: The Boss settling down, all eyes are on this Chirutha. Everyday there are rumours floating around how the film is breaking every possible record established by the superstars in the industry. First it was the audio rights, which it was claimed went for a cool Rs 1 crore. While it was the hot topic under circulation, comes the news that the film has been doing business to the tune of Rs 30 crore and above. Wow, even Chiranjeevi's films weren't discussed so much. The last time we heard was Pawan Kalyan's startling rise to fame with Badri and the films that followed and next it was Mahesh Babu's turn to hit such a high. But this young cub, Ram Charan Teja, seems to have gone ahead and beaten them hollow in the race. Will he be able to repeat the magic on screen?

POKIRI BEGINS WITH A KATTY FIGHT BETWEEN JIAH KHAN AND KATRINA KAIF: WILL PRABHU DEVA BE ABLE TO TAKE HOLD OF THE REINS OF THE FILM?

Prabhu Deva is really going places. From an obscure dance director, to a respected choreographer, to an agile actor to an amazing director, he has travelled a long way. And has made his mark all along the way. And now he is going to direct the Hindi remake of Pokiri, the Mahesh Babu starrer that has redefined the box-office collections in Andhra Pradesh. It is no mean achievement considering the fact that he will be directing Salman Khan in the Hindi version. Of course, with Salman in the lead, he will have little to do, as most of the crucial decisions are taken by the Khan himself, though Boney Kapoor is producing the film. Like for example, Jiah Khan was almost finalised for the film, and even this was confirmed by the producer's office, when she let slip the golden opportunity with her silly remarks on Sallu's girlfriend Katrina Kaif. But, what exactly did she say? When asked how would it be if she were recommended to play opposite Salman Khan, the London-bred babe said, "That'll be really cool if it were to happen. But his girlfriend (referring to Katrina KAif) would be really pissed off. I don't know Salman at all." Now, that would put off even the mildest of actors, and Salman got wild and immediately the next day the marching orders came for Jiah Khan and in stepped the Super girl Ayesha Takia. While all this was going on, there's not a word from the Prabhu Deva, who is supposed to be wielding the megaphone. Prabhu, we only wish you get to complete the film with your sanity intact. All we can say is all the best.

AMRITA RAO GOES APPEASING THE GODS ON HER BIRTHDAY, AND SHE CLAIMS IT WAS A THANKSGIVING FOR WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN HER!!

It was time to appease the gods for Amrita Rao, the heroine of Athidi, opposite Mahesh Babu, who turned 26 recently. The gal, who loves to party and is getting into the groove of late, went visiting visiting Shirdi with her uncle and his family, instead of grooving her way to glory. The bubbly gal, who was also said to be acting in Ram Charan Teja's second film to be directed by S S Rajamouli, however, tells us, that it was more important to be with the family and pray for what God has given her than go partying. And, mind you, it was the same gal, who has been complaining that she didn't have time to go partying in New York. What a contradiction, Amritaji? When you are abroad, you put on your wildest best, but when you are in India, with your parents, you give all those conservative talk. But, it has been one helluva birthday party for her. The actress says that she has been inundated with SMSes, phone calls and greetings from fans, who just wouldn't stop wishing her. But she is one actress, we must admit, who gives credit wherever it is due. And she has rightfully been saying that all the credit for her popularity goes to Vivah, which has paved her career with gold.

RAM CHARAN TEJA'S NEW GIRL IS MAHESH BABU'S CURRENT FAVOURITE

Amrita Rao is the current hot favourite in Tollywood. She is not only bagged a film with Mahesh Babu, the reigning superstar of the Telugu film industry after the mindblowing success of Pokiri, but also has been cast opposite Ram Charan Teja, who is expected to sweep away all the honours with the release of his currently underway film Chirutha. But, before he could do that, his dad, Chiranjeevi, has decided that it is time to have a second film as a standby and a cute heroine too as a dependable prop. So, they've signed up Amrita Rao, the bubbly princess of Bollywood.
Now, talking about Amrita Rao, she has been so busy shooting in New York, that she has been complaining that she didn't have enough time to party. The lass has already had a blast in Goa recently, and she doesn't seem to be content with soaking all the sun on the beaches of Goa. So, she decided to make up for it in New York. But, unfortunately, it has been shooting and shooting and there was no let-up to shooting to enable the gal to let her hair down. And adding to her woes, she has lost her cellphone in New York. Poor Amrita, she has been left high and dry with all the agony, when she wanted to have a blast. Don't worry Amrita, you can have a blast when you come to Hyderabad. And it will all be hunky dory.

WATCH THE GIRL AT HER BUBBLY BEST IN ISHQ VISHQ WITH SHAHID KAPOOR

Krishna wants to become a hero again!!

Krishna may have been away from Tollywood for a long time, but he is still confident of making a comeback. What more, he still wants to continue as a hero. Can there be anything ridiculous than this? The last we saw him a couple of years back, he was struggling to walk properly. He is acting in a new film titled Surendra, which has commenced shooting on the occasion of his birthday on Thursday. He will be donning the role of a lawyer in this film. With the way the youth are hankering for new faces, it will be a long way to go Krishna. It is not like in the 70s or in the 80s where anything will do. Today's youth want variety. And you are too old to give them what they want. So, please stick to something that suits your age. Anyway, why are you worried about reviving your career, when your son, Mahesh Babu, is doing exceptionally well in the Telugu film industry?

Crazy kiya re: A tale of two Tollywood heroes' hairstyles

Suddenly Telugu film heroes have developed a keen interest in new hairstyles. While Mahesh Babu is already wowing his fans and cinema lovers, albeit through the photographs, with his new hairstyle, the latest to join him is Junior NTR, with his slimmed down figure and his helmetty kind of hairstyle. In his new avatar, NTR looks like a cock trimmed of its feathers. But it was a huge relief for the people who were wondering how he would cut down all those kilos that have accumulated around his waist. Especially when he is fond of eating and eating and eating. So fond of eating is he that he can't resist himself whenever he sees food. And everyone in the industry have written him off saying that the rate at which he is binging, it looked as if he was suffering from binge eating disorder. Fortunately, for the star, he not only came out of it, but must have lost not less than 10 kilos. And that his how he looks like a starved calf as opposed to the fattened calf earlier. But, don't worry NTR, it is just a matter of time, and people will get used to your new look. We must say however, that it is Mahesh Babu who has stolen all the thunder from under the feet of the Telugu superstars with his new hairstyle. He not only looks more masculine, but has already created a stir in the hearts of the pretty young things (PYT). Even the Hollywood-looking PYTs have started taking a keen interest in this young hero, if not for anything at least for his sexy hairstyle, as they say. After Pokiri, you've really won the hearts of the women, Mahesh. Way to go!

Bhukailas give low brow cinema a boost

There is good news for comedians aspiring to become heroes. Bhukailas is a pretty good film made on a not-so-lean budget. And it has all the ingredients that you would look forward into a big heroes films, like Nagarjuna, Junior NTR, Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Allu Arjun, Siddharth, Prabhas and the like: sentimental drama, item song, and dollops of laughter. Of course, not all the laughter is aesthetic. But, in the recent past, when was comedy clean anyway? The film is made on the premise that there is an audience which is low brow and for whom no films are being made. In Tollywood parlance, it is called B and C centres' crowd. To put it simply, it is the multiplex culture in the reverse. And with the increasing wealth quotient even among the lower classes, they are looking forward to films they can identify with. And so this spoof on the rise and rise of real estate in the state addresses their concerns. Venu Madhav plays his role to the hilt as the guy who has it all and who loses it all, only to find fulfilment in his roots. Watch it if you don't have anything better to do.

Two big heroes, one studio

Ramoji Film City is teeming with activity after a long time. And not without reason. Two of the top heroes in the Telugu film industry -- Mahesh Babu and Junior NTR are shooting there. While NTR has been sweating it out with Rajamouli for Yamadonga, Mahesh Babu is shooting for Athidhi. We hear that a railway station set has been erected for the Mahesh Babu-Amrita Rao starrer and shooting has been going at brisk pace. And with the two top heroes busy in action, there is a festive atmosphere all around the studio. Though there is no common thread between the two films, or for that matter, the heroes, both the films have one thing in common. But for entirely different reasons. While NTR is pinning all his hopes on Yamadonga, after his not-so-successful films in recent times, Mahesh Babu, who is riding the crest of an immense popularity wave with his Pokiri, is eager that this film wouldn't come a cropper, suffering from the expections of Pokiri. Will they hit the bull's-eye?

HEADLINES OF THE DAY

* Trisha is going westwards. Priyadarshan has set has sights on her, and she will be making her debut in Bollywood

* Ramoji Film City is abuzz with activity, as the shooting of a song for Athidhi, the Mahesh Babu Amrita Rao starrer, is currently underway there

* Chiranjeevi gets ready to go to Australia

* Sindhu Talani and Kajal are the new girls in Krishna Vamsi's film

* Meera Jasmine threatens to take a producer to court over non-payment of remuneration

Do you mean what you say Mr Mahesh Babu?

The younger heroes in the Telugu film industry know how to flatter their seniors. Isn't that what professionalism all about? At the Thums Up press meet recently, Mahesh Babu, who replaced Chiranjeevi in the only high-profile ad bagged by an actor in Tollywood, said that there was only megastar in the Telugu film industry and that was Chiranjeevi. He was replying to a question whether he was taking on the megastar, as he had replaced the latter in the Thums Up ad. However humbly Mahesh Babu might hide the fact that he was not anywhere near the megastar status, it is a fact that he is the rage now and wants the megastar to realise his status in the industry. With his statement he has not only emerged as a larger-than-life figure in the eyes of Chiranjeevi, but also in the eyes of his fans. Let me ask one straight question Mr Mahesh Babu: If Chiranjeevi is indeed the megastar, as you say, why would the Thums Up sponsors relegate him to the background and take you as their new icon? Because you are the new saleable star after the stupendous success of Pokiri. You might, in all innocence, (if I can say that, are you?) say that Chiranjeevi is the only megastar, but the reality today is that anyone who delivers a huge hit is a megastar and no one has the copyright to the title anymore. The title is up for grabs and anyone who can ring in the moolah can bid for the title. And he becomes the megastar whether we like it or not. So, stop making funny statements to please your seniors and start living with your superstardom. We will love it that way.