ILLEANA IS REALLY GOING PLACES: TAKING BABY STEPS TO BOLLYWOOD

Tollywood has become the launch pad to Bollywood, especially for the heroines. In recent times, it started with Bhumika Chawla notching up a couple of some real good Bollywood films. Following in her footsteps, Asin is making her debut in the Hindi remake of Gazni. Sada, too, is busy shooting with Shreyas Talpade for a Sangeet Sivan film called Click, and she has another one, Love Game, in the pipeline with Randeep Hooda. Before we can actually exclaim, "Wow, the Tollywood babes are really going places", here comes the news that Illeana has signed a Bollywood flick opposite Shiney Ahuja.

Illeana shares her delightful news with us.

ON HER DEBUT IN BOLLYWOOD
Finally, I’ve made it to Bollywood. I have never been overzealous about my entry there. For me, the storyline is what matters and not the industry. But now since it’s happening, I’m only too happy.

ON HOW SHE SEES HERSELF IN BOLLYWOOD VIS-A-VIS OTHER HEROINES
I’m content with what I have. If others are also following suit, I’m happy for them too.

ON HER ITSY-BITSY ROLE IN POKIRI
Pokiri was Mahesh Babu’s film. So, there was no power struggle for me. I enjoyed shooting for it, liked working with Mahesh, and I am tremendously happy about it’s box-office success. And, unlike Mahesh, who seldom talks and is an introvert, I had a whale of time constantly chatting and having masti on the sets.

ON HER 'SERENDIPITOUS ACCIDENT' IN TOLLYWOOD
At 16, I was offered Dhairyam, a Telugu film, but it didn’t happen due to certain reasons. Later, Raima Sen did this film with Nitin.

ON WHAT FILM GAVE HER THE BEST SATISFACTION IN RECENT TIMES
I’m really proud about my film Rakhi. I feel I have given my best in the film.

ON WHAT TOPS HER PRIORITY LIST
The most vital thing in this world is unconditional love, which only family members can give. And without my small family, I’m no one.

ON WHAT SHE DOES WHEN NOT SHOOTING
I love catching up on films on DVD or reading a Sidney Sheldon.

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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SHANKARDADA GETS READY TO HIT THE SCREENS ON JULY 25: ARE YOU READY FOR HIS GANDHIGIRI?

Shankardada Zindabad is finally ready to hit the screens. And the auspicious date is July 25. Even as Chiranjeevi's fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the film, it would be an acid test for both Chiranjeevi and Prabhudeva. The latter has already proved his mettle with his stupendous successes in Nuvvostanante Nenoddantanu in Telugu and the remake of Pokiri in Tamil. And seeing the spark and the deftness in his direction, he has been personally selected by Chiranjeevi to direct the sequel of Shankardada MBBS. And those who have seen the rushes say that Prabhudeva has indeed done a marvellous job. Predictably, Prabhudeva is jittery as he is directing a megastar in the south for the first time and his future fortunes hinge on the success of this film. If it becomes a hit, which it is likely to become, he will strike gold in Tollywood. But, if it turns out to be otherwise, he will have to pack his bags and head for the Tamil film industry.

As for Chiranjeevi, who is especially at the crossroads of his career, with his son too making a foray into films, he badly needs a superhit in Shankardada Zindabad. And, we hear, that he has taken all efforts to ensure that all the loose ends in the script are tightened and a perfect blow-by-blow account with all the emotions that touched the hearts of the audiences in Lage Raho Munnabhai are felt by the Telugu audiences as well.

Though Karishma Kotak looks like a pale imitation of Vidya Balan, we have to wait and see how this damsel has donned the role of a radio jockey. With hardly more than a week for the release, let's hope that Chiranjeevi will live for long in the hearts of the Telugu audiences.

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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.

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.

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

Anukokunda Oka Roju to be remade in Hindi

Just as Tollywood keeps an eye on what's happening in the Tamil and Malayalam film industries for remakes, Bollywwod too keeps a close watch on the films made in the Telugu film industry. Especially Boney Kapoor, who is always looking to remake Telugu films. Maybe because Sridevi has fond memories about the place! Boney has earlier remade Antahpuram and Shubhalagnam. And now he is remaking Pokiri, the film that made Mahesh Babu into a supersensation in the south. Following in the footsteps of Boney Kapoor, director Rohit Shetty has decided to remake Anukokunda Oka Raju which was a good film and which earned laurels for Charmi. Shetty is remaking the film with Ajay Devgan, who plays Jagapati Babu’s role, while Ayesha Takia will be essaying Charmi’s character. Let's hope that at least with this film Ayesha Takia, our Super heroine, will gain a foothold in Bollywood.

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!

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?

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.

Amrita Rao has a blast in Goa

Mahesh Babu is on a new high after the success of Pokiri. And he deserves every ounce of it. Producers are queuing up in front of his house for his call sheets, directors are tightening their scripts to impress him, and heroines are sending feelers in a desperate attempt to catch his fancy. But this time he has decided to opt for the cute Bollywood babe Amrita Rao for his new film Atidhi. Predictably, the spotlight in Tollywood is on Ms Rao, whether the likes of Illeana like it or not. Every titbit of news about her is lapped up with glee by Mahesh's fans, not to talk of the others. The latest we hear about her is that she is shooting for an ad in Goa and having a ball. Normally one to keep away from the fun and frolic gang of boisterous Bollywood hunks, this time she claims she was so exhausted from her tight schedule that she had to break her vow. And so she had a ball of a time, she tells us.

By the way did you know that Ms Rao was a model before making her forays into Bollywood? And a successful one at that too. She did more than 35 ads, the most popular of which is the Bru ad, where she stutters in front of her father to tell him about her boyfriend Sagar.

Bollywood came calling when Subhash Ghai noticed her in the same coffee ad and offered her a minor role in Bhagat Singh. Later, she got meatier roles in Ab Ke Baras (2002), Ishq Vishq (2003), Masti, Main Hoon Na, Deewaar, (all in 2004. Though her later releases -- Vaah! Life Ho To Aisi (2005), Shikhar (2005), and Pyare Mohan (2006) -- turned turtle at the box office, her Vivah (2006) was a stupendous success earning her fame worldwide. She managed a nurture a cutesie image with her roles especially Ishq Vishq, Main Hoon Naan and the latest Vivah, that she has become the epitome of the girl next door character. Presently she is basking in the glory of her stardom and that was when Atidhi happened. Will she cast a spell in the south as well?

Mumaith asks for the moon, what more she gets it

Bollywood gals know better where to shed their clothes. And Mumaith Khan is no exception. Making her appearance in the sensuous number Jan lo... in Munnabhai MBBS, she sizzled in a couple of Bollywood films thereafter but soon faded into oblivion. So she landed, where else, in Tollywood, the heaven on earth for the Bombay babes. Predictably, Tollywood unwrapped the red carpet and she made the most of it. After doing a couple of jiggles in a couple fo B grade films, she showed her mettle in Yogi and Pokiri, and soon crawled her way into the top item girl and has been having the Tollywood producers swooning for more. She did the best she could do: jacked up her remuneration. The last I heard it was somewhere in the stratosphere. And her demands don't just end there. She wants to do extened roles too instead of just confining herself to item numbers. And when a Bollywood babe, and that too a successful one, asks for something will she not get it? She did. And now she is acting in a bit role in Mahalakshmi, produced by Srihari's wife Disco Shanti, for who else her husband. Mumaith claims that she has other producers too lining up to offer her roles, but she just doesn't have the time. (Translation: they are too small to cough up the dough). Once she slowly settles down, she wants to play the heroine's role. Definitely madam, we are too eager to entertain you.

Mahesh Babu is an unwanted guest of honour!!

Can you believe this? The reigning star of Telugu cinema is an unwanted guest in a Telugu household? Weird as it may sound, it's true to the last word. In his new film, Atidhi, that is currently underway Mahesh Babu goes to a house like a guest in the face of unsmiling members of the family. Soon their lack of cordiality turns into an ire and they want him out of the house. That is till our hero spins his magic and gets entrenched in the house. And when he wants to leave, the family wouldn't allow him to. Strage are the ways of the people. Directed by Surendra Reddy, Atidhi, has just completed shooting two songs in Austria and Dubai. And it has the homely Amrita Rao as the leading girl. Will it go on to become a super duper grosser like Pokiri? Let's wait and watch.