Sherlyn Chopra, the new bud yet to blossom in Bollywood has decided to take some challenges by not doing the conventional roles. The new dare-to-bare beauty Sherlyn says that she would prefer to take on daredevil roles instead of sticking to the stereo-typed ones. Sherelyn tells Delhi Times that “I like being challenged.”

About her experience of working in the film ‘Red Swastik’ as a psychotic killer suffering from schizophrenia, sherlyn says that “the feeling of being challenged is much more rewarding than playing safe.”

From her bold statements, Sherlyn smells like the Bollywood bombshell Mallika Sherawat…so is there another Mallika simmering in her?

Aparna Sen’s forthcoming flick ‘The Japanese Wife’ is being made in three Languages – Bengali, English and Japanese. The film stars a Japanese actress Chigas Takaku along with Rahul Bose and Raima Sen. The film is based on the love story of a school teacher in Sundarbans and a Japanese girl. Raima plays the role of a maid-servant in the movie who is a widow and also has an eight-year old son. However, Raima says that this will be her last movie as a character artist. She will not accept any more side roles.

Rakhi Sawant has donned on a new avatar of a social activist now. Recently, she orgainsed a morcha against the garbage in her lane near her building and gave the BMC a piece of her mind. 

“They just don’t do enough. It’s sad that we call ourselves modern and all that but what’s the use when even the basic amenities – like cleanliness – cannot be provided to us. If our needs aren’t met and nobody pays attention to our plea for a more hygienic life, I will even go on a hunger strike, if I have to,” she said. 

Rakhi has also threatened to go on a hunger strike with the residents of her building if nothing is done by BMC soon.

Neha Dhupia, the voluptous beauty of Indian cinema has some high regards fro the versatile Indian actress of the 60s and 70s, Rekha. Delhi Times caught Dhupia on the sets of her upcoming movie ‘I’m 24’. Dhupia who is known for her provoking performances was doing a cabaret and was decked up in jewels from head to toe. This made the people out there compare her with the old yet gorgeous Rekha who had played a cabaret in the blockbuster movie. ‘Parineeta’.

Dhupia was quite elated with the comparison and she told Delhi Times that “Rekhaji is simply a wonderful actress. Her beauty, her elegance is so admirable both on the screen and off it. However, I have given my best to the song and I hope everybody loves it.”

Well, let’s hope that Dhupia is only impressed by the reel and not the real life of Rekha.

After sweeping the West off its feet with her beauty, Shilpa will spread her fragrance now with the launch of her own perfume range called S2 on June 12 in the markets of UK and Gulf. Manufacturers Fragrance and Beauty are the team behind this perfume launch. The chic bottle is designed with a leopard print on a panel inside.

Shilpa is very excited with this launch. “I selected the final fragrance and am very happy with it. The perfume lasts really long and has notes of jasmine and citrus to it,” beams Shilpa.

After making Bollywood dance on the tip of her fingers, Saroj Khan has decided to don on the director’s cap following the footsteps of choreographer-turned-director Farah Khan. She is debuting as a director in Bollywood with ‘Sati…… a burning desire to love’. Saroj Khan has already directed a Bhojpuri film named ‘Dil Diwana Tohar Gayil’. The surprising aspect of the news is that Saroj has chosen Priyanka Chopra as her lead heroine claiming that Madhuri Dixit is unfit for the role. That true…Everyone salutes the rising sun. Madam Khan is no exception!

The cold war between the reigning Khans of Bollywood is more than obvious. This was again noted when Deepika Padukone, the model-turned-actress who is pairing opposite Shahrukh Khan in his home production ‘Om Shanti Om’ was approached by Boney Kapoor for his new venture. Apparently, the gal’s manager called up Boney to inform him that Deepika was not interested in his project. Inside sources say that the reason behind Deepika refusing the project was the presence of Salman Khan in the project. Now, Boney has signed two new faces for his movie. However, Deepika denies this and says that she refused the movie because of date problems.

He knows something apart from kissing and that is prank playing. Yes, the talk is about the serial kisser Emran Hasmi, the chocolaty Bollywood actor. Recently Emran is reported to have played a prank on his costar and the ex-beauty queen Sayali Bhagat. Bhagat tells the Delhi Times that “Emraan is quite a prankster. I re m e m b e r while shooting for our movie The Train, we were running on the beach and he was chasing me as if it was a cata n d – m o u s e game. He told me that once he caught me he’d throw me into the sea. I pleaded with him not to, since the shells on the sea bed would hurt me. Emraan actually caught me and threw me into the ocean! I couldn’t walk for the next 10 minutes since I had an aching backside. Of course, he and the director were laughing, but it teaches you that Emraan is a guy who doesn’t keep his promises.”

So girls be careful…the kisser knows something more than just love making.

Bollwyood’s beautiful item girl Koena Mitra has some advice for all the newcomers willing to make a mark in the Indian film industry. Koena feels that she is an ideal guide to all the freshers in Bollywood. She says to the Delhi Times that “for all the newcomers who are trying to make it big in the industry, I think it is always better to start off slowly when it comes to fame and recognition.” Koena adds that “Frankly, I feel that if you start off with a huge banner and a superb role, it will become difficult for you when you try to sign your next film. You will have already set a certain level for yourself, and so, you will hesitate to sign roles with say, a new director or filmmaker.

After her rocking performance in Mumbai, Shakira has more in store for her fans. Shakira will do a rocking item number in Shahrukh Khan’s home production ‘Om Shanti Om’. The film will be directed by Farah Khan. So, get prepared for yet another sizzling shake with Shakira.

Arshad Warsi was offered to anchor the IIFA awards held in Yorkshire. But the actor turned down the proposal when he came to know that Lara Dutta would be his co-host.

For those who came in late, let it be known that Warsi nurses deep wounds against Lara Dutta who walked out of Anil Kapoor’s home production directed by Neeraj Vora on plea that she did not want to be paired opposite Arshad. It’s time for Arshad to hit the ball back now and he has well done it.

Delhi Times got an opportunity to catch hold of the macho and handsome looking Bollywood actor, John Abraham. When asked about being out of picture from a long time John said That was by choice. I would rather be seen than heard. I’ve always believed in working quietly and not making tall claims. I always said roles abroad would happen when they are meant to happen. At the end of the day, Bollywood is my home. I’m damn lucky to be getting all these opportunities.

Regarding his upcoming mainstream Hollywood film ‘Luna’ with the legendry director Deepa Mehta in which he is playing the lead role, John told Delhi Times that “Deepa has shown a lot of faith in me. I’m very delighted that my co-star is Rachel Weisz. What a performance she gave in The Constant Gardner! Mine is a beautifully-etched role in Luna where I play an activist. The heartening thing is that my nationality isn’t even mentioned. And my character’s name isn’t Indian. What’s vital is that the producers of Luna share Deepa’s faith in my abilities.”
about John’s being compared in looks with Antonio Banderas, John had to say that “I come from a completely different cultural space. But you do feel flattered when you’re compared with a good-looking Hollywood icon like Banderas. I’m not even two per cent of what he is!”

John’s problem with Arshad Warsi is another interesting issue nowadays. For this John clarified that “I’m not going to sit here and clarify my non-existent problems. It’s sad when false things are written about me. I want people to know that I’m not a vindictive person. Neither Arshad nor I have spoken against each another. We were shooting for Goal in London when these stories started circulating. So, these stories are coming from somewhere else. I have no clue who’s spreading them. I’ve been out of the country and am pretty much disconnected with what’s being said and spread. About Bipasha being dragged into his supposed fight with Arshad, John replied that “Bipasha is a woman of substance. She tells it like it is. We’re both straight, honest and clean”.

Regarding inaccessibility as a factor behind media gossips, he claimed that “It’s true; I’m inaccessible to the media when I’m shooting abroad. I’m sure the stories come from those who are accessible abroad.”

About his problems with the actor Salman Khan some time ago, John held that “I personally have no problems with anybody. I don’t speak against anyone, because I feel no negativity for anyone. One reason why I’m surviving in the film industry is because I feel no sense of insecurity. I enjoy my space.”