UBDs Trivia

Often we see some great roles being turned down by a demanding diva. Sometimes there are date problems. At other times a diva is thrown out of a film over a controversy and sometimes a diva makes the right choice to quit a film.Let's take a look at such instances...

Kajol

Kajol was offered the following roles:
1996 - Manisha's role in 'Khamoshi'
1997 - Karisma's role in 'Dil To Pagal Hai'
1998 - Manisha's role in 'Dil Se'
1999 - Aishwarya's role in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'
2000 - Aishwarya's role in 'Mohabbatein'
2002 - Karisma's role in 'Shakti'
2003 - Preity's role in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'
2003 - Rani's role in 'Chalte Chalte'
2004 - Preity's role in 'Veer-Zaara'
2006 - Rani's role in 'Kabhi Alvidaa Naa Kehna'
2006 - Rani's role in 'Baabul'
2009 - Kareena's role in '3 Idiots'

Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor turned these down:
1995 - Twinkle's role in 'Barsaat'
1995 - Mamta's role in 'Karan Arjun'
1997 - Juhi's role in 'Ishq'
1997 - Manisha's role in 'Gupt'
1997 - Urmila's role in 'Judaai'
1998 - Rani's role in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'
2001 - Preity's role in 'Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke'
2001 - Kareena's role in 'Asoka'
2002 - Urmila's role in 'Deewangee'
2003 - Kareena's role in 'Talaash'
2010 - Bipasha'e role in 'Lamhaa'

Aishwarya Rai

Aishwarya Rai turned down or was replaced in...
1996 - Karisma's role in Raja Hindustani
1998 - Rani's role in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'
2001 - Kareena's role in 'Asoka'
2003 - Rani' role in 'Chalte Chalte'
2003 - Gracy's role in 'Munnabhai MBBS'
2004 - Preity's role in 'Veer-Zaara'
2005 - Amisha's role in 'The Rising'
2005 - Mallika's role in 'The Myth'
2005 - Priyanka's role in 'Bluffmaster'
2005 - Priyanka's role in 'Waqt'
2006 - Priyanka's role in 'Krrish'
2006 - Bipasha's role in 'Corporate'
2006 - Rani's role in 'Baabul'
2007 - Vidya's role in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'
2007 - Katrina's role in 'Namastey London'
2007 - Rani's role in 'Saawariya'
2008 - Priyanka's role in 'Dostana'
2012: Kareena's role in 'Heroine'

Kareena Kapoor

    Kareena Kapoor turned down or was replaced in...
2000 - Amisha's role in 'Kaho Na Pyar Hai'
2002 - Aishwarya's role in 'Devdas'
2002 - Amisha's role in 'Yeh Hai Jalwa'
2003 - Preity's role in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'
2004 - Namrata's role in 'Bride & Prejudice'
2005 - Kokona's role in 'Page 3'
2008 - Priyanka's role in 'LoveStory 2050'
2008 - Priyanka's role in 'Dostana'
2008 - Priyanka's role in 'Fashion'
2010 - Priyanka's role in 'Anjaana Anjaani'
2011 - Rani's role in 'No One Killed Jessica'
2011 - Priyanka's role in '7 Khoon Maaf'

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit turned down or was the first choice for the following roles:
1993 - Juhi's role in 'Darr'
1993 - Juhi's role in 'Aaina'
1994 - Manisha's role in '1942: A Love Story'
1996 - Manisha's role in 'Khamoshi'
1997 - Kajol's role in 'Sapnay'
1999 - Aishwarya's role in 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam'
1999 - Tabu's role in 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'
2012 - Rekha's role in 'Rana'

Sridevi

Sridevi has turned down countless roles, here are a select few:
1986 - Dimple's role in 'Jaanbaz'
1991 - Dimple's role in 'Ajooba
1991 - Dimple's role in 'Lekin'
1992 - Madhuri's role in 'Beta'
1993 - Kajol + Shilpa's roles in 'Baazigar'
1993 - Juhi's role in 'Darr'
1993 - Amrita's role in 'Aaina'
1999 - Manisha's role in 'Yugpurush'
2001 - Madhuri's role in 'Lajja'
2002 - Karisma's role in 'Shakti'
2003 - Hema's role in 'Baghban'
2004 - Hema's role in 'Veer-Zaara'

Rani Mukerji

Roles rejected by Rani:
2001 - Gracy's role in 'Lagaan'
2005 - Priyanka's role in 'Waqt'
2005 - Amisha's role in 'The Rising'
2007 - Vidya's role in 'Heyy Baby'
2007 - Vidya's role in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'
2007 - Tabu's role in 'The Namesake'

Cosmopolitan Awards 2011

So we have another random award show upon us. Some of the Bollywood Bad Gyals looked hot as f"*$!

Malaika Arora Khan

Anushka Sharma

Neelam

Kareena Kapoor

Aishwarya Rai

Female of All TimeAishwarya Rai Bachchan

Fun Fearless Power CoupleMalaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan

Man We LoveAbhishek Bachchan

Female Actor 2010Katrina Kaif

Female Actor PopularKareena Kapoor

Male Actor 2010Shahid Kapoor

Male Actor PopularImran Khan

Star on the RiseAnushka Sharma

Male Debutant of the YearRanveer Singh

The "lost" Madhuri-Sridevi film

Madhuri presenting Sridevi a Filmfare award in 1993

Recently on an interview Madhuri Dixit said that in the early 90s she was supposed to do a film with Sridevi.

Madhuri Dixit in the early 90s

After doing some research I found out that indeed in 1990 a film was launched starring Sanjay Dutt, Rajnikanth, Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and others. The film was titled 'Zameen' and according to some sources, up to 12 reels of the film had already been shot. Now 20 years have passed since the launch and subsequent shooting so I'm sure some of the stories are made-up, but from my findings some of the reasons behind the shelving of the film have been revealed.

Sridevi in the ea

When the producers were casting for the film (most probably in 1988/9) Madhuri was still a rising star, whilst Sridevi was a bonafide super star. By the time the launch happened and shooting began, Madhuri became a huge star in her own right - and in the media the two were often pitted against each other. In early 1991 Madhuri won the Filmfare Best Actress award for her performance in 'Dil' [1990]. This seems to have ruffled a few Sridevi feathers. Sri then triumphed the following year by winning back the trophy. By now the competition was fierce.

It was around this time the whole 'Saroj Khan vs. Sridevi' fiasco took place. See the video below for details if you haven't seen it:






The film was subsequently shelved although upto 80% has already been shot. Apparently Sridevi came to know that the producers had added a solo dance number to be featured on Madhuri due to her rising popularity, but when Sri requested an additional track for herself she was refused. This then caused a huge rift between the producers and hence none of the stars completed the film.

I wonder what it would have been like and I wonder if they shared screen space at all. Sridevi was at her peak and Mads was still a rising star but it would still be very interesting to see them together. I would love the tapes to leak at some point and I'm sure they'll cause a frenzie among fans.

In the meanwhile Madhuri has flown back to the U.S. and Sri is due to start filming her comeback film soon.

Update: Some stills and promotional shots have leaked onto the internet and I have managed to track them down. Check it out. You can even see the two divas in the same frame in one of the photos.

Sanjay Dutt + Madhuri Dixit

Sanjay Dutt + Madhuri Dixit

Sridevi

Vinod Khanna, Madhuri Dixit, Sridevi

Vinod Khanna + Sridevi

Zameen poster

Vinod Khanna + Sridevi

Sanjay Dutt + Rajnikanth

Sridevi

Vinod Khanna + Sridevi

Vinod Khanna + Sridevi

UBD's Bollywood-Bytes 27-March-2011

Aishwarya Rai 2011

Aishwarya Rai
The diva recently shared the stage with Hugh Jackman and Shahrukh Khan and was introduced as the 'worlds most beautiful actress' - I'm sure she gets tired of hearing this. And she must feel immense pressure to always have that tag. But there is no denying she is gorgeous. She has just recently signed her next film opposite her husband titled 'Ladies and Gentlemen'.

Rani Mukerji 2011

Rani Mukerji
Rani is on a high. Not only has she had the year's hottest role: 'No One Killed Jessica' - but she's also working with Aamir Khan on his next project also starring Kareena Kapoor. And in the latest Filmfare magazine she declared how upset she was when she wasn't invited to Abhishek's wedding with Aishwarya.

Preity Zinta 2011

Preity Zinta
The dimpled cutie's new movie 'Har Pall' - in fact a delayed project - has been put on hold once again. The reason is that her co-star Shiney Ahuja's criminal conviction is causing protests. This is very unfortunate because we haven't seen Preetam on our screens in ages. She is said to be working on her comeback though, so we can expect something big from her by next year.

Kareena Kapoor 2011

Kareena Kapoor
Poor Bebo has injured herself on the sets of 'Agent Vinod'. Filming has been going on for well over a year now and the release is highly anticipated. Kareena has been working around the clock, as she currently has around 5 films on hand. The current queen of B-town is probably feeling the wrath of the newcomers and therefore doesn't want to slow down, but I hope she doesn't over-work herself.

Priyanka Chopra 2011

Priyanka Chopra
The diva is all set to do an item number in 'Dostana 2'. She starred in it's prequel as the female lead but now the story has moved onto a new characted to be played by Katrina Kaif. Filming has been halted for a while due to various reasons. Piggy Chops has just started shooting for 'Barfi' opposite Ranbir Kapoor.

Katrina Kaif 2011

Katrina Kaif
Recently it was revealed that Katrina will star opposite Shahrukh Khan in Yash Chopra's next directorial venture. Chopra's last few films: 'Veer Zaara' [2004] and 'Dil To Pagal Hai' [1997] earned their leading ladies many coveted awards and appraise. I think Kats-SRK would make a hot on-screen pair. I hope the rumour is true.

Vidya Balan 2011

Vidya Balan
The bong beauty has walked out of the 'Satte Pe Satta' remake. She apparently said Hema Malini's shoes are too big to fit into and that this is one film that should not be remade. Now the other contender for the role is Aishwarya Rai - but I think Vidya is right, the film won't work. Vidya is currently working on 'Dirty Picture', 'Urumi' and 'Kahani'.

Diva Spotlight: Kangana Ranaut

'Tanu Weds Manu' - 2011

If 2010 was the year of Sonakshi's "Tappar se dar nahin lagta saab", then this year's catchiest line so far has got to be "Oye hoye pappi jee" in 'Tanu Weds Manu' - spoken by the utterly talented diva Kangana Ranaut.

Check it out for yourself here:

Kangana as Simran in 'Gangster' - 2006

Kangana's career has come leaps and bounds ever since her startling debut in 2006 with the critically acclaimed hits 'Gangster' and 'Woh Lamhe'. The 19 year old debutant wowed audiences and had top filmakers wanting her to sign on the dotted line for their ventures. But the diva chose to be selective.

Born in 1987 in North India she arrived in Mumbai in 2004 at only 17 to pursue a career in showbiz. She caught the eye of Anurag Basu in a cafe and the rest is history. Her star quality shone through in her first film and later swept all the Best Newcomer trophies at the next award season. She followed this up in 2007 with the another great performance in Basu's 'Life In A Metro' - also starring Konkona Sen and Shilpa Shetty. The movie which I saw very recently was very impressive. Her role was minor but she did her part well and stood out in the ensemble-cast. Not only was the film a hit, but it was applauded by critics alike, and further yet it bagged Kangana another award: Stardust Breakthough Performance'.

Kangana as Neha in 'Life In A Metro' - 2007

The first time I really noticed her was when I went to the cinema with my sister to watch 'Shakalaka Boom Boom'. The film was a disaster and had me so close to walking out of the hall. The only good thing I remember was the new girl in the movie: Ms. Ranaut. She made her mark in a horrendously bad film - I knew then that this chick had something special. By early 2008 she had done an 'obligatory' South Indian film 'Dhaam Dhoom'.

Kangana as Shonali in 'Fashion' - 2008

While her contemporaries were wearing bikini's and doing multi-starrers aka appearing as wall-paper in hero-oriented films; Kangana decided to do something different. In October of the same year the Madhur Bhandarkar directed 'Fashion' was released without huge expectations. The film was a huge hit. The soundtrack created a storm and Kangana's performance landed her not only all the popular Best Supporting Actress awards (i.e. Filmfare, IIFA, Zee Cine), but she also won the coveted National Award. Her success and career were simply unprecedented. She had come out of nowhere. Improved with every year and every film and was awarded so many accolades, yet she was still only 21.

It might've been the hype around this girl at the time or not, but her next release became the biggest hit of the year so far in 2009: 'Raaz 2'. Her next release 'Vaada Raha' opposite Bobby Deol was a low-key affair and sunk without a trace, but not to worry as she was sure to fire right back.

Kangana as Rehana - 2010

In 2010 Kangana had some big projects in hand. Some worked, some didn't. 'Kites' had a lot riding on it. But it crashed at the box office. In actual fact, it was one of the top grossing films of the year, but it didn't make as much as was expected hence the 'flop' tag. Now this is my least favourite Kangana role. Something just didn't work for me. I feel her character just wasn't well thought out. In other words she was wasted. 'Knock Out' - a remake of 'Phone Booth' didn't work either. Neither did 'No Problem' although I loved her role in the film and she looked amazing. It was nice to see her dance and have fun. And the chemistry with Sushmita Sen looked superb on screen. The two divas even became friends.

Her saviour of the year came in the form of 'Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai'. Set to the backdrop of the 1970's she played the role of Rehaana - a moviestar in love with a gangster played by Ajay Devgan. The film became a shash hit and earned Kangana a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the Zee Cine Awards. Songs from the film also helped it's success.

Kangana as Tanuja in 'Tanu Weds Manu' - 2011

Talking of music, Kangana's latest release 'Tanu Weds Manu' contains one of the hottest records of the year. Yes I am of course talking about 'Sadi Gali' - which is featured above. K's performance in the film is to date her most colourful. She looked stunning no denying that but her expressions and body language reminded me of a late-1980s Sridevi. She was just so gorgeous and playful and fatal with her eyes - I was pretty much drooling. The film turned out to be a big hit and our gal is riding high on it's success.


What does the future hold? Well our diva said she would love to work with Aamir Khan - I hope he signs her up for something as I think they would make a smashing pair on screen. Not to worry though as she has got quite a handful of films in her kitty at the moment. There is Rajkumar Santoshi's 'Power'; Tanvir Khan's 'One And Only'; Priyadarshan's 'Tezz'; and Kushan Nandy's 'Actor' all in the pipeline. In the near future her next releases are 'Game' (April 1st); 'Double Dhamaal' (June 10th); and David Dhawan's 'Rascals' (July).

Kangana as Sia in 'Game' - 2011

Recently I came across this interview on India-Forums, and it is what compelled me to write this article. I love the way she handles the three wannabe divas. She really shows 'em who is boss. Go girl! Enjoy!

Who is Kareena Kapoor referring to?

Queens of Bollywood: Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra

I have noticed in many interviews in the past 6 months or so that Kareena implies a certain actress can't act. When asked on 'Koffee With Karan' about who she thinks is the #2 after her, she proudly said "If there is any 'act' in 'actress' then it's Priyanka Chopra" - how sweet. Well not quite. This statement immediately implies something else at the same time. And this is that the other competitor who is often put into the 'Top 3' category does not know how to 'act'.

Also in many interviews recently she stated that some stars are only there in big movies but don't know how to act. Again implying the same point. She goes on to emphasise this over and over again.

And then of course there was the whole episode where she claimed that awards are being given out to people who attend the ceremony, not the most deserved candidate.

Katrina won some popular awards this year and I think Kareena feels it was undeserved. Who else could she be talking about. Surely not Vidya, and absolutely not Kajol. We all know that Kareena has this highly competitive streak in her. Not only that, she seems to think that the Hindi film industry revolves around her and her family's name. It is also well known that Katrina is not popular for her acting abilities, but rather for her appeal to the masses - through hit songs and small roles in big films.

Now I can understand that from Kareena's point of you, she has seen a struggle, it has taken her 10 years of hard work to get to where she is, and to have a less talented girl being paid the same price and being compared to her could feel a bit insulting...

One thing's clear to see Bebo is miffed that this starlet has come out of nowhere, yet her name is mentioned in the same breath as with the real 'actresses': Kareena and Priyanka.

Diva-ography: Sridevi

Sridevi conquered Bollywood in the early-mid 80s. She mesmerised audiences with her amazing expressions, her unique performances and her brilliant charisma. Let's take a look at some of her best moments in her 90s videos. The following 10 clips showcase the versatility of this great legend.

The glamourous diva: Sridevi

Here is a list of my Top 10 Favourite Sridevi songs from the 90s.


10. Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja [1993] | "Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja" - Singer: Kavita Krishnamurthy


9. Khuda Gawah [1992] | "Tu Na Ja Mere Badshah" - Singer: Alka Yagnik


8. Chandramukhi [1993] | "Maine Ungli Badaai" - Singer: Alisha Chinai


7. Laadla [1994] | "Dhak Dhak Dil" Singer: Poornima


6. Army [1996] | "Main To Hoon Pagal Munda" - Singer: Alka Yagnik


5. Chand Ka Tukra [1994] | "Tu Ladka Hai London Ka" - Singer: Asha Bhosle


4. Heer Ranjha [1992] | "Rab Ne Banaye Tujhe" - Singer: Lata Mangeshkar


3. Lamhe [1991] | "Morni Baga" - Singer: Lata Mangeshkar


2. Judaai [1997] | "Pyar Pyar Karte Karte" Singer: Sapna Mukherjee


1. Lamhe [1991] | "Kabhi Main Kahoon" - Singer: Lata Mangeshkar

UBD's Bollywood-Bytes 18-March-2011

Hema Malini in yellow

Hema Malini
The Dream Girl Diva is all set to star opposite Amitabh Bachchan once again. The two are set to feature in a new movie titled 'Bbuddah'. I loved their pairing in 'Baghban' [2003].

Madhuri Dixit in yellow

Madhuri Dixit
The diva has turned down two big projects this year. First there was Rajnikanth's 'Raana' which went to Rekha. And then there was playing Sonam Kapoor's mother in the 'Freaky Friday' remake - to be produced by Sona's father, and Madhuri's on-screen lover of many a hit films: Anil Kapoor. The diva is waiting for the right role and the right script. She's not in a hurry to sign films, even if her one time rival Sridevi has just signed her comeback project after almost 15 years.

Katrina Kaif in yellow

Katrina Kaif
A kissing scene from her debut movie 'Boom' [2003] has caused a stir online. Initially after she hit the big time in 2005, she used her connections with Salman Khan to get the scene deleted, but now it is available on a special edition dvd.

Konkona Sen in yellow

Konkona Sen Sharma
The beautiful diva has given birth to a baby son. The recently married talented diva is delighted along with actor husband Ranvir Shorey. In my opinion she is easily one of the best actresses out there. I loved her in 'Aaja Nachle', 'Life In A Metro' and more recently in '7 Khoon Maaf'.

Kangana Ranaut in yellow

Kangana Ranaut
After a few flops last year, the hot diva is celebrating the success of 'Tanu Weds Manu' which has come out a winner. Her performance in the film was delicious. She looked like Sridevi at her best. Forget the Deepikas and the Sonams, this is the one to watch. The movie was recently dubbed into German and released in that territory.

Deepika Padukone in yellow

Deepika Padukone
The leggy diva 's hot item number is finally released in full. The promo clip has been dividing audiences all over the net, from youtube to forums. I personally think she looks a-mazing! Go diva!

Sonam Kapoor in yellow

Sonam Kapoor
The fashionista is currently dubbing for 'Thank You'. It is her first time attempting the old technique. All of her films so far have been in sync-sound - so she must be finding it difficult. 'Thank You' releases next month and it's "Razia" track is burning up dancefloors all over the world.

Dum Maro Dum: Exclusive

The track we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. This year's hottest item song. Composed by Pritam. Penned by Jaideep Sahni.  Sung by Anushka Manchanda. Choreographed by Bosco. Picturised on Deepika Padukone.

The full video is yet to be made available, so here's the audio track:


Some promotional pics of the film's UBDs - Bipasha Basu + Deepika Padukone: