NEWS: Akshay to lose weight for 'Thuppakki' remake

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, with his lean look and super fit physique, would need to lose more weight for his role as an army captain in A.R. Murugadoss's remake of his Tamil hit "Thuppakki". Akshay has been asked to lose seven kgs.

The movie's shooting begins Dec 20, since the Christmas week is considered lucky by Murugadoss.

"He released his 'Ghajini' in December. Since then, Murugadoss has been excessively attached to the Christmas season. He was keen on staring the Hindi 'Thuppakki' in the Christmas week, and Akshay was happy to oblige. The only problem is, he has two weeks to lose at least five kgs, and some more later to play an army captain at least 12 years junior to Akshay's biological age," said a source close to Murugadoss.

Akshay will also sport an army officer's hairdo and look.

"The soldier-hero is never really shown in the army. The drama happens while he's on leave. But we want Akshay to look like a young army jawaan, fit enough to take on the villains. Not only that. We actually want him to look like a real soldier," said Murugadoss.

"He will be getting a crew-cut hair-styling done. We don't want Akshay to look unconvincing as the soldier in any detail," he added.

The demand to lose weight seems strange for a leading man, who is as lean as Akshay.

But Murugadoss explains: "Akshay is one of the fittest heroes in India. But to play the soldier, we want him to be slightly fitter. His shoulders should become more streamlined and his frame should be slimmer. Akshay has the physique for the role. He just needs to lose a little more weight and become slightly sharper around the edges."

For the Tamil film, actor Vijay had actually gone for commando training to play the soldier.

"But Akshay is already into martial arts. So all he needs to do is just polish up his act. He has the know-how and the physical fitness," says the director.

Incidentally for "Ghajini", Aamir Khan had to bulk up and add muscle to his physique to play the self-trained fighter. In "Thuppakki", Akshay goes the other way to get leaner and meaner.

NEWS: 'Race 2' has been a great experience: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone says the action-packed "Race 2" also has dollops of glamour, and says shooting for it has been a great experience.

"It has been great. 'Race 2' has been a wonderful journey for me. I am very proud of it. The movie is an action thriller, but it also has a lot of glamour. The first film of the franchise did well too," Deepika said on the sidelines of the launch of a new skin cream BB by Garnier, here Friday.

The actress says the movie is important to her, and she will readily devote adequate time to its promotions.

"'Race 2' is very important to me, and even its promotion is very important as well," she said.

Deepika says she shares a good camaraderie with her "Race 2" co-actors; Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham.

"Saif and I have worked before so that comfort level comes. The same is true for John too," she said.

About her beauty secrets, the actress says she often uses natural tricks to make her skin look beautiful.

"I believe that less is more. So a healthy diet, drinking lots of water and adequate sleep really helps. All these things reflect positively on your skin," she said.

Talking about brand endorsements, she said that she ensures that every brand she decides to endorse is an extension of her personality.

"I believe that every brand which I endorse has to be an extension of my personality and it has to come naturally," she said.

NEWS: Kareena to shoot with Imran in Bangalore

Actress Kareena Kapoor will soon start shooting with actor Imran Khan in Bangalore for Karan Johar's new production.

"I am starting my shoot with Imran Khan for Karan Johar's film. I will start shooting for that film from January. We will be shooting in Bangalore for the first schedule," Kareena said.

The duo was last paired in "Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu". Their new film, which is yet to be titled, will be directed by Punit Malhotra.

Kareena's calendar is packed.

"Post-Bangalore, I will be in Bhopal in February to shoot for Prakash Jha's 'Satyagrah'. I am really looking forward to these films," she said.

The actress, who married Saif Ali Khan Oct 16, has been busy with her endorsements and even shot an item number, "Fevicol se" for "Dabangg 2".

Kareena says she wants to continue exploring various genres in the film industry.

"I don't want to pin-point and explore just one kind of role. I want to try different genres. I want to do different kinds of role and I will continue doing that," said the 32-year-old.

NEWS: Manisha Koirala has ovarian cancer, to be operated in NY

Manisha Koirala is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and she will undergo surgery in New York Dec 10. The Bollywood actress is positive she will overcome the disease.

Manisha was scheduled to undergo the surgery Thursday, but Subroto Ghosh, her manager, said that "after conducting certain tests, the doctors have decided to postpone it to Monday (Dec 10)."

Speculations swirled about her health last week, following her hospitalisation here Nov 28. The rumours about her cancer are now confirmed.

In a post on her Facebook page Thursday, Manisha, 42, admits she was shocked to know about her illness, but she is confident all will be well soon.

"Dear friends, thank you for all your wishes. I am in good place and in good hands. With all your love and prayers I am sure I'll recover. It was shocking to know, but then life is full of surprises," Manisha wrote.

"One must deal with it and move on with faith and dignity. Whatever is the outcome, it is for best. I know that. So people, don't worry! I have had a beautiful life so far and I know, whatever will happen will all be good. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers... love, M Koirala," she added.

The actress, who belongs to the politically influential Koirala family of Nepal, has taken the news gracefully and says it is part and parcel of life. She only wants her family, friends and fans to be happy.

"I am writing this as a request - please no sadness, I have told my closest friends and family too. This is part of life," she said.

"I am fine and will be fine no matter the outcome. I am in gratitude with all the gifts I have received from this life - like your love and prayers. Let us celebrate life in all forms. Thank you again for your prayers," she added.

Manisha was admitted to Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital Nov 28 after she reportedly fell unconscious. However, the reason behind her illness was not made clear. Later it was reported that she is flying to the US for treatment.

The actress, who has worked in critically acclaimed films like "Dil Se" and "1942: A Love Story", made her debut with "Saudagar" in 1991. She recently made a comeback with Ram Gopal Varma's "Bhoot Returns".

NEWS: Deepika Padukone has not replaced Priyanka Chopra

Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra are the face of same skin care brand, Garnier!

Both successful beauties are face of different categories of the same brand. Its very rare for two stars of this stature to be face of same brand.

While Priyanka Chopra who was previously seen endorsing certain category of products. Deepika Padukone will be seen endorsing a completely new product that would be a category creator meant for the modern Indian woman.

Contrary to rumors Deepika Padukone has not replaced Priyanka Chopra. In fact both campaigns will be seen together.

NEWS: Khiladi 786 song “Hookah Bar" crosses 2 million views

The super hit jodi of Akshay Kumar and Himesh Reshammiya has once again
created magic with their latest release Khiladi 786 touching new heights.
Their latest song from the upcoming Khiladi installment “Hookah Bar" has
become a cult youth anthem.

The song is very catchy and is already a chartbuster with more than 2 million
views. The quirky lyrics and the video starring Akshay Kumar and Asin add to
its mass appeal. The song has been composed keeping the youth in mind and
ever since its release; it’s been a regular feature in clubs and discos.

The music of the film has been success as all the songs have been quite a hit
among the audiences.

NEWS: Deepika Padukone – the new face of Garnier

Deepika has bagged yet another huge brand in her kitty. Garnier Skin Naturals, a pioneer and driver

of innovation in the skincare market in India has announced Deepika Padukone as the new face of

the brand.

Deepika endorses a completely new product that would be a category creator meant for the modern

Indian woman. Speaking on her association with the brand, Deepika said, “I’m already a fan of

Garnier’s skincare range and it is an honor to now be associated with the brand. Garnier has done

some phenomenal work in the beauty space. Through my association with Garnier I hope to help

women across the country obtain the perfect looking skin they’re all in search off!”

Deepika has a strong connect with the youth and that is definitely why she is endorsing one of the

top skin care brands of the nation. Garnier is thrilled to have roped in Deepika to represent their brand.

Commenting on signing Deepika to endorse the brand, Nathalie Gerschtein, General Manager,

Garnier at L’Oreal India Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are thrilled to have Deepika as the ambassador on

Garnier Skin Naturals. She represents the young, contemporary and intelligent Indian woman who

is well aware of her skin care needs and will take the right measures to keep it beautiful and healthy

at all times. Besides embodying a classic essence of natural beauty Deepika is a complete style and

beauty icon for the Indian youth. She therefore fits in perfectly with the brand’s philosophy to be

comfortable in your own skin and to ‘Take Care’.”