Salman Khan, Celina Jaitley, Raima Sen, Aarti Chhabria, Dino Morea, Aashish Chaudhary, Bipasha Basu, Nethra Raghuraman, Urvashi Sharma, Neetu Chandra, Prachi Desai, Ram Kapoor, Sophie Chaudhary, Sameera Reddy, Neil Mukesh at Gitanjali_s 15th year bash on 7th Aug 2009.

A source close to the actress states, “Bipasha is very much elder to Rinnie and she is taking full responsibility of looking after her. Rinnie would often be seen accompanying Bipasha on her shoots in Mumbai since she was studying in a Mumbai college. But now she is planning to go abroad for higher studies. Bipasha is therefore ensuring that before Rinnie leaves in September for UK for her studies, everything required for her falls right in its place. Bips has the experience of staying abroad for a long period when she was on a modeling assignment with the Ford Supermodel Agency. She is using that experience to help Rinnie now. She is, in fact even making a list of things that Rinnie may require in her house there.”

After all this, Rinnie must be definitely saying, “I am really lucky to have a sister like Bipasha!”

This yet untitled film was to be directed by David Silverman and was to feature Bipasha in Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft avatar. This romantic thriller was going to be shot in Kodaikanal and had actor Rajvirr of Kaise Kahen (2007) fame playing Bipasha’s second love interest. The film was to have Bipasha doing some intense love making scenes with both Billy and Rajvirr. Rumor mills suggest- the Rajvirr’s choice as the male lead wasn’t being appreciated and Smita Thackeray was adamant about him playing the role.

However now that Smita has backed out from the film, it only means that for now Bipasha’s dream of going international has come to a standstill, at least for now. Though for a long time now both Bipasha and her boyfriend John Abraham have been trying to go international but the plans are simply not working out.

No wonder one goes humming ‘Aankhen Teri kitni Haseen’ every time Nauheed steps out. Catching up with Nauheed on her beauty secrets, we quizzed her on fashion, shopping and Hrithik Roshan…

Your fashion statement?

Honestly, following a particular trend is not my cup of tea. (Laughs) I think I was a hippie in my past-life, for I love to wear crazy clothes. Like in rains, comfortable jeans are something I look for.

So, is your style tom-boyish or ladylike?

I prefer a combination of both tom-boyish and lady-like dressing. Maybe, shorts with keds teamed-up with a pretty girly top.

Who is your personal favourite fashion designer?

I think ‘Qawwali’ is simply fabulous. Well, Qawwali Qawwali is elaborate and flamboyant for my taste but ‘Qaawali’ gels amazingly with my persona. If got to pick among Indian designers, I think, Manish Arora is excellent. He designs funky clothes which compliment my style the best.

The one shop you run to on entering a shopping mall?

Humm… I am a big time make-up freak. Although, I rarely put make-up, still, I have a big collection of all the brands with me. And, whenever I go for parties or occasions I make it a point to style my make-up differently. So, as soon as I enter a shopping mall, the first thing I do is look out for the latest brand or make-up style. Also, colourful showrooms attract me.

Which is your favourite make-up brand?

Mac Naked Honey Collection and Bobbi Brown Nautical Collection are my favourite brand (smiles).

What are those 5 important things without which Nauheed won’t step out of her place?

Well, house keys, lip gloss, phone, cash and last but not the least either car or someone to drop me back home.

What do you think an Indian actress looks more sensuous in- Bikini or a saree?

Definitely, saree because we are the only ones who can carry it off very well.

Whose style do you appreciate in Bollywood?

I think Kareena Kapoor is the hottest of all. However, my all-time favourite is Madhuri Dixit. She is the hottest-diva to its truest sense.

IIFA recently gave Hrithik Roshan and Bipasha Basu awards for the best style in the industry…are you convinced or is someone else’s, who you think deserved the awards?

Humm… Hrithik definitely deserved the award. He is no-doubt the most stylish male-actor in the industry today. However, Bipasha Basu is someone I would not vote for, as I don’t relate to her style. Moreover, she might be good, but is certainly not the best. In-fact, off late, I been bowled over by how Kareena dresses up. Her dressing sense is simply awesome. She has realized what fits her best. So, I think she deserved the IIFA for best stylish female actor.

John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Preity Zinta, Sophie Chaudhary, Daboo Malik at the screening of film Hangover in PVR on 2nd July 2009.

And though Bipasha has lost all her numbers and she can’t identify any caller she just can’t get enough of her new phone.

“I love it! I’m going totally crazy with it. Though I’ve no numbers on it and am trying to figure it out, I just can’t get enough of it,” says the actress who finished shooting for Ajay Devgan’s comedy All The Best in Goa this week.

Devgan gifted the phone to Bipasha out of the blue (or shall we say,black?) on the last day of shooting for working round the clock including late nights and early mornings. In fact Bipasha kept off the phone to the extent of not even connecting with her boyfriend John Abraham who was limping around on crutches in Mumbai trying to promote his new film.

Apparently Bipasha also agreed to do an additional role in All The Best without charging a single penny extra.

Devgan known to be a generous prouducer had heard Bipasha mention she wanted a Blackberry.

Says the actress, “Yeah, Ajay knew I wanted it. In fact it was he who got me interested in. It is actually a gift in appreciation for working long hours and changing at lightning speed between shots when we had loads of work to finish. Ajay is a fabulous co-star,producer and co-star.”

Bipasha soon leaves for Hyderabad to shoot the songs for All The Best. On Saturday she also watched her boyfriend’s new film New York finally.

Tongues began wagging attributing her absence to the feud between Bypath and Katrina that erupted when they did Race together.

Said a source, “It is true the two aren’t the best of friends, to put it mildly. And Bipasha certainly doesn’t want to be seen anywhere near Karina, and vice versa. But this is her boyfriend’s most important film. And she won’t let her personal prejudices get in the way.”

Shedding light on her absence from John’s important day Bipasha says, “I couldn’t make it for that special screening. I was in Goa shooting. And there was no off day. It’s a crazy schedule out here in Goa, and quite impossible to get away. We’re shooting the climax of All the Best with a crazy number of characters. You’ve no idea what it is like here. I barely get enough sleep and then I’m back on location. I’ll watch it as soon as I’m finished with this schedule in Goa.”

Bipasha has heard only good things about John’s performance in New York. “I believe John has done a fabulous job. Everyone who saw it says so. I don’t think I’ll be able to see it for a few weeks yet. There’s just no time. I finish in GAO at month-end and rush to Delhi. I’ll even have to miss my father’s birthday in Mumbai on June 30.”
Any regrets for not watching John’s best performance yet? “That’s okay. John has seen some of my films months after release, if at all,” she chuckles.

Kangana Ranaut, Hrithik Roshan,Suzanne Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Lara Dutta, Mugdha Godse, Dino Morea, Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Parsoon Joshi, Rakesh Roshan, Vinay Pathak, Sonu Sood, Abbas Mastan arrive at Mumbai Airport from IIFA, Macau on 14th June 2009.

Indian Cine’ Stars on Catwalk at IIFA Fashion Extravaganza 2009 in Macau. (Macau, June 13, 2009) — Some of India’s to film stars and celebrities modeled on the catwalk last night (June 12) for the country’s leading fashion designers at the IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) Fashion Extravaganza in Macau.

The glittering event at the Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel was part the 3-day Videocon IIFA Weekend, attracting a ‘Who’s Who’ of the Indian film industry. It was hosted by celebrity duo Zayed Khan and Sophie Choudhury, who looked stunning in Manav Gangwani creations.

Headlining the glamorous gathering was international singing sensation Peter Andre.

The star-studded night featured catwalk shows by leading Indian designers Rocky S, Manav Gangwani, Anamika Khanna and Farah Ali Khan — along with a new collection by Hong Kong designer Chris Chang.

Among the movie star models, Hrithik and Suzanne Roshan showcased striking yet feminine jewellery by Farah Ali Khan.

Chic Sonam Kapoor looked stunning in Anamika Khanna’s sexy, glamorous, edgy and stylish evening wear.

The ever-sophisticated Bipasha Basu elegantly modeled glamorous traditional wear by Rocky S, while Dia Mirza, Dino Morea and Madhavan modeled for Manav Gangwani, and Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mugdha Godse were show-stoppers for Siyaram.

Manav Gangwani said: “The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza is a glamorous platform to showcase my creations, while contributing to a cause that helps individuals who are a part of the Indian film industry.”

Designer Farah Khan said: “The line we created for the event consists of jewels that will stand out as much as the stars.”

Hong Kong designer Chris Chang said: “The event is a classic cocktail of fashion and films and I am excited to be a part of it. My collection is colourful, full of patterns and circles and is a reflection of the art in life.”

The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza raised funds for the IIFA Foundation, which supports families of film industry workers who are adversely affected while working on films. The IIFA also hosts charity celebrity events in support of the foundation.

The IIFA Fashion Extravaganza was supported by Associate Sponsor, Gitanjali, and co-presented by Siyaram and Emami.

It may be recalled, Aa Dekhen Zara fell prey to the recent strike between producers and multiplexes and did not get showcased in national multiplex chains and could be released only on single screens. “I am happy that the film is getting re-released. We did not get a good release at that time since we had to release in single screens only. There has been a dearth for the last one and half month. I am glad not only for our film but all the films that are releasing now. I hope they all do well since recession has it the industry I think we all need the films to do well.”

With all the big banner films releasing will Aa Dekhe Zara stand a chance at the theatres we ask her. “Well one has to be positive and we are releasing it immediately so I don’t think there’s any competition now. I am keeping my fingers crossed and am trying to be positive” says Bipasha.

Bipasha has just finished shooting for Rohit Shetty’s All The Best in Goa. She further reveals, “We will be shooting one more schedule in Cape Town after which the film will be complete. It has been fun with the entire team Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt, Fardeen. Rohit is a great director. I am really looking forward to it since it’s my first full-fledged comedy.”

Hrithik Roshan, Suzanne khan, Bipasha Basu, Kangana Ranaut at IIFA Departure in Mumbai Airport on 11th June 2009.

Bipasha is a perfectionist, while dubbing for the film Bipasha visited the Aradhna Studio for the recording, the studio seemed like it was jinxed as whenever Bipasha used to go there for dubbing she always had a soar throat and couldn’t record.

This happened around 6 times on a row and everyone thought that place was jinxed. Then they shifted the location and decided to record at Qlab and everything went on smoothly and Bipasha recorded it. Bipasha had to visit the studio 7 times to record it and this proves Bipasha is a perfectionist.

Both Sudipto and Bipasha are Bengali’s and shared a great rapport on the sets. Both of them used to converse in Bengali on the sets leaving everyone confused about what they spoke. They shared a very good raport and friendship that Sudipto even bought Bangla food for Bipasha from home during the shoot. Both of them used to enjoy Bangla food and enjoyed conversing in Bengali.

Bipasha Basu launches Fa perfume in Taj Land_s End on 16th May 2009.

Bipasha Basu had been busy shooting in Goa for her comic flick All The Best along with co-stars Ajay Devgan and Sanjay Dutt but she dashed back to Mumbai yesterday, first to shoot for a baggage commercial and for today’s Fa event.

Donning hot denim pants, the shapely beauty spoke about the importance of a good deo and why it is a must for men. We learnt at the event that a TV commercial featuring Bipasha has already been shot and it will soon be unleashed across all the TV channels.

Despite the on going recession, endorsement deals seem to be raining left right center for Bipasha and her hunky boyfriend John Abraham. Just last week we saw John at two such events.

Says Bipasha, “If Mr Fraud is revived I’d be happy to give dates.The film was shot in London and the styling was not time bound.”

Not that Bipasha is mourning her absence in Race 2. “I heard even Abbas-Mustan are not doing Race 2. If the original directors are not doing the sequel, who am I? I haven’t been approached for Race 2. That’s fine. In Bollywood the heroines are never signed for sequels. It’s a tradition . Just check the sequels. The guys get repeated. The girls don’t. It’s a man’s world.I don’t feel like a second citizen for that. When Raaz 2 was made everyone kept asking why I wasn’t in it. But I never worried about that. No point in crying about it.”

Moving on from Race, Bipasha has just signed her second comedy.Coincidentally comedy reprises the Mr Fraud trio.

Laughs Bipasha, “That’s right Sanjay , Ajay and I are together again in All The Best. This is the one film I’ll enjoyed doing.I had a ball doing No Entry. Intially I had too many inhibitions about Bollywod. No Entry made me drop those inhibitions. I’m sure Rohit Shetty’s All The Best will make me more uninhibited. …It’s a fun film and I don’t have to always do roles that reflect my personality. Sometimes it’s fun to do fun film.”

Bipasha has signed only one film this year. “I don’t want do any more work than my pace allows me. I don’t want to compete with anybody. I’ve made a niche right from my first film. I’m Bipasha Basu. I don’t think there’s any replacement for that. I enjoy my work. But there so much more my vocation as an actor than just acting. I can do stage shows, be a businesswoman, work for social causes.I keep busy 24 by 7. At this stage of my life I don’t need to sit and pine for a role.”

Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, Ritesh Deshmukh, Bobby Deol, Farah Khan, Shirish Kunder, John Abraham, Bipasha Basu, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra at Tarun Mansukhani_s birthday bash in Bandra on 16th April 2009 .

Our source present at the venue revealed, “This malfunction happened not once but thrice. The actress did not know what to do at the last moment but despite all these problems Bipasha being a professional that she did not let it hamper her performance. The actress had to change her costumes in between the dance performances but she took it all in her stride. She carried the entire show with grace and managed to enthrall the audiences without giving a hint that she was upset with the costumes.

Our source further revealed, “Had it been some one else they would have panicked and thrown tantrums. It would have affected the entire show. Bipasha carried the entire activity with lot of confidence and grace and did not let any one know that there is something wrong with the prop or her skirt One can watch this performance on Star Plus very soon.”

Bellydancing? Is it for a movie? “No no it’s something I wanted to learn for a long time. I wanted to indulge in a dancing skill that didn’t require too much pressure on my knees which are not doing too well. So salsa and other dance forms were out.”

So is this for a film. Or for private performance with John Abraham?

“Neither,” Bipasha chortles. “I’m learning belly dancing for myself. I love dancing. I don’t have really fantastic knees.And I did’t want to learn any dancing that would put pressure on my knees. Of course I’d love to do belly dancing on screen too.And I’ll incorporate it into my roles for sure.”

Earlier this week Bipasha woke up her business manager in the middle of the night to look for a belly dancing school. “The impulse just came on me. She located a proper institute which I’m enrolling into.”

Belly-dancing is not all that Bipasha is learning . “I’m also learning swimming and driving in this month-long unexpected holiday. Swimming is something I learnt a bit for Dhoom 2. For Dhoom no swimming skills, only the body was required. So I pulled it off. But I really don’t know swimming and I’m finally learning it. For Goa’s sake.”

Bipasha explains, “Goa is my favourite holiday spot . When I get into the water in Goa I just float. Now I want to swim in the Goan waters. Not just for fun. But because it’s a very good exercize. And swimming brings so much grace to your body language.”

As for driving, it’s more of a challenge that Bipasha has taken up to prove her boyfriend John wrong.

“As we talk I’m in the fourth day of my driving lessons. I can drive straight left and right. But I can’t reverse yet. So now I can look convincing when driving .In almost all my films I’m shown driving . But I’ve never actually know how to drive.”

Learning driving is Bipasha’s way of self-empowerment. “I don’t want to be dependent on others to drive me around. I want to drive myself to the gym . And if there’s a medical emergency in the night I can drive my way to the hospital.”

Bipasha’s boyfriend thinks women make terrible drivers. “All these years John has been cribbing about women drivers. He fells they can’t drive well. I had warned him he’d have to zip up the day I learnt to drive. No more cribbing about women drivers.”

Laughs Bipasha, “When I tell my friends I’m learning so many things in the next one month they think I’m gone mad .But I’ve this unexpected month off. And I want to surprise myself.”

Apart from trying to convince her boyfriend John Abraham not to work with Vidya Balan who he was rumoured to be getting cosy with in the past, Bipasha’s been busy with other things these days She’s been taking driving and swimming classes.
Bips recently went to Kolkata to get her driver’s license made. She’s said, “I knew a bit of both, but needed to perfect them. I truly admire the people who do free-style swimming. It is like they are dancing in water. I want to do that as well. ”

She’s added, “And with driving, well, I was never inclined towards it. But now, I have finally given in and I know it is not that difficult.”
Well, learning new skills can be a lot of fun. And that sure would also distract her from all the fighting she has to do with John over Vidya.