While Sanjay Gupta’s Acid Factory first look launch was a rocking event for everyone, one actor from the film sulked at the party and that was Gulshan Grover.

Acid Factory is a multi starrer starring Manoj Bajpai, Irrfan Khan, Fardeen Khan, Aftab Shivdasani, Dino Morea and Dia Mirza apart from Gulshan Grover. Almost every single actor and crew member connected to the film was present there. When the event proceedings began, the emcees of the event actor Rohit Roy and singer Manasi Scott heaped loads of praises on all of them excluding Gulshan Grover who has a very significant role in the film as he plays the role of the uncle of the main leads. The Bollywood bad man known for being a thorough gentleman off screen was visibly upset over this. So when it was his time to speak he vented out his frustration in a sarcastic manner in front of the media and expressed his displeasure to Sanjay Gupta. Gulshan has worked in many Gupta films right from Aatish to Kaante and certainly the pain could be understood.

We wonder why Sanjay Gupta continues to rub his long associated people the wrong way. First Sanjay Dutt then business associate Dharam Oberoi, then again last weekend there was news about Gupta and Irrfan Khan having payment related issues and now this live example!

The “Think Before You Drive Campaign” was launched in 2005 globally with the goal of promoting simple road safety messages to road users. The initiative has reached every region of the world and is backed by FIA (Federation of International Automobile) member clubs from more than 60 countries. It identifies the main causes of serious or fatal crashes, urging motorists to implement simple safety measures before they drive.

As part of its safety campaign, Bridgestone brings the Ferrari Formula One car to Mumbai. The `ultimate speed machine’ was unveiled by none other than the young, charismatic, Bollywood youth icon Dia Mirza, setting the F1 tone amidst loads of fervor and excitement.

Bridgestone is the Sole tyre supplier for F1 and its technology is used to manufacture tyres in India. The unveiling kick started the Bridgestone’s road show which is scheduled at prominent malls across the city.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. H. Tanigawa, Managing Director, Bridgestone India Pvt. Ltd said, “I’m extremely pleased and proud to launch ‘Think Before You Drive campaign’ in India. This is a very successful initiative worldwide which has been conducted in almost 80 countries.” Mr. Tanigawa added “The campaign aims to promote safe driving behavior and to raise awareness about road safety, locally and globally”.

To complement the safety message, Bridgestone has set up safety check stations at leading malls, corporate park & Mumbai-Pune expressway. During the road shows, Bridgestone also distributes safety booklets and a tire gauge that measures tire pressure and tread depth.

Dia Mirza at Bridgestone Think Before You Drive Campaign in Inorbit Mall on 20th 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.

Hrithik Roshan, Dia Mirza, Dino Morea, Bipasha Basu, Farah Khan Ali, Aqueel, Suzanne Khan, Zayed Khan, Sophie Chaudhry, Manav Gangwani, Madhavan, Peter Andre, Mugdha Godse, Sophie Chaudhry, Zayed Khan, Neil Mukesh, Madhur Bhandarkar at IIFA fashion in Macau on 12th June 2009.

DESIGNER MANAV GANGWANI AND JEWELLERY DESIGNER FARAH KHAN AQUEEL
COUTURE FASHION SHOWING AT IIFA- Designer Manav Gangwani And Jewellery Designer Farah Khan Aqueel showed their latest collection at the IIFA fashion show held in Macau last night .

White breathes of Serenity, Rich luxurious Gold of Divinity & Intense radiant Green whispers of Envy ….Manav Gangwani ‘s collection “Serenity was in themes of white , green and gold.Serenity……… a White as pure and soft as in a Dove, shimmering Gold as rich as timeless Royalty, Green as luminous as in an emerald making the wearer the envy of everyone….encrusted with glowing, glittering Crystals to add yet another Dimension…… Inspired by Manav Gangwani’s vivid imagination…. this Collection epitomized the essence of serenity. Romantic and elegant with an undertone of drama.

The show stoppers for Manav Gangwani fashion showing were Madhavan, Dia Mirza and Dino Morea. Dia Mirza in a heavily embroidered, lehenga sparkling with swaroski crystals, teamed with a matching corset with jewellery by Farah Khan, Dino in an ivory sherwani beautifully appliqued with ivory velvet and further accented with swarovski crystals and beads. Madhavan wore .gold lame sherwani, artistically embroidered, once again accented with swarovski crystals and bead work.

The ShowStoppers for FarahKhan were Hritikh and Sussane Roshan.

Sussanne wore wearing an emerald necklace with columbian pear shape emeralds and diamonds. For Hrithik Farah has designed a pendant suspended in a black chord in the form of a Falcon that is soaring into the air. “I envision seeing him like that so thats why I designed this specially keeping him in mind”. Farah Khans new collection is inspired by nature and has alot of 3 dimensional forms and shapes including lots of coloured precious gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, rubelites, tanzanites, sapphires, spinels and yellow and blue diamonds. “With this collection I have tried to create one of a kind pieces that will shine as much as the stars at IIFA. The collection comprises of Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Cuffs, Rings, Brooches and Pendants that have multi purpose wear”, says Farah.

As Farah adds ” My designs are flamboyant, ornate and adventurous. I believe jewellery should make you feel like a princess when you wear ir, no matter how big or small the piece of jewellery is, it should be eye catching and make the wearer feel special”.

And Farah’s new collection does just that – Taking a step away from the classical designs for which she is well known, Farah has crafted this breath taking series of jewels inspired by nature and the world around us. This collection is an entirely new perspective.

Celebrities spotted wearing Manav Gangwani creations and Farah Khans jewellery on the red carpet were Sussane Roshan in a Swarovski embellished drape gown, Malaika Zayed Khan in an ombre green, black sari teamed with a fluted blouse, Raveena Tandon in a red sari with swarovski embellished blouse, Mughda Godse royal blue gown. Also Neil Nitin Mukesh in a black suit with royal blue waistcoat, with hubby Anil Thadani in a grey suit with a red shirt, Madhur Bhandarkar in a black suit with navy shirt,
Farah Khan also wore a black gown by Manav Gangwani.

Zayed Khan and Sophie Choudhury hosted the show were also dressed in Manav Gangwani. Sophie wore jewelelry by Farah Khan.

Serenity by Manav Gangwani Despite its subtlety it is still extremely striking. A great mix of the Feminine and the Contemporary. Manav Gangwani will make you re-think your stand on “Couture Clothing”. Clothes to last one a lifetime. “The entire collection tells a story and that’s how I want my clothing to be” says Manav Gangwani!!! Colors and textures here will be Soft and Sensual. The silhouettes will reflect the Era of the Mughals…… …..and the Royal Age… Ravishingly flowing Anarkalis…..Ornate, heavily encrusted Lehengas….…… yet, the cuts stylized to be contemporary enough for the present day….. ……a unique combination of the yesteryears and today…. mesmerizing……enchanting……artfully fashioned drapes cascading gently…..flamboyant saris….. arresting bodices with appealing manuevers where least expected…..a revelation in each garment……. enthrallingly feminine….. shimmery fabrics…..sheers……chiffon shot with gold…. …….soft gauzy fabrics which are so surreal that they must captivate every woman……. filmy gossamer fabrics lightly touched with shimmering gold through this entire dreamlike collection….As though Fairy fingers had entwined the thread a thousand trembling orbs of sparkling dew spangle the texture of this fairy loom,– So, Evanescent and Diaphanous….… heavy Brocades…..adding Lavishness beyond compare….. encrusted with swarovski crystals…
This is another riveting collection from Manav Gangwani’s endless repertoire of Creativity……… and every Design is a Masterpiece which any women will yearn to own…………..

Dia Mirza, Tara Sharma, Aarti Chhabria, Ishita Arun, Alina and Sana Wadiawala at The Comedy Store_s tour in Blue Frog on 4th June 2009. The Comedy Store, U.K’s leading comedy club, which celebrates thirty years this May, now comes to Mumbai for the first time with The Comedy Store Tour, the first of its kind in India. It is a Curtainrasier to the actual launch of The Comedy Store in Mumbai later this year. Keeping its relevance to the Indian market, Don Ward (Cofounder of The Comedy Store) has chosen three World Class Stand Up Comedians who will perform in Mumbai. With 2009 being their 30th anniversary, this tour is a great way to further popularize a concept that is gripping India very fast. The Comedy Store Tour brings you a world class stand up comedy team that will put together a show with an Indian relevance.

Sonia (Ishita Arun), Tina (Tejaswini Kolhapure), Puja (Gauri Karnik) and Om (Rohit Bhatia) are four home-mates in Dubai. They together share a huge apartment and are platonic best friends. While Puja is a host on an FM channel called Radio Hum, Tina is a stage actress, Sonia runs a boutique, and Om works in a corporate set up.

Rating: 2/5
Starring: Rohit Bhatia, Dia Mirza, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Gauri Karnik, Ishita Arun, Kiran Janjani, Anupam Kher, Om Puri
Director: Ajai Sinha

While outwardly the four appear to live a carefree and modern lifestyle, there are many chinks in their respective armors. Puja wants to be the host of her own show, which she would like to call “Puja at 8″, but for that she may have to compromise and spend a night with her boss (Harsh Chhaya), at the same time she has promised her conservative India-based parents that she will meet the boy of their choice and settle with him.

Tina’s skeleton in the closet contains her alcoholic dad (Om Puri), who is always asking her for money, though Tina would prefer to avoid him and never see him again, she has no option but deal with him whenever he suddenly shows up in their home unannounced; Sonia’s only male client, Rohit (Kiran Janjani) thinks she is hot and wants to marry her, however, Rohit is known as a womanizer and his affairs only last for a few nights.

Om was in love with Shama (Dia Mirza) when he was in India, but then she had got married to Pawan. Now Shama and her daughter are in Dubai and both are about to re-kindle their romance for each other, not knowing that Pawan himself is on his way there. As problems arise, they tend to take a toll in their friendship as they start drifting apart. Finally it all boils down to a climax on the New Years’ Day.

The film attempts to be a modern day take on friendships amongst today’s youth ala Dil Chahta Hai. While the friendship chemistry amongst the four friends has come out naturally well and some small sequences and lines shared amongst them have come out very identifiable, the overall impact is missing.

The comic track between Tejaswini and Ali Asgar also falls completely flat. The culmination of Kiran and Ishita Arun’s story is unintentionally hilarious. Director Ajai Sinha who is a popular name in television circuit as a director who is a master in handling human emotions is let down here with a weak script. He does impress however in handling of some emotional sequences. The production values are fair but costumes especially worn by Gauri and Tejaswini are simply bad. Music by Vishal – Shekhar lacks the zing required for a youngsters flick.

Newcomer Rohit Bhatia makes a confident debut. Tejaswini Kolhapure impresses a lot despite having been badly presented. Ishita Arun and Gauri Karnik barely get scope to showcase their acting talents. Dia Mirza in a small but important part is good. Harsh Chhaya is getting type cast in a lecherous boss roles. He has done similar type of parts earlier in Laga Chunari Mein Daag and Its Breaking News. Kiran Janjani fits the part. Himani Shivpuri, Om Puri and Anupam Kher lend able support as usual.

While the film may not exactly be worth a visit to the nearest multiplex, it isn’t that bad either and can be caught up on home video on one lazy Sunday afternoon.

Acid factory posting of the star studded and critically appreciated ensemble star cast is a much awaited film for 2009. According to close sources acid factory is slated for release in winter since that it’s consider as a best quarter for release of any bollywood film. According to our source acid factory will be a very stylish thriller from the production house White Feather Films who have delivered Kante, Shoot Out At Lokhandwala etc in the past.

Sanjay Gupta and the director have really worked hard on Dia’s look in the film. Dia has trained for the stunts months before the shooting started. She also performed her own stunts in the film. Says Dia, “Acid Factory is one of my biggest films and is releasing as scheduled winter 2009. It’s a big release for Mumbai Mantra; they have a grand plan for marketing the film. The shooting of the film is complete and is in the post production stages.” Dia adds, “I really worked hard for the film and can’t wait to see the promos on air. And of course the eventual release of the film and I completely understand and respect that the team has taken the right decision regarding the timing of the release of the film since it is such an important factor along with marketing the film. Am thankful and grateful for the team who put a lot of effort and has delivered such a good content film.”

Dia Mirza with Jacky Bhagnani and Vaishali at Radio Mirchi Book Deke Dekho event in Colaba on 23rd April 2009.

So, Dia utilized the time on hand and sought the opportunity to get ready to look fit for the role in more ways than one. The actress underwent heavy duty physical training for 40 days to build biceps and strengthen muscles. Helping her in her regime were action director Tinu Verma and Arbaaz Khan’s trainer Rakesh.

Dia observed a military school like regime, waking up at 5.30 am, working with Tinu for about two hours daily in Film City, another two hours at home and then in the evening again for two more hours. The rigorous schedule went for three months and the after effects have not only satisfied Dia but also Sanjay himself. Though Dia admits that she is a bit unconventional for the negative role, she overcame it and now looks the part. Hmm… so now you can’t call her just petite Miss Mirza, as now she is quite a toughie!

According to our source, “Acid Factory has Dia Mirza as the solo female lead amongst five to six male leads and it is one of her most challenging roles. Her character in the film is said to have grey shades. She is confident that this film will bring her back in the reckoning after a long on going lull in her career. But much to her disappointment the film is taking quiet long in the making and already has couple of its schedules disrupted and the economic slowdown have only made matters worse for the production house.”

“Dia is getting restless waiting endlessly for the film to finally get ready and hit the silver screen. She is understandably miffed for her dates being wasted as the film’s schedules have kept getting postponed.” adds the source.

Payal Rohatgi, Dia Mirza, Gulshan Grover, Ayaz Khan, Pooja Misra, Shawar Ali, Jennifer Mayani, Hiten Paintal at the launch of the Tunga Regale hotel in Andheri on 17th April 2009.

Sonali Kulkarni, Sonu Sood, Neelam Kothari, Sameer Soni, Dia Mirza, Nethra Raghuraman, Dipannita Sharma, Nisha Jamwal, Kabir Bedi, Udita Goswami, Vinay Pathak, Siddharth Kannan, Rageshwari, Parvez Damania, Kelly Dorjee, Kiran Jhanjani, Mansi Scott, Brinda Parekh, Anjala Zaveri at Swarovski fashion show in Taj Land_s End on 17th April 2009 .

Arbaaz Khan, Dia Mirza, Shaad Randhwa at the launch of Scrunch fitness regime in Bandra, Mumbai on 9th April 2009.

Dia Mirza, Rani Mukherjee, Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Sunny Deol, Dharmendra, Farah Khan, Shirish Kunder, Chunky Pandey, Gayatri Joshi, Simone Singh, Nandita Mahtani, Twinkle Khanna, Sonali Bendre, Goldie Behl, Beenu Bawa & Tania Deol, Simran Lal at Tania Deol_s interiors at Good Earth on 4th April 2009.

Sushmita Sen, Dia Mirza, Arjun RAmpal, Mehr Jessia, Sridevi, Hema Malini, Lara Dutta, Tara Sharma, Minissha Lamba, Perizaad Zorabian, Kehkashan, Siddharth Kannan, Ishita Arun, Queenie, Aashish Chaudhry, Sameera Reddy, Sonakshi, Zayed Khan, Tabu, Suzanne, Rohit Bal, Manish Malhotra, Rocky S, Alka Yagnik, Anupama Verma, Farah Khan, Raveena Tandon, Sophie Chaudhry at Lakme Fashion Week 2009 day 3 on 29th March 2009.

Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Manjari Phadnis, Jacky Bhagnani, Dia Mirza, Parsoon Joshi, Rupali Ganguly, Shiamak Davar, Divya Palat at Reebok_s Shaimak collection launch in Taj Lands End, Bandra, Mumbai on 26th March 2009.

Tisca Chopra, Shahana Goswami, Nandita Das, Sanjay Suri, Neetu Chandra, Dia Mirza, Shaina NC, Talat Aziz, Pooja Misra, Dolly Thakore, Manv Gohil, Shweta Kawatra at the Premiere of Firaaq in PVR on 19th March 2009.

Dia Mirza, Jackie Bhagnani and Vaishali Desai, Zayed Khan, Vashu Bhagnani, Abbas Mastan, Sameer, Sajid, Wajid, Satish Shah, Ramesh Taurani, Shaan at music launch of Kal Kisne Dekha in Cinemax on 12th March 2009.

Veeru (Kunal) meets Jai (Fardeen) in a pub when the latter saves him from getting beaten up by goons. Veeru is a small time crook who masters in stealing cars. He convinces Jai, a motor mechanic to join him and Jai does. But little does Veeru know that Jai is basically on an undercover mission to nab underworld don Tejpal (Arbaaz) for whom Veeru works for.

Rating: 1.5/5
Starring: Fardeen Khan, Kunal Khemmu, Dia Mirza, Anjana Sukhani, Arbaaz Khan
Director: Puneet Sira

When Veeru comes to know about Jai’s reality a scuffle follows. During this, Jai accidentally gets shot by Veeru who manages to escape the country. While Jai thinks Veeru did it on purpose to kill him, a heartbroken Veeru is in double trouble as if Jai’s double game was not enough, he has to save his skin from Tejpal who is baying for his blood as he is having in his possession a special diary that can expose Tejpal. Then there is also Mumbai Police who is hunting for him. What follows next forms the rest of this film.

Ten minutes into the film and you realize it is completely aimed at the interiors of India where multiplexes are yet to make headway. Adding all the masala required for a typical entertainer that once worked in the 70s and 80s, Jai Veeru tries to aim to be a mindless entertainer, yet it fails. That is mostly because there is not a single novel thing in either the presentation or the screenplay.

Even the actors playing the parts seem uninterested in their job. Fardeen is completely lackluster while Arbaaz sleepwalks through his part expressionlessly. Kunal Khemmu is the only actor who tries to impress and succeeds sometimes. Anjana Sukhani playing Kunal’s girlfriend is hardly there and gets no scope at all. Dia Mirza as Fardeen’s live in girlfriend looks pretty but again barely gets any screen time. Also her turnaround in the climax appears forced. Govind Namdeo as Fardeen’s boss is his typical self.

Puneet Sira who made the gory I Proud To Be An Indian (2003) needs to take immediate classes in film direction. Neither does he posses the ability to narrate a simple story nor has he succeeded in holding your attention on screen beyond ten minutes. Bappa Lahiri’s music is nothing worth talking about as well.

Give this film a miss guys and save your money.