Dressed in black and brown gown, Dhupia made lensmen’s flashbulbs go pop constantly, even as she happily posed for them. The premiere of Bollywood Hero was held on 4th August at Rubin Museum of Arts, and accompanying the former Miss India were the film’s lead man Chris Kattan and co-star Pooja Kumar.

Living up-to its tag line that says Chris Kattan goes to Bollywood to become a Bollywood star, this comedy venture utterly succeeded in drawing laughs from the invitees. Neha plays a Bollywood actress Alima?Lakhani, who meets Chris and has a roller-coaster experience with him in the series.

A source close to Neha said, “Neha was warmly welcomed. She was pleasantly surprised that the premiere of Bollywood Hero, a television series, was as grand as the release of a big Hollywood film. Neha got a warm welcome at the Red Carpet, which overwhelmed her completely.”

Bollywood actress Neha Dhupia sparked off a frenzy among the US media at the premiere of Independent Film Channel’s 3 part comedy TV series Bollywood Hero in New York. Dressed in black and brown gown, Dhupia made lensman’s flashbulbs go pop constantly even as she happily posed for them. The premiere of Bollywood Hero was held on 4th August at Rubin Museum of Arts and accompanying the former Miss India were the film’s lead man Chris Kattan and costar Pooja Kumar.

Living upto its tag line that says Chris Kattan goes to Bollywood to become a Bollywood star, this comedy venture utterly succeeded in drawing laughs from the invitees. Neha plays Bollywood actress Alima Lakhani who meets Chris and has the most roller-coaster expereinces with him in the series. A source close to Neha said, “Neha was warmly welcomed. She was surprised that the premiere Bollywood Hero, a television series, was as grand as a release of a big Hollywood film. Neha got a warm welcome at the Red Carpet ovewhelming her completely.”

Mandira Bedi, Shweta Salve, Sophie Choudhary, Anupama Varma, Brinda Parikh, Neha Dhupia, Tusshar Kapoor, Yuvraj Singh, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Koena Mitra, Mugdha Godse, Dino Morea, Madhur Bhandarkar, Chunky Pandey, Shaan, Anusha Dandekar, Surveen Chawla, Yuvraj Singh, Aashish Chaudhary, Aditi Govitrikar, Nisha Jamwal, Sohail Khan, Vatsal Sheth, Shonali Nagrani, Yash Birla, Prateik Babbar, Sonali Bendre, David Dhawan, Javed Jaffery, Gayatri Ghosh, Achala Sachdev, Adnan Sami, Aftab Shivdasani, Rajpal Yadav at Percept 25 years celebrations bash on 18th July 2009.

A friend said, “Neha travelled to Vietnam recently. She stayed in a French hotel that was 110 years old. But Neha was completely floored by the hotel staff’s amazing hospitality skills.”

Neha toured the city in a vintage car. “It was as if one was going back in time. Being unfamiliar with the local language; Neha use to talk in sign language. But it was a wonderful experience.”

Neha is now busy recommending Vietnam to her friends and relatives. “Ever since she is back she is busy talking about Vietnam. It has created a lasting impression on her.”

Neha Dhupia and Sameera Reddy on De Dhana Dhan sets in Mehboob Studio, Mumbai on 10th July 2009.

Neha visited the camp and was shocked to know about the torture that the people had endured over there. “The truth was so bitter and harsh that Neha just could not digest it. She just fainted on hearing the people’s gruesome stories. Neha was so disturbed by it that she just remained quiet throughout the day. Neha felt slightly better only the next day.”

Launch of PURO Bar & Kitchen – Pure ….Contemporary …Chic. Mumbai, Thursday, 2nd July 2009: Last evening Nazneen Sarkar (of the Sarkar group), Managing Partner, Puro Hospitality launched her newest independent venture PURO Bar & Kitchen at Hill Road, Bandra. Puro means “Pure” in Italian….. and that is the basic premise of this new multi-cuisine restaurant.

Among those in attendance was a heady mix of people. Nazneen Sarkar played the perfect host making sure her guests had a good time. Seen appreciating and enthralled by décor and decadent fare were Neha Dhupia and Ritwik Bhattacharya, Sameera Reddy, Baba Siddique, Rajpal Yadav, Yash and Gauri Tonk, Eijaz Khan and Anita Hassanandani, Shakti Anand, Dj Akbar Sami, and many more.

Puro Bar & Kitchen is made for the cosmopolitan traveler who savors fine wine and appreciates cuisines from across the world. For global nomads and individuals looking for a casual atmosphere or social butterflies looking for an elaborate dinner, Puro Bar & Kitchen caters to all.

Puro Bar & Kitchen reflects the global influences of contemporary style, seamlessly blending modern elements and Mediterranean exoticism. It represents the true synthesis of elements seamlessly integrating the vibrancy of a lounge with the serenity of a restaurant.

Elegant, serene and monochromatic describe Puro Bar & Kitchen which is designed by owner Nazneen Sarkar. The walls and upholstery are pristine white keeping its name in mind, with natural light draping the wooden furniture adorning the restaurant giving it the feel of freshness and purity, providing colour through the food and drinks and art displayed on the walls. A sanctuary one can relax and be lost in the visual appeal and smells and sound of the place.

During the day, a fairly casual appeal Puro Bar & Kitchen has wonderful daylight sweeping in from its large windows, soft background music and an array of wonderful and different types of food to choose from to fit the mood a vibrant 12-foot bar entices you to slip into evening mode with a hint of the exotic and exquisite for company.

Each element has been designed with the thought of transporting you to a world class environment which would stand its ground against any counterpart in the top cities across the globe. From the vibrancy of the bar to the privacy of the lounge and the grandeur of the tables replete with a wine cellar is a gastronomical delight.

Nazneen Sarkar, Managing Partner, Puro Hospitality says, “The USP of Puro Bar & Kitchen apart from wines sourced from across the world available in our wine cellar is of course its menu which will satisfy all palettes be it Pan fried crab cake, Cod Terrine or even Turkey ham lasagna. The chef can customize dishes according to ones preference depending on the availability of the ingredients or even help plan an exclusive menu for special occasions.”

Puro Bar & Kitchen’s theme is a contemporary restaurant with a multi cuisine menu. To blend European influences with a Mediterranean base in a chic and modern way. The result is an interesting cocktail of world cuisines. Without limiting its ability to switch from a laidback daytime hangout to a refined nightfall space, the surroundings mirror multi-faceted creativity. By night it’s a place one can come to enjoy an elaborate dinner or drinks with friends to indulge one’s palette in the finest wines, decadent food and desserts. You can choose the vibe you desire, as you make use of the Wi-Fi service over a hot cuppa whilst browsing through the selection of newspapers and magazines, and mulling over the menu focusing on easy to eat, munchies like Tangy Chicken Nuggets or Jalapeno Poppers made from the finest ingredients and cultivated to create the most delightful taste, flavor and texture which one can enjoy with their drinks.

A friendly and well-informed team, welcoming environment and unmatched food makes Puro Bar & Kitchen the ideal choice for lunch, dinner or just a rejuvenating time that can turn into an elevated experience.

Address:

Puro Bar & Kitchen

Hotel Metro Palace,

355 Hill Road,

Bandra (W), Mumbai 400050

Tel: +91 22 26431234 / 5 / 26442200

Open from 12 noon to 1:30am

Shreyas Talpade, Javed Jaffrey and Ashish Choudhary are three best friends staying together as paying guests in Kiska Miglani’s (Asrani) house in Bangkok. But when Ashish’s cousin Vatsal Seth arrives from India to stay with them they end up messing things one drunken night and are kicked off by Kiska.

Rating: 1.5/5
Starring: Shreyas Talpade, Javed Jaffrey, Neha Dhupia, Celina Jaitley, Riya Sen, Sayali Bhagat, Ashish Choudhary, Vatsal Seth, Johnny Lever, Chunky Pandey
Director: Paritosh Painter

Now jobless and homeless the foursome, desperately try rent accommodation hunting which can suit their budget. They end up getting one owned by Shreyas’s ex-employer Ballu (Johnny Lever and his wife played by Delnaaz Paul) but with a condition that they should be married.

So Ashish and Vatsal end up turning Shreyas and Javed as their respective wives. Ballu is forever troubled by his younger brother Rocky (Chunky) who wants to get their father’s hotel in his name. What confusion it all leads to when the four leading ladies – Neha Dhupia, Celina, Riya and Sayali get involved in some way or the other forms the rest of the film.

It may have been claimed that the film is the cinematic version of debutante director Paritosh Painter’s hit play by the same name, the entire film actually appears ripped off from actor Sachin directed Marathi super duper hit film that ran for almost 75 weeks called Ashi Hi Banva Banvi (1988). While AHBB was truly entertaining film that can be enjoyed again and again the same cannot be said about Paying Guests.

Stale jokes, unimaginative writing and stereo typical characters rather caricatures make it a pain to sit through even its two hours running time. The music is functional while dialogues are full of double innuendo.

The climax is a direct lift of cult classic comedy Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. Also while watching the film one can easily make out the almost the entire film seems to have been shot in and around Subhash Ghai owned Whistling Woods International in Mumbai’s Film City passing it off as Bangkok.

Acting wise Shreyas Talpade impresses as always. Javed Jaffrey is hilarious too and gets the best lines. Ashish Choudhary continues with his limited expressions and fails yet again. Vatsal is earnest but barely gets any scope. Neha Dhupia looks hot and is good amongst the actresses but her role is very short.

Celina shows good comic timing. Sayali is hardly there and though the entire cast is present in the climax she is not there. But she is good in her small part. Riya Sen is cast in yet another dumb girl role which she seems to have excelled in doing.

Johnny Lever is in top form after a long time. He is good even that one serious scene he gets. Delnaaz Paul is sweet. Chunky gets irritating after a point. Inder Kumar is totally wasted in a two scene role. Asrani and Paintal irritate.

Paying Guests is low in content aiming for cheap laughs. But if that’s your idea of entertainment then enter at your own risk.

Also Read:
This Friday, all eyes on PAYING GUESTS
Paying Guest film music launch
Celina Jaitley excited about Paying Guest
Shreyas, Javed sell tickets at Cinemax to promote Paying Guest

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.

To enhance her sports skills Neha has taken up Squash. “Squash is the latest sport that has cuaght Neha’s interest. She is being trained by a coach. Neha’s enjoying playing the game,”the friend said.

Neha Dhupia at AXN Action Awards promotional event in Gold Gym, Bandra on 26th May 2009.

Interestingly the film also has a song Jack and Jill and that reminded Neha of her school days even more. Neha feels that school days are the best days of life… days of fun and innocence. She loves school and goes there to meet her teachers whenever she finds the time,” said a friend.

She still ain’t a big star here but the buzz now is that she’s somehow managed to impress the American crew she worked with.

Boy, that sure is interesting. Never knew that Neha’s that professional. Looks more like a show to us.

She’s working on the mini-series ‘Bollywood Her’ alongside actor Chris Kattan.

The Café Bitch’s birdie told her: “Neha comes fully prepared on the sets. She doesn’t call for dialogues during the shot like other actors do. She goes through the details before and comes prepared for the shot. The American members of the film are very impressed with her and for her professionalism. She is very punctual too.”

Umm… does that mean that Neha knows that her future is sealed here and she can’t let go of opportunities anywhere else?

Well and good as she only has a silly movie like ‘Paying Guest’ coming up where she’s weirdly dressed up as an over grown school girl alongside the likes of big bores Shreyas Talpade, Celina Jaitley, Sayali Bhagat and Riya Sen.

Neha needs to try out new things in life indeed.

Neha dhupia unveils Vaseline healthy white in Nirmal Lifestyle Mall, Mumbai on 8th May 2009.

This is the only occasion where we see our Indian players teaming up with various International cricket stars.There are film stars and cheerleaders and there is no stone left unturned to promote the game. It’s become like a chick flick highly entertaining so I enjoy watching that.When the matches are on ,I am simply glued to the TV screen and in between if I get any call ,I avoid them saying that I am busy in a meeting..”

Now ,this is called a real cricket fan.

We caught up with Julian when he was recently in Mumbai to shoot for the series. Julian told us, “It is really funny, crazy and romantic to explore the Bollywood industry. I had a very happy time shooting here.” He further added, “Not many are aware that was not my first brush with Bollywood. Some years back I had worked in Esmayeel Shroff’s Bombay Talkies.”

Telling us further about his Mumbai experience, Julian said, “I visited the museums and found the city to be a melting pot of human experience. The city has every aspect of human condition and is a celebration of colour, smells and energy which is so intense and exciting. I have also traveled through the local trains and that was one amaxing experience.”

His 2 part comic series revolves around Kattan who is tired of being rejected as leading-man material in Hollywood, he burns his professional bridges in L.A. and ventures to India where he’s been promised a starring role in a Bollywood film. While in India, he encounters cultural differences and a system that, much to his shock, is even more severe than what he faced in Hollywood. About the series he revealed it is a film within a film “Neha Dhupia plays my love interest in the film. It is a spoof on Bollywood.”

About what is next on his plate he revealed, “I would love to work in a purely Indian film. But now I will be going back to L.A and by the end of April, I will start shooting for Charles Darwin’s In the Summer which is being directed by a first time director.”

Neha Dhupia, Mugdha Godse at Playboy perfume launch in Enigma on 22nd April 2009 .

Q. Why?
A. Very simple. I don’t have a liking for industry men much. Secondly, I would not like to discuss films after coming back home from work.

Q. Would he be a metrosexual man?
A. No way! I detest metrosexual men right from my childhood.

Q. Reason?
A. Because, I just cannot stand men who pedicure and manicure. I remember telling my father why do these men not leave pedicure and manicure to women.

Q. Do you mean to say that men should leave their fingers and feet unclean?
A. No, not at all. I don’t mean them to remain dirty, but cleanliness not at the cost of being manly. They should not exhibit feminine qualities.

Q. Would he be very good looking?
A. I cannot stand good-looking men.

Q. Then?
A. He has to be someone who is robust and has a manly appearance.

Q. A man with brain or brawn?
A. A man with brain would be my choice.

Q. Would he need to be rich?
A. See, I prefer a man to excel in earning and leave the spending to me (laughs).

By Shruti Didwaniya

Whether the films are serious or non-serious Neha knows what she has to give for her character to shine out. Action Replay is hardcore commercial film and Neha is to be watched out for in that film. Ditto Pappu Can’t Dance Saala. Neha is excited about both her films,” siad a friend.

Neha Dhupia unveils Canon_s latest products in ITC Grand Central, Mumbai on 9th April 2009.