Piracy is like an unwanted guest: Karan Johar

"Ever since I was born and ever since I am in this industry, one word that has been in our life like a virus, which has refused to leave our industry and has constantly plagued us, has been piracy. Piracy is like that guest who is unwanted in your house...it's there whether you like it or not," the producer-director said at a press conference held for the promotion of "Agneepath".

Karan feels piracy cannot be wiped out until people treat it as a moral war.

"...it is a moral war much more than a practical war or actual war," said the 39-year-old whose Dharma Productions is also ready with "Ek Main aur Ekk Tu", expected to release Feburuary next year.

On the other hand, actor Abhishek feels the only solution to the problem is government intervention.

"It's difficult to fight piracy. I think the only way we will be able to succeed in fighting piracy is that we have government support with us and with the film industry with very stringent laws and anti-piracy laws," he said Abhishek in an interview.

Ironically, piracy is a flourishing business. Though the Indian film industry has been struggling to erase it, the menace refuses to die down.

'Chikni Chameli' was not my style: Katrina Kaif

"The response to 'Chikni Chameli' has been fun so far. It was hard work. It was very fast and it was not a style I was used to, but I took it as a challenge...I think we all went for it as a team and did the best we could. I am happy people are liking it," the 27-year-old actress said here while launching new range of Panasonic airconditioners.

Even actor Salman Khan is smitten by the song and Katrina is happy about this.

"He has not told that to me but I think that's a great thing. He has a great taste in music and songs. So, if he likes it then it's great," said Katrina who featured in two more item numbers in "Shiela ki jawani" and "Bodyguard".

New Year is round the corner and Katrina is pleased with the way 2011 shaped up for her.

"2011 has been a really great year for me. All the goals I had in hand, I think everything turned out really well. I am very grateful for that...The best I could have wanted to come out of every project has come true this year," said Katrina who had two releases this year - "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" and "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan".

Katrina has some plum projects in her kitty -- she is working on "Ek Tha Tiger" with Salman, "Dhoom 3" and Yash Chopra's untitled new venture which is expected to feature Shah Rukh Khan.

Shah Rukh Khan back to clean shaven look

"Back to my wakeful nights and clean shaven look. Daughter insisted I shave. Watched the whole process as if I was America's top model contestant," tweeted Shah Rukh.

The superstar is basking in the success of "Don 2: The King Is Back", the sequel to Farhan Akhtar's 2006 film "Don: The Chase Begins".

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Madhuri goes snorkelling in Maldives

Bollywood beauty Madhuri Dixit is having a gala time holidaying in Maldives with her husband and two children.

"Second day in the Maldives. Weather is awesome. Snorkelled with family. Water is clear and warm!" Madhuri posted on her Twitter page.

The 44-year-old, who had shifted base to Denver in the US after marrying Shriram Nene, a cardiovascular surgeon 12 years ago, has now relocated to India. She is settling in Mumbai with her husband, and children Arin, 8, and 6-year-old Raayan.

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Sonakshi spent Christmas on the sets!

Actress Sonakshi Sinha spent Christmas on the sets of "Lootera", but says it was fun singing carols together.

"Meri christmas miss ho gayi (I missed Christmas)! Been shooting for 'Lootera', so we had Christmas carols on set...Hope holiday season going well for everyone," Sonakshi tweeted.

The "Dabangg" actress has been working hard, with the shooting of "Lootera" on one hand, and rehearsals of song with Prabhu Deva for his directorial project "Rowdy Rathore" on the other.

When painting, I feel I'm making something like a Picasso: Aamir

"Painting, like singing, is something I really enjoy doing. Though I do it badly," said Aamir.

"I love singing, it puts me in a good mood. It disturbs the hell out of everyone around me, but it makes me feel very happy... painting also. I have realised that I am really a bad painter but when I am painting, I get so engrossed and I feel as if I am making something like a Picasso," the 46-year-old added at the launch of CDs and DVDs of "Dhobi Ghat".

Despite his inexperience with paintbrush, colours and canvas, Aamir managed to complete a painting and gifted it to another painter of B-town, Salman Khan.

"The one painting that I have done in my life is on the sets of 'Dhobi Ghat', while they were lighting up, I did a full canvas and presented it to Salman. So, it's in Salman's house," said Aamir who also did an item number in "Delhi Belly".

After "3 Idiots" in 2009, Aamir will be seen in a key role in Reema Kagti's "Talaash", co-produced by him, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The cast of the film also features Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji. 

' Dabangg' Salman turns 46.

Salman, who entertained his fans this year with movies like "Ready", "Bodyguard" and will continue to do so next year with "Dabangg 2" and "Ek Tha Tiger".

This is what the celebs had to say:

Sonakshi Sinha: Happy birthday Pandeji.

Sonu Sood: Wishing my bro Salman Khan a very happy birthday. Will see you today at the farmhouse bhai. Keep ruling..

Preity Zinta: Hey Salman, Here's wishing you a very very Happy Birthday ! May all things wonderful big and small always come your way. Love ya

Dia Mirza: Happy birthday!!! May you continue to further your dreams and help others realise theirs health, peace, happiness always

Farah Khan Ali: Happy birthday to one of the most misunderstood person I know. Happiness, health, wealth success, and lots of love.

Sophie Choudry: Wishing one of the most amazing people I have the privilege of knowing a very happy birthday Love you. Wish you health, happiness always. 

I'm ordinary and ignorant: Amitabh

"Suddenly many invitations to inaugurate book releases, conferences, chief guests at important events!! I am not qualified for them! My profession does not give me the obvious authority to be the most knowledgeable and justified endorser of various entities!" the veteran actor posted on Twitter.

"...And age does not necessarily indicate mature insight and vision, despite the grey and the glasses... I am still ordinary and ignorant," he added.

Amitabh promotes causes like eradication of polio, and is a tourism ambassador of Gujarat. On the global platform, he is considered to be an ambassador of Bollywood, seen as one of India's soft power. However, Big B does not find it feasible for him to talk about anything and everything, just because he is a popular star.

"Kind words and gentle demeanour shall not always translate to impressive epithets .. certain basics need to be in place...Being a host on a TV show or an appreciated artist in film, does not become justified qualification, for every other responsibility!

"Gravest fallacy - just because you work in a public domain, does not mean wisdom and wealth of acumen in all walks! So a regret in attendance is then construed as ill behaved arrogance...or undeserved ego...," he posted further.

The 69-year-old veteran was last seen as the host of the fifth season of game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati".

He had two releases this year -- "Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap" and "Aarakshan".

Abhishek prays for Aishwarya and "Players "

The junior Bachchan was accompanied by a personal friend and drove to the shrine where he performed 'ziyarat' and offered velvet chadar at the holy tomb.

The actor prayed for good health of his wife who recently had given birth to a daughter and also sought blessings from "Garib-nazaz" for success of his film "Players" which is expected to be released soon

Salman Khan is my driving force: Himesh Reshammiya

"For me it's always been god, dad and Salman Khan. He (Salman) has been a driving force for me. I just want to thank him for his support. Thank you Salman bhai," said 38-year-old Himesh, whose music in the actor's "Bodyguard" was well-received by the audiences.

Himesh, who reportedly had a spat with Salman sometime back, minced no words while thanking the actor and his family for helping him at every stage of his decade-long career either a music director, singer or even as an actor.

"After this break of one-and-a-half years and with love and good wishes of Salman bhai, my first film "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya" was possible because of the Khan family and now my 101st film "Bodyguard" also is getting me awards. It's all because of their love. In some way or the other Salman bhai has been the reason for my success," said Himesh.

After his success as a composer-singer, Himesh took up acting in films like "Aap Ka Suroor", "Karzzzz", "Kajraare" and "Damadamm". He is looking forward to more acting and music assignments.

"Now after this break I am all set to give music, and I will give music for a lot of films. I will produce quite a few films too and will also start with my acting spree. I have four films in hand.

"I'm creatively reloaded. I'm ready with eight to nine scripts, which I have compiled for production houses. As far as the music front is concerned, when I had come here at the age of 16, I came with 300 songs and today I am ready with 500 songs and have signed 250 artists for"it," he added.

Himesh is also set for some international projects, both, as a composer and as an actor.

"An international album in collaboration with Lil Wayne and Edward Maya is also ready. I have formulated 15 songs for it and the album is called 'The Edge'. DJ Edward Maya is doing my song and Roman White, who directs Justin Bieber's videos is directing our album too. I am also doing an international film 'A * Is Killed'," said Himesh.

For 2012, his hands are full with films like "Namastey London 2", "Dangerous Ishq", "Khiladi 786", "Shortcut Romeo" and "A New Love Ishtory".

Fox Star releases Ekk Deewana Tha trailer

The movie starring Prateik and Amy Jackson has been directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon, his second venture in Bollywood.

Oscar wining maestro A.R Rahman has composed the music for the film.

Menon has been all praises for the two actors, asserting that they are as good as Simbu and Trisha from the original.

The story revolves around an aspiring filmmaker from Mumbai, who falls in love with a woman from a strict orthodox Christian family.

Ekk Deewana Tha will be releasing on 17th February 2012

Bigger villain leads to a bigger hero: Karan Malhotra

"The villain of the film is big because the achievement of the hero gets bigger in conquering him. It is as simple as that. To assume Kancha's character is bigger and Vijay's is weak or vice-versa would be inappropriate because when you will see the film, you will realise that the bigger the villain, the bigger the hero," Malhotra said at the unveiling of the latest trailer of movie, here.

Sanjay, who sports a bald look, also seconds the view.

"If you look at 'Batman' or 'Spiderman', their villain is very powerful. There is a reason for that. It is because the hero ultimately becomes more powerful and he finishes the villain," the 52-year-old actor said.

"The portrayal of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan is completely different from Amit-ji's (Amitabh Bachchan) portrayal. He was not an underdog there. In this, the character is an underdog."

"It's important to understand that the character is being played by a younger boy. Vijay Dinanath Chauhan was portrayed by Amit-ji at a certain age in the film. So when an underdog uplifts and rises against this impactful, large, big and scary villain, that's when you feel the triumph of the hero spirit," said Johar, whose father, Yash Johar, produced the original film in 1990.

The new "Agneepath" will hit theatres Jan 26 next year. It also features Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor. 

Indian cricket team to watch King Khan's 'Don 2' in Melbourne

 Mumbai, Dec 25 : The Indian cricket team is biting its nails in Melbourne over the Boxing Day cricket Test match, which starts Monday. Nothing like a Bollywood film like "Don 2: The King Is Back" to brighten up that tense evening on the weekend before the big match.

A special screening of the film has been arranged for Sunday evening in Melbourne by filmmakers Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, to help the team relax.

"Farhan spoke to Sachin Tendulkar's wife Anjali and I spoke to (Virender) Sehwag. We've organised a show for the team. The Indian cricket team will be seeing the film at the Hyotts Directors Lounge at Melbourne Central Hyotts Directors Lounge tomorrow night at 8 p.m. along with the managers and other people. There will be 60 people in all," confirmed Sidhwani.

"Don 2: The King Is Back" is a slick action film, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Kunal Kapoor and Lara Dutta in key roles. The film released Friday. 

Aamir Khan can't get enough of his newborn child.

"It's a great joy being a father again. Both Kiran and I are so overjoyed with our baby being born and I just can't get enough of Azad," Aamir said at an event here.

"I tickle his little toe and then I snuggle up to him. Right now he doesn't even know who I am. He's too young but he knows that somebody comes and troubles him everyday. Every two, three hours somebody comes and troubles him. So, when he gets a little older, he will get to know that I am the guy," said Aamir, who already has two kids from his first wife Reena - a son, Junaid, and a daughter named Ira.

Aamir and Kiran spoke at the launch of the CDs and DVDs of the latter's directorial project "Dhobi Ghat", and were in a bit of a hurry to be back home.

"For the first time Kiran has left the house since the baby was born. So, we are also keen to get back fast. It's a miracle. A baby being born is a miracle and nothing comes close to it," said Aamir.

Aamir is currently busy with his co-production "Talaash", being directed by Reema Kagti. Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani are the other two producers for the film, which will also feature Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji

Gauhar Khan stalked

New Delhi, Dec 25 : Model-actress Gauahar Khan has complained that she is being stalked by a stranger in the capital's suburb Gurgaon, where she has been staying.

Since the past few days, Gauahr felt she was being followed by someone. But just when she started to ignore the feeling, she started receiving calls from a private number repeatedly, according to a source from the crew of her UTV Bindass' show "The Khan Sisters".

"Usually celebs keep getting blank calls, but the matter went out-of-hand when the caller started making obscene comments and also kept a track about all her whereabouts throughout the day. It was getting really scary as the caller kept claiming that he is her fan and kept a tab on all her moves. Gauahar was quite terrified thinking he is watching her at all times," said the source.

Gauahar even approached the Fatehpur Beri police station and spoke to a senior officer, and asked him for advice.

The officer asked her to lodge a complaint. However, Gauahar said she would return to file a complaint in case the calls continued over the next few days.

"The Khan Sisters" crew member, who accompanied Gauahar, said: "The police were very cooperative and told her to call 100 for prompt police action and also promised full cooperation whenever she decides to lodge an official complaint." 

Merry X-mas,tweet b-town Celeberties

"I had just one request, don't be extravagant, be giving, and don't waste food... remember it's all about the joy of giving this festive season. Eat, drink, give and make merry. Have a Merry Christmas!" action star Akshay posted on his Twitter page.

Former VJ Maria Goretti, wife of actor Arshad Warsi, has been cooking up lots of goodies for the festival.

She tweeted: "Dear Santa, peace, happiness, laughter and love to all my tweefriends... Please give them what their heart loves the most... Merry Christmas."

Lara, who is due to give birth to her first baby with tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi in February 2012, is excited about the festival.

"May you always remain in the spirit of giving... Of your time, your love and of yourselves!" tweeted Lara.

Shilpa, who recently announced her pregnancy, said: "Missing London, roast turkey, Yorkshire puddings and mince pies with custard (yum) and decorating the christmas tree, usually Christmas is always there. This time it won't be a white Christmas, but its still time to be merry... ho ho ho a very merry Christmas to all of you my tweetos... Enjoy!"

Actress Shruti Haasan wished: "Merry Christmas tweeple!!! Hope you have a fabulous, warm, joyful, X-mas with your family and friends! Lots of love," while filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh tweeted: "Christmas tomorrow. Put out your socks and I hope all of you get all the love and happiness life has to offer." 

Akshay's Breakaway scores big in Canada.

"The movie has even broken records of some of the biggest cross cultural movies from Bollywood Monsoon Wedding and the phenomenal Blockbuster 3 Idiots," said an official spokesperson on Saturday.

The movie co-produced by Akshay Kumar’s production house Hari Om Entertainment, First Take Entertainment and Alliance films, has even received recommendations from the Canadian Prime Minster Stephen Harper.

According to Montreal Gazette, Breakaway has earned over 546, 866 dollars in the opening weekend in Canada and a total of 1,881,972 dollars over all as compared to 3 Idiots earning of 1,124,679 Dollars over all.

The Canadian comedian Russell Peters was a part of the cast of Breakaway along with Vinay Virman.