Arbaaz Khan Visit by income tax (IT) officials at his Mumbai office

Actor-producer Arbaaz Khan, who is riding high on the success of 'Dabangg', said the sudden visit by income tax (IT) officials at his Mumbai office was a mere survey and not a raid.

"Had income tax guys pay us a visit at our office. They came at 2pm and left at 6am. Kya energy (What energey)," Arbaaz posted on his Twitter page today (October 14).

IT officials barged into Sohail Khan Production's office apparently to check on the over Rs.100 crore box office collections of 'Dabangg' since its release Sep 10.

"What the IT (income tax) guys conducted is a survey! A survey is different from a raid. In a survey, they visit only where you operate your office from. A survey can convert into a raid due to lack of cooperation or if the IT guys are not satisfied with your disclosures.

"A raid gives IT guys draconian powers where they have a right to demand any papers, account or even break any thing in case they feel so," explained Arbaaz, who made his debut as a producer with 'Dabangg'.

According to the 43-year-old, everything went "smooth" at his office, but he will have to pay advance tax for the earnings of the film.

"I said I would be more than happy to pay tax. Magar pehle paisa toh aane do sab jagah se (But at least let all the money come in). Advance tax means paying tax on anticipated income, so I have to pay that. That means basically before I get anything, the IT department surely does," he added.

On a lighter note, Arbaaz said it was a "great experience" having the officials over.

"But I rather hope these guests go somewhere else next time!"

Meanwhile, Salman is currently caught up in a 10-year-old case with the IT department involving alleged tax evasion of Rs.40 million by him in the year 2000-2001. The petition filed by the IT department, which was ruled in the actor's favour at the income tax appellate tribunal, will now be heard by the Bombay High Court.

Ramu and Karan Have often Locked Horns

Ram Gopal Varma, known for his frankspeak, again spoke his mind when he said that his forthcoming film 'Rakta Charitra' was not for people who are fond of Karan Johar's family drama 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'.

Ramu and Karan have often locked horns on various subjects on Twitter and in front of the media and RGV didn't lose an opportunity to do the same at a recent event where he showed 30 minutes of 'Rakta Charitra' footage to the media.

"I wanted to give a small introduction to the film and that was the purpose of showing this footage to a certain section of the people," RGV said.

"I have done films of this genre before. But the difference in ‘Rakta Charitra' or let's say in ‘Company' is that first, the latter has a urban setup and the second ‘Company' is different in terms of the characters and the way it has been shot.

"'Rakta Charitra' deals with very emotionally volatile people and is set in a rural atmosphere. It is a violent film. Having said that, violence doesn't come from a psychopath. It comes from a certain necessity. It comes from a struggle, certain have nots between communities, families and probably a struggle for power," he added.

The film is a trilingual made in Telugu, Hindi and Tamil. It is based on the life of Paritala Ravi, a slain factionist and political leader from Andhra Pradesh. The film stars Vivek Oberoi, Surya and Shatrughan Sinha in pivotal roles and is scheduled to be released Oct 22.

"In terms of the pitch of the film. I just want to quote an incident that happened with Hollywood filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.

"When he showed his first film ‘Pulp Fiction' to people, he apparently went on stage and asked the people that did any one of them like the ‘Rain Man'. About 30-40 people raised their hands. He told those people to leave because he said that this film was not for them," said Varma.

"So this film ‘Rakta Charitra' is not for the people who like ‘Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham'."

We're just waiting to see how Karan responds to that!

Shah Rukh Khan Felt After Performing the Stunt for 'Don 2'

It seems that Shah Rukh Khan has still not come out of his superhero persona.

After doing some death-defying stunts for sci-fi thriller 'Ra.One', which is his home production, the actor took a 300 foot plunge while shooting for Farhan Akhtar's 'Don 2' in Berlin.

"Just did an over 300 feet base jump for Don... because you all make me believe I can fly. Time to tell kids about the birds and the bees... ha ha," Shah Rukh wrote on his Twitter page.

"My jump was last shot of day. Want to thank my duplicate and action team, to do it before me for wide shots and make me feel confident about it," he added.

Sonam Kapoor the next Alice, in Wonderland

Sonam Kapoor’s amazing performances in her recent flicks, have bowled over bigwigs of Bollywood. No wonder every B-town director wants to cast Sonam Kapoor as the lead actress in his upcoming film. The latest addition to the list is ‘Quickgun Murugun’ director Shashanka Ghosh.

Sonam Kapoor has grabbed the attention of director Shashank Ghosh, who is toying with the idea of making an Indianized version of Alice In Wonderland – Sonam Kapoor in the lead role.

“I’d like to do my version of Alice In Wonderland with Sonam. But for now I’m doing something else for her home production,” Shashank is quoted as saying by a tabloid.

He confirm that the movie will be very different from Sonam’s last film Aisha.

Interestingly, Shashanka is planning to take the movie on the floors in March 2011, but he has not met Sonam yet to discuss the project. Ghosh has not even seen any of the Sonam’s movies.

Vidya Balan stunned everyone on the sets of 'Urumi'

Vidya Balan stunned everyone on the sets of director Santosh Sivan's Malayalam venture 'Urumi', when she flawlessly delivered her Malayalam dialogues just minutes after learning them.

After performing a special song for 'Urumi', Vidya was offered an impromptu special guest appearance in the film where she was asked to learn a five-page Malayalam dialogue just minutes before the scene.

"Vidya's guest appearance was a spot decision and she was handed the dialogues just over 10 minutes before the scene - she skipped lunch and sat to learn the lines and stunned everyone with her flawless dialogue delivery. She was so good in fact that she moved everyone on the sets," said a source.

The filmmaker now wants to work on a full-fledged film with Vidya Balan. "Santoshji has often said that Vidya's eyes can convey a thousand words - and after having her as guest in 'Urumi' he is kicked about doing his next film with her," the source added.

John abraham Got a Rreality Show Contestant in Trouble

Even though Sugandha Mishra was on top of the world after being kissed by John Abraham, the peck didn't go down well with her grandfather.

Sugandha, a contestant in Zee TV's music reality show 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar', was elated when John kissed her during his appearance on the show with music composer A R Rahman for the promotion of his new film 'Jhootha Hi Sahi'. She confessed that she had a crush on the actor during his previous appearance on the show.

However, her grandfather was quite upset at this public display of affection and the papers in Chandigarh were plastered with the grandfather's outburst at the stunt.

John once again attended the sets as a guest and apologised for the kiss on television.

Akshay Kumar is Just a wife-abiding Husband

He might be a action star and a black belt holder in martial arts, but at home Akshay Kumar is just a wife-abiding husband and confesses that it is his better half Twinkle who calls the shots.

While shooting an episode for the Star Plus show 'MasterChef India', which goes on air October 16, the actor chatted with one of the contestants and her family members, where her husband revealed that his wife keeps him under control.

To which Akshay quickly replied, "Mujhe koi sharam nahi hai ye maanate hue ki ghar mein meri biwi bhi mujhe poore control mein rakhti hai (I am not ashamed to admit that my wife keeps me under control at home)."

Akshay also joked that he might be a black belt in martial arts but in front of his wife "meri saari belt uttar jaati hai (My belt loses its relevance)."

Meanwhile, Akshay has got a new obsession.

While shooting one of the special espisodes in Udaipur, Akshay wore silver shoes and is now hooked on them. "He just loves those silver shoes," said a source.

Cable Operators in the City Bow Down to Shiv Sena's Demand

Cable operators in Mumbai have blocked Salman Khan's TV show 'Bigg Boss' which shows on Colors channel, following the Shiv Sena's demand to do so. The party has been protesting against the inclusion of Pakistani participants Veena Malik and Begum Nawazish Ali in the show ever since it began.

Following the block, viewers in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane will be unable to view the show.

Cable operators and the channel confirmed that this has happened. Now it remains to be seen if Colors will continue with the participants from Pakistan or have them pulled from the show.  

Michelle Yoeh Wants To Work with Shahrukh Khan

Actress Michelle Yoeh, best known for acting in multiple-Oscar winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Bond film Die Another Day, loves to deliver punches on screen but her ultimate desire is to pair with India's romantic idol King Khan

Yoeh, whose science-thriller Babylon A D released in Indian theaters recently is also hoping that the film would be liked in India.

"I know Shah Rukh Khan is quite famous in India and I would love to star opposite him. But unfortunately no calls yet. But, yes I wish I could get to work with him as a lead actress, be it a Hollywood or Indian film," says Yoeh.

This Asian actress is a Bollywood fan too. "I am an Asian and I like Indian films a lot. Have seen a couple of them in subtitles," Yoeh told PTI in an email interview.

Michelle Yoeh stars opposite Vin Diesel [Images] in Babylon A D, which is set against the backdrop of not-too-distant future where much of the planet is in a war zone left by nuclear meltdowns.

The actress says she enjoyed playing the role of a fighter nun as she got the chance of doing what she loves best--kicking and punching. "In one scene where I had to kick someone and by mistake I hurt him. I felt embarrassed as his nose just couldn't stop bleeding but somehow Vin controlled the situation," says Yoeh recalling the incident.

"Since the incident the talk on the sets was about this Asian girl who kicks too hard and warned each other to either better stay away while stunts or take maximum precautions," says an amused Yoeh.

Sanjay Dutt Reveals How Marrying Manyata Has Changed His Life

His turbulent past is only too well known, but Sanjay Dutt says he has changed since his marriage to Manyata two years ago.

"After marriage I have become a family man. I like to be at home more now and spend quality time, watch movies with my wife. I have become more responsible," Sanjay revealed.

The 51-year-old actor has been married thrice. Sanjay's first marriage was to actress Richa Sharma in 1987, but she died from a brain tumour in New York in 1996. The couple have a daughter named Trishala, who lives in the US.

Then he married model Rhea Pillai, but the two divorced in 2005. In 2008, Sanjay tied the knot with Manyata.

"Ups and downs don't change a person, age changes a person. With age I have become more responsible. I thank my fans for standing by me during tough times," he said about his controversy-packed life.

Sanjay's personal life was troubled by drug problems and his life took a turn for the worse when he was arrested for illegal possession of weapons and was convicted.

The actor feels things started looking up ever since Manyata has come into his life and right now he is looking forward to welcoming twins.

Asked how he is preparing himself, Sanjay said: "I am not preparing anything. I am just waiting for them to come so that I can see them in front of me. I am excited."

Sanjay is returning to the action genre that's his calling card with Mani Shankar's 'Knock Out' which releases this week. It also stars Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut.

"The action genre has been suppressed for a while in the film industry and now it is coming back, which is very good for all of us. Thanks to Salman Khan and his film 'Dabangg', action is coming back," he added.

Giving details about the film, Sanjay said it is about "a man with a mission. He wants to get back all the money stored in Swiss banks. He wants the money back in the country and to distribute it among our people. Irrfan is the mediator through whom he wants to bring the money back."

So how was it working with Irrfan and Kangana?

"It was a great experience. Irrfan is a great actor and a fantastic human being. Initially, it was difficult shooting for the film as I had to imagine Irrfan in front of me and say my dialogues but later everything went well."

"Kangana is a wonderful human being. She gets completely involved in her character. I have just completed another film with her, 'No Problem'. She is a lovely co-star to work with."

Other films that Sanjay is working in are 'Power', 'Rascals', which is also his home production and the third instalment of the Munnabhai series.

How Salman Khan Had Fun Frightening All Beautiful Leading Ladies

Salman Khan has been seen wearing glares pretty much all the time these days, but it is not his new style statement, and nor has he had aurgery. He is wearing them because of a scratched eye.

At three recent events in Mumbai - the eviction episode of 'Bigg Boss 4', the launch of Being Human watches and the Being Human fashion show at the HDIL-India Couture Week - Salman wore sunnies.

"I was okay to walk the ramp without the glares but everyone who saw my eye got scared. So I thought it best to wear the 'chashmas'," Salman posted on his Twitter page.

He explained the reason behind the bruised eye.

"It was just a small scratch near the eye but because of all the commitments with 'Bigg Boss', launch of Being Human watches ...the Being Human fashion show, had to attend all these functions and so because of the energy the blood clot spread in the whole eye."

"Of course it hurts and vision is slightly blurred, but will be fine in a few days," he added.

Salman walked the couture week ramp with Priety Zinta, Katrina Kaif, Rani Mukerji, Bipasha Basu, Karishma Kapoor, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor. He says he loved scaring them all with his bruised eye.

"I had a lot of fun scaring all my beautiful leading ladies backstage."

Why Did Katrina Slap Imran Khan

‘Mere Brother Ki Dulhan’ stars Imran Khan and Katrina Kaif, in the lead. The shooting is already on and during one of the shoots, Imran was slapped sixteen times instead of once, by the gorgeous lass. The most interesting part was Imran himself insisted that Katrina should slap him more, infact 16 times.

Imran, like is mamu Aamir is a perfectionist and so in order to make the scene look real, he insisted on Kat slapping him till the shot was perfect.

Even though this request of Imran came as a surprise to Katrina, she is not very proud of slapping him so many times but she definitely is happy about the slaps being completely real and authentic.

Deepika Padukone Reveals Her True Calling And The Secret Behind Siddharth's weight Loss too

A filmmaker known for his epic vision and grand spectacle is planning to remake Shakti Samanta's 1971 classic 'Amar Prem'. And Deepika Padukone says she is more than looking forward to playing Sharmila Tagore's role.

"I think it's a great compliment. I'd love to do a film like 'Amar Prem'. I want to do a classic Hindi-film heroine's part. That's my true calling. I'm really looking forward to it."

There is a special bonding burgeoning between Deeepika and Sharmila Tagore, who plays her mother in new-director Danish Aslam's film 'Break Ke Baad'. The screen mother-daughter spend hours together.

Deepika can't keep the admiration out of her voice while speaking of the senior actress.

"We had our dimples in common, and that broke the ice. She's one of the most elegant ladies I've come across," Deepika said.

Turn to her personal life, and Deepika doesn't deny love for Siddharth Mallya...But she isn't admitting it either. Tell her about the link-up rumours and she laughs, "We all know how true such rumours are. I'm very uncomfortable about talking it. Let the press write and say what it has to. I'm not saying anything."

So did Siddharth lose weight on svelte Deepika's saying?





Speaking of Sid's size Deepika sighs, "Let me put it this way. If someone decides to lose that much weight, the will power has to come from within, and not from someone else. Beyond that I wouldn't know why he lost so much weight...I never had to lose so much weight."