Big B can't read anyone's written material except his father's in public

The globally-famous Bachchan baritone cannot be heard reading other people's prose or poetry in public. That mythical voice can only be used to read material written by the Big B's illustrious father Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

This is not a personal preference on the mega-star's part. It's a contractual obligation imposed on his throat by publishers. It eventuated in an 'oops' moment this weekend. On Sunday evening when the Big B launched Deepti Naval's book The Mad Tibetan, Deepti who had a bad throat requested her chief guest to read out a few excerpts from her book. The Big B had to decline.

Says Deepti, "Can you imagine! Such a big moment in my life. And my throat was completely gone! I couldn't speak. So I requested Mr. Bachchan to read out some excerpts. But he couldn't do it for some reason. I completely understood his point of view."

Apparently, the contractual obligation regarding public readings regularly eventuates in such moments when the Big B regretfully declines to read the book that he has just released.

Says a source, "Mr. Bachchan hates saying no to anyone. When it comes to releasing books, he's the No.1 choice in the entertainment industry. But how does he explain at every book launch that after releasing a book, he can't read aloud from it?"

Suniel Shetty's new resolve

Just when you thought that almost every actor in Bollywood is enjoying the role of a producer, Suniel Shetty has proved an exception. The actor, who has produced a string of films in the past and is eagerly awaiting the audience feedback to LOOT, has decided to stop his film production wing after the release of the film.

"I've realized that film production is too demanding and taxing and perhaps, I am unfit to play the role of the producer. As a producer, you need to take care of so many things and it's impossible to concentrate on acting simultaneously, if you are an actor. I don't want my producers [in whose film I am acting] to suffer on this count," Suniel states categorically. That explains why LOOT will be his last release as a producer.

Suniel, known for his action roles, is glad that action films are being lapped up by viewers in India. "Look at the business of films like BODYGUARD and SINGHAM. The fact that action films are back in focus is too exciting. In fact, the offers [for action films] have already started pouring in," Suniel divulges. Will be nice to see one of the original action heroes getting back to action roles with a vengeance, what say?

Check Out: Nargis Fakhri at her sexiest best

Before entering films, Nargis was a model and has even featured in the Kingfisher Calendar couple of years back. The half Pakistani-half Czech model has even featured in Season 2

of America's Next Top Model way back in 2004.

SRK on his forthcoming films

A lot is being written about SRK's next move. Reportedly, the King Khan is in talks with various film-makers, but what's the actual status? In an exclusive, in-depth television interview to this writer, the King Khan shed light on the projects he has been offered...

YASH CHOPRA: "I move on to Yash-ji's film next. Frankly, I haven't had the time to listen to the story, but I have immense faith, love and respect for Yash-ji and Adi and I know they will make a
wonderful film."

ROHIT SHETTY: "Rohit and I have been in talks for a while. He's working on a fresh subject now [earlier, SRK and Rohit were supposed to collaborate on the remake of ANGOOR]. It's a great subject. He has cracked the idea. I don't know if it's titled CHENNAI EXPRESS. Not sure of it."

ANURAG KASHYAP: "Anurag Kashyap is keen to work with me since a while now. He called a few days back... said he has an idea which he wishes to narrate once he's back in Mumbai."

VISHAL BHARDWAJ: "Vishal's project [based on Chetan Bhagat's novel] is not happening. I believe, they have already approached some other actor for it. Vishal and I continue to be friends. He just called the other day. He's planning something else with me. We are supposed to meet shortly."

SANJAY LEELA BHANSALI: "Yes, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has approached me for a film. It's untrue that we fought during the OM SHANTI OM - SAAWARIYA clash. I really enjoyed working with him in DEVDAS and I respect him as a professional. No, he hasn't approached me for BAJIRAO MASTANI. Instead, he has approached for an entirely new film, to be directed by someone else. He would be producing it."

Kangna Ranaut to play super woman in Krrish sequel

The sequel to India's first superhero film Krrish has been talked about ever since it was announced. While Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra and Vivek Oberoi have been confirmed for the film, there have been a lot of names doing the rounds for the role of the negative female lead. In the recent past, actresses like Chitrangda Singh and Jacqueline Fernandez were considered for the role, however, things didn't quite work out. Now Bollywood Hungama has learnt that Kangna Ranaut has been finalized to play the part.

Kangna was initially supposed to play the role, but due to prior commitments, the actress declined the offer. But with Kangna's shooting dates for Dedh Ishqiya being pushed, the actress has agreed to become the first ever Indian sci- fi super woman.

Sources close to the actress confirm saying, "Yes, Kangna was initially approached to play the role, however there were date issues and she had to decline the film. Post that there were a lot of changes that happened with the films she is doing and with the dates of Krrish sequel as well. Hence, Kangna has now said yes to the film."

Shahrukh to grace Lady Gaga's show

Shahrukh Khan’s highly ambitious project ‘Ra.One’ hit the theatre this Diwali and after receiving a mixed review, Shahrukh Khan is geared up for Lady Gaga’s show at Formula 1 after-party event to be held in Greater Noida Sunday night.

"Everyone seems to be happy with 'RA.One' in Los Angeles...I feel so touched and happy. now off to Delhi for Formula1 and Lady Gaga show!!" Shah Rukh posted on his Twitter page

Saturday.

Gaga, who arrived in India Thursday night will be performing at the F1 after party event and she assures that her special performance will have an "Indian influence".

The after-party has been organized by actor Ajun Rampal and restaurateur A.D. Singh's high-end lounge and bar Lap. It will be held at a special 20,000 sq ft construction at the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

Shahrukh is looking forward to the event as he wished to rope in Lady Gaga for ‘Ra.One’ but things did not work out.  King Khan will get to catch up with Gaga on her life and career in an exclusive tete-a-tete for a chat show on UTV Bindass.

Fraternities from the fashion, films and bureaucrats are expected to grace Lady Gaga’s show.

Teaser Tuesday (#23)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here are the rules:

• Open your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers!
• Share the title and author too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR list if they like your teaser!

One teaser this week, from an awesome book I got from NetGalley (gotta love NetGalley!).  It's amazing - I hope you like the teaser!  :D

From Dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman
My legs weigh me down.  Heeled boots cover my feet and I can't get any traction.  I look over my shoulder.  The guy is gaining...

Dancergirl (WiHi Series, Book One) by Carol M. Tanzman 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The videos went viral... EVER FEEL LIKE SOMEONE’S WATCHING YOU?
ME TOO.
BUT LATELY IT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN MY ROOM.
WHEN I’M ALONE.
A friend posted a video of me dancing online, and now I’m no longer Alicia Ruffino. I’m dancergirl. And suddenly it’s like me against the world—everyone’s got opinions.
My admirers want more, the haters hate, my best friend Jacy—even he’s acting weird. And some stalker isn’t content to just watch anymore.
Ali. dancergirl. Whatever you know me as, however you’ve seen me online, I’ve trained my whole life to be the best dancer I can be. But if someone watching has their way, I could lose way more than just my love of dancing. I could lose my life.

I've not read much of this, but so far: amazing.  Like out-of-this-world amazing.  I must, must, must clear some time so I can just sit down and read it.  I have a feeling it's one of those all-in-one-go reads, one of those you just can't put down once you've started...

Well, there's my teaser - I hope you liked it!  In America at least, Dancergirl will be out on November 1st.  :D

What's your teaser this week?