Now, Veena Malik to do an item number

MUMBAI: Pakistani model-actor Veena Malik will soon be seen sizzling in an item song titled The Item Bomb Channo… for director Rumy Jaffery’s film Gali Gali Chor Hai. After refusing several dance numbers in Bollywood, this particular song caught her fancy the moment she was offered to feature in it.

“From styling and the set up, to the tune and choreography, everything in this item number is different. Also, it’s a Nitin Manmohan film, under the banner, One Up Entertainment Pvt Ltd. That is why I choose to do this item song” says Veena, who has also completed shooting for Rajeev Ruia’s Zindagi 50/50, where she plays a call girl.

The song is choreographed by Ahmed Khan and sung by Mamta Sharma, while the music has been composed by Anu Malik.

Gali Gali Chor Hai deals with the issue of corruption, and Akshaye Khanna plays the role of a victim. Shriya Saran plays his wife, while Mugdha Godse plays the role of a call center employee.Besides wearing a hot costume for the sequence, Malik will also be sporting a Nathani, which was added to her look by her own request.

“Nathani is a very important ornament in Pakistan and it gives a very beautiful look. So on my request we added it to my look, which is looking stunning” says Veena.

When Jafry was contacted, he said, “Veena fits best for the item number and I’m sure she’ll do justice to the song. It is shaping up very well and Veena so far has given a brilliant performance.”

The film is scheduled to release on February 3 next year.

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Veena Malik accused of copying Katrina Kaif’s look

LONDON: Veena Malik has again landed in the middle of a controversy, this time for “ripping-off” Katrina Kaif’s look in a new film.

After turning down a number of Bollywood roles, the Pakistani actress agreed to dance in an item song titled The Item Bomb Channo.

But critics believe her look is almost identical to that of British Indian actress Katrina Kaif’s latest release Chikni Chameli.

Stills from the new film have been dubbed ‘uncomfortably reminiscent’ of the first-look photos from Kaif’s Agneepath by India Today, the Mirror reported.

Critics have speculated that the similarities in dress, hair, makeup and setting are a PR ploy to generate further coverage after the star’s FHM nude photoshoot row.

But Malik claims the fact that Channo was ‘different’ is what persuaded her to agree to the film, which is set for release on February 3.

“From styling and the set up, to the tune and choreography, everything in this item number is different,” she was quoted as saying.

“That is why I choose to do this item song,” she said.

Aside from the sizzling costume, the actress also sports a Nathani, a Pakistani nose ring, which was added to her look by her own request.

“Nathani is a very important ornament in Pakistan and it gives a very beautiful look,” she said.

“So on my request we added it to my look, which is looking stunning,” she added.

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It was difficult to change my sexy image: Neha Dhupia

MUMBAI: Former Miss India Neha Dhupia started her Bollywood career with bold films like Julie and Sheesha, but later she moved to performance-based roles with Mithya. But the transition was not easy, she says.

"A lot of hard work has gone into revamping the image of a sex symbol. People have built a perception in their minds and to change that I needed a lot of patience. I am happy that my hard work has paid off and today people don't see me just as a sex symbol," Neha told private channel's in an interview.

Her Julie and Sheesha had a lot of skin show and the subject was bold too, but Neha changed track and did films like Chup Chup Ke, Delhi Heights and Dear Friend Hitler.

"I am really happy with the way my career has shaped up. People have started looking at me as an actress. I never planned anything. I have grown immensely as an actor as well as a human being during my career of eight years," she said.

"I have learnt a lot from the industry. I entered Bollywood as an amature, but the industry has taught me little nuances. I have met so many different people and I learnt a lot by just observing them. I have a lot of respect for my job," added the 31-year-old who was crowned Femina Miss India 2002.

Her first Bollywood film was 2003 release Qayamat: City Under Threat and she played Ajay Devgn's love interest.

Initially, newcomers are on signing spree, but Neha chose to move at a slower pace.

"Money has never been a driving factor for me. I want to be known as an actor. I don't want to do work just for the sake of doing it. My aim is just to do good work. Once money gets into your mind, the entire focus of your career goes haywire," she said.

After winning critical acclaim for her peformance as a female dacoit in Phas Gaye Re Obama, Neha is gearing up for the release of her new film Pappu Can't Dance Saala with Vinay Pathak.

This is not the first time that Neha will be seen sharing screen space with Vinay, she has worked with him in Raat Gayi Baat Gayi?, Dasvidaniya and Mithya.

Directed by Saurabh Shukla, Pappu Can't Dance Saala is a romantic comedy and is slated for a December 16 release.

And to prepare for her role, the actress spent some time with the real-life backup dancers.

"By spending time with the backup dancers I have realised that they are very ambitious and passionate about their work and are very sorted in their mind. This is something which really important to achieve success," she said.

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Vidya Balan’s sari fetches princely sum

MUMBAI: Vidya Balan, who had been promoting her movie, The Dirty Picture, until recently, also made an appearance on reality show Bigg Boss last month.

Wearing a red sari, the actor had showed up along with her co-stars, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor. Though The Dirty Picture released on December 2, the buzz around the film’s lead, played by Balan, refuses to die.

Now, the sari worn by Vidya on the reality show has found a buyer, who’s willing to shell out Rs 90,000 for it. Mreenal Deshraj, who wants to purchase the sari, is also an actor working on the small screen.

Says Mreenal, “After watching the episode of Vidya Balan on Bigg Boss, I decided that I would buy the sari that she was wearing, no matter what. In fact, I liked the sari so much, that I have been wearing red for about 15 days on my TV show.” Mreenal is one of the lead protagonists on the show, Chhoti Si Zindagi.

She adds, “I have already paid Rs 40, 000 for the sari to the designer, but it will cost me about Rs 90,000. I will pay the remaining amount once the sari is delivered to me.” The outfit, designed by Riyaz Gangji, is one of the rare occasions that Vidya, a die-hard Sabyasachi fan, has worn something outside of the Kolkata designer’s stable.

Says Riyaz, “Balaji Films wanted me to design saris for Vidya (Balan) that she was supposed to wear during her film’s promotions. I have designed three saris for her so far. She has already worn one of them on Bigg Boss, and she’s yet to wear the other,” adding, “With red as the main colour, I have used gota work on the border, and small peacock motifs in blue and green for the sari.”

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