Russian soldiers are Bipasha Basu fans

MUMBAI: Actor Bipasha Basu has quite a few fans, but she never expected this. The actor was shooting for a significant sequence for the Abbas-Mustan film Players in Moscow, Russia, a few months ago, when she received some surprising information. Apparently, a group of Russian soldiers were in the vicinity of the shooting location. And when they found out that a Bollywood movie was being filmed around the corner, they landed up and expressed their desire to meet the Bollywood actor.

“We were all surprised that the soldiers were even aware of Bollywood films and our song-and-dance routines. They had also heard of Bipasha and some of her films. So, they wanted to meet her. And Bipasha was also game for it,” says a unit member, who has worked on the film.

Apparently, Bipasha even bonded with the soldiers, who told her all about their love for Bollywood films. Interestingly, they had also seen Bipasha’s hit numbers like Beedi Jalaile… and Billo Rani….

When contacted, Bipasha, who plays Rhea, an automobile expert in the film, sounded happy.

“Yes, we were shooting for the film and suddenly, I got a request to meet Russian soldiers, who were very keen to see me. I was taken aback for a bit, because I didn’t know they were familiar with my name or work. But at the end of the day, it was a humbling experience.”

Players, the official remake of the Hollywood hit The Italian Job, has been extensively shot in New Zealand, Russia and India among other places. The heist caper also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Bobby Deol, Sonam Kapoor, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Omi Vaidya among others.

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Newcomers in B-town for 2011

NEW DELHI: Khans, Kapoors and the rest of the Bollywood biggies, watch out 2011 marked the foray of over 100 newcomers in Bollywood, who came with aspirations to make it big in the industry. While most fizzled out with no trace, or are still surviving for redemption with another chance, a handful of the ton managed to stay on with their talent, fresh appeal, critical plaudits and initial success, irrespective of the box office earnings.

HT City selected a jury comprising trade pundits Taran Adarsh, Amod Mehra and Joginder Tuteja to pick the top 10 debutants of the year.

Nargis Fakhri
Film: Rockstar
She didn’t have much lines to compliment her foreign origin and gifted pout in the movie. However, she did left a mark on the audiences with her fresh appeal. With another big break, she could be the next Katrina Kaif, who knows!

Jury Take:She has the kind of unconventional looks that can pitch her well in the world of conventional beauties in Bollywood. Amod Mehra

Kajal Aggarwal 
Film: Singham
She got into the realm occupied by the Asin’s, Anushka’s and Kangana’s of Indian cinema with her debut Bollywood flick and struck gold. Already a star, Kajal played her cards right with no starry tantrums in a new industry.

Jury’s Take:Kajal is a huge star down South and she got a big break here. She should do more Hindi films. She is excellent, knows how to act and is a good dancer. Taran Adarsh

Puja Gupta
Film: F.A.L.T.U.
She had a thankless role of just a friend of the protagonist in the movie, but the former beauty queen managed to make her presence felt in an ensemble flick that was a dud at the box office. Perhaps, her girl-next-door looks paved the way.

Jury’s Take:She is ideal for a conventional mainstream Bollywood female actor’s role in today’s films, with her looks. Taran Adarsh

Parineeti Chopra
Film: Ladies vs ricky bahl
If at all a debutante managed to stand out despite being in a supporting role and make impact, it was this girl. Yash Raj Films’ know what they are betting on and have already roped her in for their next.

Jury’s Take: She is the most promising of the lot and is very bright among all newcomers. She is very positive and definitely has a bright future in Bollywood. Amod Mehra

Kainaz Motivala 
Film: Ragini MMS
If the movie freaked out audiences with its horror, her beauty enticed them to the theatres. A fresh, unconventional face, Kainaz managed to hit the right chord with her victimised character at the hands of a ghost in her launchpad.

Jury’s Take:She is the next sex symbol waiting to happen if given the right platform and banner to support her talent. She has to be given that space and freedom. Joginder Tuteja

Rana Daggubatti 
Film: Dum Maaro Dum
The movie might not have worked but Rana’s stud looks, physique, acting talent and the fact that he comes with a lineage of actors makes the South actor a star material, also in Bollywood.

Jury’s Take:He is already an established star down South and has that built and looks of a dark character, which he should try here. Amod Mehra

Saqib Saleem 
Film: Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge
Touted as one of the most confident debuts of the year, Saleem’s American Pie college boy style is expected to take him places, if he manages to get plum film projects in the future.

Jury’s Take:He doesn’t have the personality of a quintessential Bollywood hero, but he made his presence felt in his debut movie. It will be a pity if he isn’t seen in the years to come. Joginder Tuteja

Shiv Pandit
Film: Shaitan
His vulnerable aspect was intriguing in Shaitan and left audiences bewildered with the ease in him to change shades in his character, so much so, he managed to tattoo himself onto their minds.

Jury’s Take:He has the capacity to go ahead with the vulnerability in him with a little grooming. The way he portrayed his character, no one could guess his shade. Taran Adarsh

Divyendu Sharma 
Film: Pyaar ka Punchnama
He played the most hilarious person in the off-beat movie, and no brownie points for guessing which one. He also walked away with the best lines with his comic timing and effortless portrayal of a nerd who falls victim to love and manages to come out of it, thanks to his pals.

Jury’s Take:He is not someone who can give the Khans or the chocolate heroes a run for their money but can pick up the lines of Sharman Joshi and he can do wonders with his acting. Amod Mehra

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Bipasha Basu fine with multi-starrers

MUMBAI: Bipasha Basu has no qualms about working in multi-starrer films and says the only trick to work comfortably with an ensemble cast is to keep one's ego aside.

"You should be ready to make some sacrifices in the film. You can't have egos there," she said at the promotional event of her forthcoming film Players.

The 32-year-old has been part of multi-starrers like Race, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Dum Maaro Dum. Her next Players is yet again a multi-starrer. Apart from Bipasha, Sonam Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Sikander Kher too feature in the cast.

Players, a remake of Hollywood hit The Italian Job, releases on January 6. Bipasha says her co-stars were like her extended family.

"When you are working, you are not thinking about male or female co-stars. I would talk about all the co-stars. I am blessed to have such co-stars in the film. It was fun. We travelled extensively for the film, we stayed away from our homes. They became like an extended family," said Bipasha whose infamous spat with Kareena Kapoor at the beginning of her career made headlines.

Meanwhile, Bipasha is working on Jodi Breakers with R Madhavan, Raaz 3D and Race 2. She is also awaiting release of her Hollywood venture Singularity, starring Josh Hartnett and Abhay Deol.

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