Court summons Preity Zinta

A court issued summons to Bollywood actor Preity Zinta and co-owner Ness Wadia on Monday for using pictures of freedom fighters in their Indian Premier League advertisements. Zinta and Wadia are summoned on April 2.

The summons were issued by Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Anshul Berry on a complaint filed by city-based NGO Global Human Rights Council (GHRC). GHRC had objected on the use of pictures of freedom fighters, including of Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, in the advertisements of Kings XI Punjab.

"Earlier summons could not reach the accused as they were traveling at various match venues in the country. Now I will personally go to hand over the summons to Preity Zinta and others at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) stadium," said Arvind Thakur, president of GHRC.

Malaika dresses up for Knights and Warriors

Shilpa Shetty for IPL In Pics

Shilpa Shetty to enter the IPL

Last Year 's IPL Series saw two of the Bollywood Stars- King Khan and Preity Zinta enter the world of cricket. But this year they wont be alone for the IPL Series - II. This year giving them company would be none other than the ever sensuous and seductive Shilpa Shetty.

Shilpa along with business partner Raj Kundra has invested approximately $15.4 million in acquiring 12% stakes in the Rajasthan Royals team. Shetty said she would have a role in the team's promotional activities this year. "I will be promoting the team. Perhaps a music video will also come," she quipped.

Last Year's IPL Champs which is lead by the legendary Australian spin doctor Shane Warne is likely to have big names in the cricketing world like South African skipper Graeme Smith and Aussie all-rounder Shane Watson.

SRK Back to his field after IPL

Actor Shah Rukh Khan is back shooting for films. In fact while he was busy at the IPL, SRK used to shoot for Priyadarshan's Billoo Barber , too. With just one schedule remaining, we guess the makers of this one are keeping a rather low profile.

It was not very long ago that the shooting schedule of this film was to take place in a village. Shah Rukh who plays a simple, aam aadmi in this movie, had no choice but to travel with the cast and crew to a village in North India – where Viraasat was shot.

Apparently, sources close to us say that the one thing SRK hates is shooting in a village. After all, the actor is used to the lavish luxuries of life, and the close-to-no-facility areas provide much discomfort to him. A unit member informs us, "I don't know much about his likes and dislikes, but Shah Rukh is a sport. He adapted ok and didn't as much as complain even once. He was ready to do whatever it took for him to deliver! Also, he mingled well with one and all and didn't have any prolems. He went out of the way to make the locals there feel special."

Well, here's to the professional, who has returned to the luxuries of his home!

No More Cricket - Deepika Padukone

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is now gone down in history along with Rajasthan Royals and Bollywood was well represented at the matches.

However, one glowing face that was a regular fixture six months ago was nowhere to be seen or sighted, by Dhoni, Yuvraj or the fans.

No guessing game here! We are talking about Deepika Padukone. We guess, Ranbir is not interested in cricket. But while on Deepika, it is interesting to note that her idea of a dream home

“Is staying with my parents.” Agreed, the girl is constantly on the move all the time and time spent with family is always a “dream”! Well, said Deepika. But that’s what we called paying a heavy price for stardom!

Katrina - THE ROCK STAR

Katrina Kaif has not just been rocking the industry with five back to back hits, she’s also rocking the IPL scene!

Sanjay Gupta, who directed her recently, has a lot to say about the IPL film that he has shot for Vijay Mallya with Kat. “I wanted to project Katrina as a rock star. When Mallya asked me whom I wanted to work with, I said Katrina. She’s had the hits so far. But she hasn’t been projected correctly as a diva. I explained to Katrina that I wanted to present her as a rock star like Annie Lennox!”

And two singers, Aanchal and Sophie Chowdhry, sang Jeetenge Hum Shaan Se for Katrina. “Shaan is the first word that comes to mind when we speak about Vijay Mallya. Katrina was barrels of fun to work with. She pulled a prank on me that had me sh***ing bricks. My assistant came to me and told me Katrina had fainted due to the heat. I immediately swallowed it. But she was back. She’s a thorough professional and a true rock star to work with.”

Aamir dazzled by Sachin's Predictions

The IPL mania came to an end, in what was one of the most thrilling finals seen in a long time. Although Mumbaikars missed their team 'Mumbai Indians' in the final, they surely must have considered themselves lucky to get to see a cracker of a contest between two well deserving teams- 'Rajasthan Royals' & 'Chennai Super Kings'.

The VIP stand of the swanky D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai saw some bigwigs from the world of politics, business, sports and Bollywood make their presence felt. A rare sight was that of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar enjoying the game with none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan.

While Aamir has been a lover of the game for a long time, this is the first instance when he took out time for attending the IPL matches. Although the actor was there with his nephew Imran and son Junaid, he seemed to be having a hearty talk with Sachin. The duo seemed quite animated while discussing the finer nuances of the game. And just as the match went down to the wire, the tension seemed to be building among spectators. With one run needed to win for Team Rajasthan of the final delivery, Aamir was once again seen in a discussion with Sachin. And in case you are wondering what the duo were talking during the course of the match, well the actor himself reveals it all.

Aamir in his latest blog on www.aamirkhan.com relives the memorable experience of watching the thrilling final with the Master Blaster himself. The actor says, "The match last night was certainly exciting but what made it a unique experience for me, was that I had Sachin next to me. You will find this hard to believe, but Sachin was able to predict every ball before it was bowled. 'He is going to bowl a Bouncer next.' 'This one is going to be a slower one.' 'Next one will be a Yorker.' It was uncanny. He got it right each time!!! No wonder it's so difficult to bowl to him. He has an amazing instinct."

After bring dumbstruck by the Master Blaster's acumen the actor apparently told Sachin, that the next time they watch a film together it would be his turn to tell what's going to happen next.

Shifting gears, Aamir in his blog, also talks about what's keeping him busy off-late. "My friend Paul Blackthorn was visiting Bombay and I spent the week with him reliving Lagaan. In fact we had a bit of a reunion for him and it was really great to meet everyone."

And finally for all you Taare Zameen Par fans, there is good news, as the DVD of TZP should be out any time now. "My apologies for the delay in the DVD release of TZP. The final work is almost over. I assure you I have tried my very best to make the wait worth it. Very soon I will tell you'll the exact release date, which is any day now." signs off Aamir.

Salman Khan to perform in the finals of IPL

If all goes well, Salman Khan will perform at the Indian Premier League (IPL) final, to be held at Y R Patil Stadium (Nerul) on June 1. We hear Salman will perform the music video of his upcoming reality show 10 Ka Dum live and also shake a leg to one of his filmi songs.

Sources say “The IPL tournament has been a huge hit right from the beginning. Salman's performance will be the icing on the cake.”

So, will Salman perform during the break or before the match begins? “No, Sallu won't perform during the interval or before the match. Sallu's performance will be a part of the closing ceremony. It will be a rocking item,” our source adds.

It is learnt that Salman has yet not rehearsed for his act during the IPL final. Right now, he is in Australia shooting for Main Aur Mrs Khanna. Our source adds, “Sallu does not need a rehearsal. He is too good. He can spontaneously start dancing at any given moment.”

And what about the possibility that the unpredictable Sallu backs off at the last minute? Just a few days ago, he refused to attend a film award function simply because he didn't feel like it. “Now, that's one thing that nobody can confirm. There's no doubt that Sallu is very moody. So far, he has agreed in principle. Let's hope for the best.”

Salman has already finished shooting four episodes of 10 Ka Dum, which is based on the American game show Power of 10. In true Sallu ishtyle, once he cycled all the way from Bandra to the shoot for the show at R K Studios in Chembur. A few days before that, he jogged down to Mehboob Studios for the show’s rehearsals. We hear Salman even cancelled the shoot of the music video of 10 Ka Dum simply because the workers were taking time to ready the set.

As of now, the IPL organisers can only keep their fingers crossed that the moody bug doesn’t bite Salman just before he is to perform at the final’s closing ceremony!

Preity leaves for Cannes Film Festival

Preity left for the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday morning at a time when she's neck-deep in IPL affairs. “Can't help it, yaar," she phoned and groaned groggily from Frankfurt airport. "It's been two years now that I've been the brand ambassador for Chopard and it requires me to be at Cannes every year, come what May… pun intended."

Understandably, she's exhausted. "But I'm also exhilarated," she's quick to add. "IPL has been a learning experience," remarked Preity.

IPL has evoked mixed response from the audience. In fact some people believe IPL to be confusing cricket. "Not at all," denies Preity vehemently. "Considering the fact that players of different age groups and varied nationalities are interacting on one platform, it's quite an eye-opener. Also, it's only here that the younger players get the golden opportunity to learn the ropes from senior and international players."

Ask about team player Bret Lee singing for Preity and she makes a disgusted noise. "This isn't even worth talking about. The man is married and has a kid. Besides, Bret sings for everyone on the team. He's always fooling around, singing and always up to some masti. All cricketers make an effort to keep the team spirit going. So there's nothing great about it."

Talking about team spirit, it is not a hidden fact that Preity has taken to her IPL town, Mohali in a big way. "People there are so warm and friendly that Ness and I have begun to care for the town," Preity justifies. "While other IPL team owners have got developed cities, we're the only ones who were given an upcoming town. We're proud to be part of that growth. Mohali is an air-force base so only army planes land there. However, thanks to IPL, there's already a talk of an international airport and several luxury hotels in the offing."

Preity has several events lined up in Cannes, but no movies. "I would have liked to bring my film Har Pal here, but it isn't ready as yet. If Rituparno Ghosh’s The Last Lear is screened, I'll go for it. But Chopard events are sure to keep me on my toes for the next three days. I've a red carpet event, a dinner, followed by a picnic. I will return to Mumbai on May 17 and immediately head for my IPL commitments."

Preity is also excited about accompanying the Bachchans in The Unforgettable Tour. "The Bachchans are my buddies. I'm joining them on their world tour in July and am really looking forward to it. I've been on a world tour with them earlier and had a ball. So I'm looking forward to this one as well," she concludes

Star Studded IPL In Pics

IPL HERE TO ROCK THE COUNTRY!!!!

IPL is the hottest thing around India now. This historical event kick started on 18th of last month with a grand launch with various mind blowing performing by Akshay Kumar. The 8 teams of IPL are been managed by Icons from different fields.

Showbiz Icons into IPL are-Priety Zinta managing KINGS XI (Mohali) & SRK managing KNIGHT RIDERS (Kolkata). If that’s not enough The Business Tycoon – Mukesh Ambani is managing MUMBAI INDIANS (Mumbai). Another Business Icon Vijay Malaiya is looking after one of the costliest team of IPL-ROYAL CHALLENGERS (Bangalore).It also has Katrina Kaif as its brand ambassador. DELHI DAREDEVILS (Delhi) has signed Akshay Kumar as their Brand Ambassador.

IPL has driven many of the Known faces from all the corners of the country to the cricket fields. Many Known personalities are seen. Lallu Prasad Yadav was spotted watching a match held in the Eden Garden with his wife-Rabri Devi. Rahul Gandhi & Priyanka Gandhi were also seen in the Inaugural day of the IPL.

IPL has also seen the TASHAN team support the MUMBAI Indians which was to be lead by the little master but due to injury is currently led by Shawn Pollock. If this was not enough, Sania Mirza The tennis sensation of India also seen on the cricketing ground for a change cheerinhg the Deccan Charges(Hyderabad)which is been led by VVS Laxman.There was many other Bollywood Hunks & Babes seen cheering their respective teams.

Some of the singing icons were also seen . Ila Arun was seen cheering RAJASHTAN ROYALS(Rajasthan)On the other hand the Versatile Anumalik was seen in the BlueT.Shirts supporting Mumbai Indians. Karan Johar was also spotted in the Black supporting SRK’s Team KNIGHT RIDERS.

Apart from the action on the field there is added attraction off the ground with the sexy & charming cheer girls performing cool acts & cheering every shot & every wicket with their sexy dances & acrobatics.

With only half the way into the IPL , it has already been a matter of discussion in every nook & corner of the country. Its not only the Youth who are discussing cricket but also the ladies & the elder people who are also very keen on this new version of the game.

IS THIS NEW FACE OF THE GAME WHICH WAS ONCE CALLED “THE GENTLEMAN’S GAME”?

Kat - The Magic Babe

Five back-to-back hits, and Katrina Kaif is riding high on Bollywood’s popularity charts.

Currently touring with Vijay Mallya’s IPL team Royal Challengers, the pretty actress admitted, “Life’s a lot more easier than it was when I came in. Acceptance is a big morale booster. I’m now having fun. And I’ve worked hard for it.”

She’s into cricket big time. “I love cricket, it’s an English game, and I’m from England. When I was in London, I used to support West Indies. But now, I’m the face of the Bangalore team.

I’m getting all the attention because I’m a film star,” Kat said. The Royal Challengers apart, the actress also met Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders recently, and came face-to-face with her fan — fast bowler Ishant Sharma. “I was polite and sweet to everyone, including Ishant, the media has hyped up such a harmless thing,” she said of the young bowler’s fascination for her.

Now Kat is packing her bags for Egypt where she will shoot for Singhh is King with Akshay Kumar. She’s also working on Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraj with Salman Khan, has Raj Kumar Santoshi’s next film with Ranbir Kapoor lined up and Yash Chopra’s with John Abraham.

This is the same Katrina Kaif who was written off as being nothing more than Salman’s arm candy a little while back. Today, she’s the golden girl of the box office. “It’s got nothing to do with luck. I was in the right place at the right time. And, yes, I understand that success is the product of a team, not an individual,” she admitted.

Her starring with Salman in Yuvraj, hasn’t she heard couples working together are never accepted by audiences? “But Jab We Met with Shahid and Kareena proved everyone wrong,” she said defensively. “Also, real life couples choose wrong films together. The focus in such a film is always the romance, which I do not believe works alone.

It has to be a good combination of romance, comedy and other strong roles.”

Is she grooming the wild Khan for his television debut? “I don’t need to groom anybody. Everyone has their own strengths and goodness. Salman, I’m sure, with his comic timing will be a fantastic host.” She was thrilled that all of Bollywood’s top actors today are 40-plus. “And they are looking so fit and good. Forty was never so hot. They just rock. I don’t see myself slogging at the gym when I am 40. I will be happily married with kids,” she laughed.