It’s time to celebrate again

MUMBAI: If bliss is a state of mind, Pooja Bhatt sure is accustomed to tuning herself to that. There is so much happening in her life, all for the better if not the best.

Her marriage might have come as a shock to her fans but seeing her settling down is more jolting. Unfortunately, the lady did not spare much time rejoicing the union.

After her maiden directorial venture, ‘Paap’, create much speculations but hardly a buzz at the Box office. Yet it was an achievement accomplished and called for a celebration. Post ‘Paap’, Pooja already has scripts lined up but work can take a back seat since it is party time for Pooja and hubby Manish Makhija.

Leaving all the rumours about the fallout with her ‘Jism’ and ‘Paap’ actor John Abraham, Pooja sneaked off to Goa for a quiet little birthday bash. Finally, it is time for unhindered jubilations.

Bachchan nervous?

MUMBAI: Amitabh Bachchan says that he was ‘scared, anxious and nervous’ before shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film ‘Black’. Praising the ‘Devdas’ director as a filmmaker of ‘great creative quality’, Bachchan says he has met his match in Bhansali when it comes to being meti-culous and creative.

“His efficiency, his desire to get everything absolutely unquestionably right is remarkable. As an artiste, I crave for this level of commitment. I rank him very highly,” the superstar said.

Speaking about ‘Black’, Bachchan said that the movie is based on such a wonderfully sensitive script that it would be a shame if he doesn’t get Bhansali’s ideas across. In fact, Bachchan had to be trained for his role in the movie, albeit in a limited manner.

‘Black’ also stars Rani Mukherjee in the female lead. The shooting of the movie has received a set back after its set was gutted in a fire a few days back.

Sonu to release album in US

WASHINGTON: Sonu Nigam, one of Bollywood’s leading singers, has just completed an English album, ‘Spirit Unfolding’, which is slated for release in Hollywood on March 8.

The album is produced by Son Et Lumere Inc in a joint venture between Sonu Nigam and Sutapa Ghosh, a filmmaker. ‘Spirit Unfolding’ is Sonu’s latest venture, fusing English language with haunting eastern tunes. All the songs have been composed, conceived and programmed by Sonu Nigam and recorded at the Drums of Desert Studios in Joshua Tree, California. The new album will be presented by well-known yoga teacher Bikram Choudhury, who has sponsored shows of Bollywood artistes like Kishore Kumar, Asha Bhonsle and Bhappi Lahiri.

Nigam said, ‘Spirit Unfolding’ is a vocal attempt, first of all unlike others, which are mainly instrumental...It’s not a ‘fusion’ fusion... It is made keeping the international American market in mind and not exactly the Indian market to sta rt with! The new album is one hour long and features 10 numbers. — HNS

Ash breaks the ice

MUMBAI: Aishwarya Rai has been making news for all international reasons. While she failed to play the next Bond girl, she definitely is not letting go of the Bollywood bonds.

Most of which were ruptured courtesy her torrid love affair with actor Salman Khan. Shah Rukh Khan might still be staying put on his decision on not working with the damsel but, finally, her ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ and ‘Devdas’ director Sanjay Leela Bhansali seems to have mellowed down.

The two literally kissed and made up on the sets of Bhansali’s ‘Black’. What else could Ash have done?

With the Preitys and Ranis of the industry bagging all the prestigious projects, she certainly cannot afford to give a director of Bhansali’s caliber a miss. Like always diplomacy, again, stands tall in Bollywood.