Lisa says no to Bollywood

MUMBAI: Gorgeous model-turned-actress Lisa Ray, who has surfaced here after a long time, says she will not sign a Bollywood film till the industry becomes more professional. “I’m not going to sign any Bollywood film. I keep getting offers now and then but Bollywood needs to be more organised. Then I’m willing to work, otherwise I’m happy doing what I’m doing right now,” Lisa said. She is back from Colombo where she shot for Deepa Mehta’s ‘River Moon’. The film stars Lisa opposite John Abraham. “I signed ‘River Moon’ as it is not the typical Bollywood film and, even if it was a commercial film, I would have only signed if I was confident about the filmmaker,” says Lisa. The only two Hindi films Lisa has to her credit are ‘Kasoor’ and ‘Bollywood Hollywood’ and a few southern films.

She is tight-lipped about her role in ‘River Moon’. “I cannot speak much but it was a great experience and Deepa Mehta is a fabulous filmmaker. Also, John Abraham is fantastic and professional. Everyone will be surprised with his performance after this film,” adds Lisa.

According to insiders, Lisa plays a widow in the film. Kareena Kapoor was supposed to play her role but was replaced because of date problems. “I fit the role and that’s why Deepa cast me. We are happy with the final outcome.” Lisa sports a shocking, short new haircut, which she did for ‘River Moon’.

Ajay-Akshay-Lara-Katrina?

Rumour: Dharmesh Darshan is working on his next film and has finalised Ajay Devgan, Akshay Kumar, Lara Dutta and Katrina Kaif to enact stellar roles. Dharmesh’s elder brother Suneel Darshan will produce the film, which is expected to roll shortly. Suneel sounds amused. “It’s an ideal case of misreporting,” he sounds upset. One more rumour bites the dust! But Suneel does shed light on the other projects he is supposed to start shortly.

‘Barsaat’, which will be directed by Suneel himself, will star Akshay Kumar in the lead with two leading ladies. “The film will roll in July, once I complete ‘Mere Jeevan Saathi’ (Akshay, Karisma, Amisha),” Suneel says.

Saif launches ‘Purple Ribbon’

Fame Adlabs, Mumbai’s premier five-screen multiplex, has announced the launch of Purple Ribbon, an initiative to provide the underprivileged with an opportunity to enjoy movies. Saif Ali Khan and ‘Hum Tum’ director Kunal Kohli along with Shravan Shroff, director of Shringar Cinemas launched the first initiative from Purple Ribbon at Fame Adlabs. A special screening of ‘Hum Tum’ was organised for the Indian Cancer Society at the multiplex. Launching the Purple Ribbon, Shravan Shroff said that the initiative has been created with the sole intent of bringing joy into the lives of the less privileged. “The Purple Ribbon events will directly impact the lives of our special friends through movie screenings, ‘Meet & Greet’ opportunities and many other such special activities,” he said. This initiative from Purple Ribbon brightened the day of over 200 children and 85 adults from the Indian Cancer Society, who not only got a chance to watch ‘Hum Tum’, but also got an opportunity to interact, in person, with Saif Ali Khan and Kunal Kohli.

Isha’s latest item number

Apart from playing the lesbian girlfriend of Amrita Arora, Isha Koppikar just recently shot for an item number for a private album. This very item number scene had made her noticed in the industry a few years back. A sizzling dance number in the music video of the private album ‘Patli Kamar’ did to her career what her small roles in films could not do. She subsequently bagged the “Khallas” (‘Company’) and “Ishq Samundar” (‘Kaante’) item numbers, which brought her instant fame and recognition. She is repeating the act in Universal Music’s new album ‘Bhor’ where she dances to the remix version of the track “Bhor Bhaye Panghat” (from ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’). A semi-clad Zeenat Aman danced off in the original version.