Rani turns choreographer

Rani plays two characters in Dil Bole Hadippa — the carefree Veera and the cricket-crazy Veer, who poses as a Sardar and dreams of playing with the likes of Sachin and Dhoni. While shooting the title song, ace choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant was in a fix. Making Rani dance as a girl was a breeze, she couldn’t quite figure out how to make Rani boogie as a man! That is when Rani confidently announced that she would capture Veer’s spirit. The Bong beauty just went ballistic with a whacky dance. Everyone was in splits on the sets. And Rani found her groove.

In high spirits

The Kaminey team is finally exhaling. The film was beset by hurdles — an A certificate from the Censor Board first and then the swine flu scare which resulted in the film losing the invaluable initial weekend in Mumbai. But now it’s celebration time for the team. After getting positive box office reports and reviews from all over the country, an elated director Vishal Bhardwaj celebrated with his three close friends — Anurag Kashyap, assistant Abhishek Chaube (who has turned director with the Naseeruddin Shah-Arshad Warsi-Vidya Balan film, Ishqiya) and casting director Honey — by holding a party over the weekend where everyone had a good time.

Chunky’s Italian job

Whether as a hero (Aankhen) or a character actor (Paying Guest), Chunky Pandey has a strong connection to comedy. Believe it or not, the funster is now playing an Italian in Sajid Khan’s Houseful. The actor says: “I play an Indian-Italian, who is the waiter-cum-manager-cum-entire-staff of a hotel. I talk in typical Italian style with lots of phrases such as ‘mama mia’ and ‘pleaseooo’.” Though Chunky says “It was great fun”, he has some changes planned. The actor insists, “I want to concentrate on some serious roles now. No more comedies hereafter, ‘grazie’ very much.”

Not confused

Veteran actor Om Puri will be soon seen in director Ashu Trikha’s Baabarr starring Mithun Chakraborty, Sushant Singh, Urvashi Sharma and newcomer Soham. Ask the National Award winning actor if he feels the title of his upcoming film is a bit confusing and the actor shoots back immediately, “What did the title Om Shanti Om convey? Om Shanti Om sounded like it’s the title of a dharmik film. The confusion is good. It will raise people’s curiosity.”

my first break -- poorna

How it happened

As a student in Kerala, my school wanted me to do something novel. So, I learnt to dance Bharatanatyam wearing roller skates. I came first in inter-school competitions and also in National-level contests. My photos were published in newspapers, and I started getting calls from directors. I started off with the sister’s role in Pachakuthira (Malayalam). I played a lot of second leads before turning heroine. That was when I signed up for Kodaikanal (Tamil).

How it felt

My second film, Muniyandi Vilangiyal Moondram Aandu, directed by Thirumurugan, released before Kodaikanal. I saw the film in Bangalore where I was shooting for a Kannada movie. Posters of the film were put up all over the place, and my family and friends were delighted.

How life changed

Until a few years ago, I could go out by myself in any part of the country. Not any more, at least in the South. People walk up to me and tell me they appreciate my work. I love good food, but can’t eat whatever I want anymore — my mother is my diet doctor! Earlier, I could go out as I pleased; now, I need to dress up appropriately before I step out of home. Inside, I am the same girl though. I am now working in some plum projects such as Vithagan, opposite actor-director R. Parthepan

Miss Universe 2009

Stay tuned as the world’s most gorgeous beauties compete for the coveted title of Miss Universe. The event will be televised from Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

Before the live event, which will premiere on August 24, 6.30 a.m., get up close and personal with Miss India contestant Ekta Choudhry.

On August 23, 8.30 p.m., the channel brings ‘Miss India Universe Special,’ to the living room supplemented with some behind the scenes footage and Ekta’s journey to the competition.

During the two-hour show on August 24, a panel of renowned judges will select one winner from over 80 contestants.

Each entrant will be judged on their grace, intelligence and poise.

Venezuelan beauty Dayana Mendoza, Miss Universe 2008, will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast.