Abhishek's avoided like the plague

Abhishek Bachchan's trials have only begun. With the industry avoiding him like the plague, his woes never seem to end.

He left the Abbas-Mastan film for one by rookie director Nikhil. But was shown the door there too. The film, to be produced by Yash Johar, had Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor in the lead. Abhishek was to be the third hero but now Arjun Rampal looks most likely to step into his shoes.

Sunil, Arjun for another Rajiv Rai film

Although critics panned Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat, director Rajiv Rai has already announced his next project.

This one will also star Sunil Shetty and Arjun Rampal.

We heard that the kudos Arjun received for his performance have assured him of his place in the film.

Deepak Shivdasani's troubles

Producer-director Deepak Shivdasani has been advised hip-bone surgery by doctors.

His Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, releases Friday, August 10. Rumour had it that Madhuri Dixit's scenes were chopped considering that she as she was not hot, which the director denies.

The director also was keen on a July 19 release. The reason -- his guru had selected the date. But this was not to be. Finally Shivdasani's guru -- a Sufi saint, living in Karachi declared August 10 to be the lucky day.

Aks cut by 20 minutes

Aks is shorter by twenty minutes now. And audiences are breathing a sigh of relief.

The film is doing reasonably well in Bombay. Though it still can't be compared to Lagaan or Gadar.

Compiled by Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh