High stakes in the Hindi film industry

With multi-starring blockbusters hitting cinema screens in rapid succession, the stakes are very high in the Hindi film industry. All the new releases are being subjected to the speculation of Bombay's betting community.

Commanding the highest stakes are Subhash Ghai's Yaadein, Rajkumar Santoshi's Lajja, Deepak Shivdasani's Yeh Raaste Hain Pyaar Ke, Karan Johar's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Shah Rukh Khan's Asoka - the Great and Anupam Kher's Om Jai Jagdish.

The opening odds for a new film are between 25 to 39 paise for an 85 per cent first week occupancy, 48 paise for a 90 per cent tally, Rs 1.50 for 95 per cent and Rs 2.50 for a 100 per cent collection.

Hrithik regrets not doing Dil Chatha Hai

Hrithik Roshan is cursing himself for having declined a role in Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai.

But, Hrithik's loss became Saif Ali's gain. Saif apparently is so good that the film might just become the turning point of his career.

Tabu as an on-screen hooker once more

After a terrible accident this January, singer-turned-actor Gurdas Mann is back in the arclights.

He is working on an ambitious film script titled Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai. Produced by Mann's wife Manjit and directed by Mano Punj the film revolves around the theme of mentally challenged children.

Tabu will be the leading lady, playing the role of a hooker, very similar to her role Chandni Bar.

Zindagi Khoobsoorat Hai revolves around a singer's emotional boding with a spastic child and has music by Anand Raj Anand.

Ramgopal and Manoj patch up differences

Manoj Bajpai has kissed and made up with mentor Ramgopal Varma.

It was only a minor misunderstanding which was blown out of proportion, the actor said. He said that whenever director Varma felt the role suited him, they'd work together again.

Compiled by Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh