Sush one of Asia's 25 most successful women

Former Miss Universe and actress Sushmita Sen has been chosen by Elle magazine as the only Indian in their compilation of the top 25 most successful Asian women.

Sushmita is thrilled about the honour. It has been a good year for the actress, she has already had two releases this year -- Filhaal and Tum Ko Na Bhool Paayenge.

Sushmita is also looking forward to the release of Aankhen where she, along with Amitabh Bachchan, trains three blind men to commit a robbery.

Award for Shabana

Actress, activist and parliamentarian Shabana Azmi was honoured recently by the University of Michigan in recognition of her significant contributions to art, society and politics.

The internationally acclaimed actress received a standing ovation as the University presented her with the Martin Luther King/Cesar Chavez/Rosa Parks Visiting Professorship Award.

Obstacles for Ghai

Showman Subhash Ghai's film school is turning into a nightmare as tribal folk have opposed the construction of the school on the land occupied by them since 1977.

An attempt to clear the land led to a riot and the police had to be summoned. Ghai and Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Corporation are helpless with no solution in sight.

However Joint Manager of MFSCC has said that construction would commence in the next six months and that the tribals would be rehabilitated.

Kamal, Simran -- Two is company

Kamal Haasan and his leading lady in Pammal K Sambandam Simran have been seen together very often. Unit members of swear that the two grew close during the shooting of the film in New Zealand.

Their second film together Panchathanthiram, is only strengthening the bonds. Simran dismisses the rumours saying that she is just a good friend. She insists that she is still very much in love with Raju Sundaram, the choreographer turned actor who is also Prabhu Deva's brother.

Compiled by Vivek Fernandes
Design: Imran Shaikh