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Coke Guy

Guess who has now been signed up for the Coke campaign? The current heart-throb of the nation, Hrithik Roshan. Apparently, the star had been approached for the same a few months ago. But papa Rakesh was so confident of the film's success -- and of Hrithik's -- that he kept stalling the offer. Now when the offer has come up, the proud papa is in a better shape to negotiate. Apparently, the figure that Hrithik is being paid is so astronomical that all our other mega-stars are definitely going to get more sleepless nights.

Amisha miffed

While on Hrithik, can his heroine be far behind? When last heard, Amisha Patel's mother, the voluble Asha Patel, was seen to be crying on every available shoulder. The lady was cribbing how Amisha had been given a raw deal, how some of her important scenes were chopped off at the editing table and so was a hit number which had been filmed on Amisha. And since it was a solo number, it would have diverted the attention of the audiences from Hrithik -- so, it was gone, complains the over-zealous mama. Now do we see Babita and Kareena snigger in the background?

All's fair in films

There is nothing permanent here, neither friends nor enemies. Not so long ago, during the shooting of Biwi No 1, Sushmita Sen had a massive pow-pow with her director David Dhawan. Not only did the two have a showdown on the sets, but had also sworn never ever to see each other's faces. And it was also on the sets of the same film that Govinda's relationship with Dhawan had soured because the star bunked shooting and virtually walked out at the last minute. But time and success heals all wounds. Now the threesome -- Govinda, Sushmita and David Dhawan -- have come back together for a film to be produced by Jeetendra. Need we add that Jeetu, who was so keen on the setup, not just organised the patch-up, but also agreed to pay all of them their full market prices. So, never underestimate the power of money and how it can make friends of foes.

Salman: dogged by rumours

There was panic in the film industry a while ago. The rumour went that Salman Khan was rushed to the hospital and was in a critical state. His supposed condition varied from serious to not-so-serious to we-do-not-know as different people gave their accounts. Various ailments were attributed to the hero -- from frivolous to serious to fatal ones. But Salman must have been having the last laugh, because while the rumours spread like wildfire, he was happily vacationing in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. It is another matter that Aishwarya Rai also happened to be shooting for Raj Kanwar's film, Dhai Akshar Prem Ke at the same time, in and around the same area!

That's what friends are for

While Shah Rukh Khan was laid up in bed, undergoing operations on his knee and ankle, he had wife Gauri beside him. But guess who were the two best friends who took time off from their busy schedules to be with the ailing star? But, of course, Jai Mehta and Juhi Chawla. Under the pretext of being on vacation, both landed up at the hospital and were with Shah Rukh all through. No wonder then, he maintains that Jai and Juhi are his best friends. And this must have helped strengthen Juhi's relationship with Gauri!

Dharmesh takes a beating

The failure of Mela has shaken up Dharmesh Darshan and how! He, who was so confident of his underproduction film, Dhadkan, starring Sunil Shetty, Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty and had been talking about the film in superlatives has decided to add another star to the film. Sushmita Sen. But then Sushmita, it is said, was not too impressed with Mela and put her foot down regarding the price. So Dharmesh has gone ahead and signed up Mahima Chaudhary for the same. Now we can truly say that the director's confidence has been jolted. The choices he is making proves it well.

Hrithik, Esha in next Rajshri film?

We began this column with him, and we have to end it with him. The Hrithik Roshan craze has spread far and wide and how! Sooraj Barjatya too, is said to be totally enamoured by the young star -- enamoured enough to have cast him in his next! Yes, Hrithik is said to be finalised as the hero in the next Rajshri film to be directed by Sooraj. The lukewarm reaction to a family drama has jolted Sooraj who is said to be contemplating a pure love story. The heroine under consideration is said to be Esha Deol. More details next week...

-- The Insider