Asin - Happy Birthday

Asin is on cloud nine, as she celebrates her birthday today (Oct 26). She is just back in Mumbai from London and Paris after the long schedule of Vipul Shah’s London Dreams, her second film in Hindi.



A birthday special- Wish her, catch all the latest news, videos, and more!


She says: “I am glad to be back in Mumbai where I will be celebrating my birthday by having a quiet dinner as usual with my parents”.

In fact the unit of London Dreams had invited her for a wrap up party before she left London and the actress was overwhelmed to find that it was a surprise birthday party that Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan had arranged for her.

The entire cast and crew including the Cultural Minister who had given special permission for the unit to shoot there was present to wish Asin.

Says Asin: “I never thought that I would be able to come back to Mumbai on my birthday. The unit was so professional and well-planned that we wrapped up the shoot five days in advance and I was able to fly back to Mumbai and celebrate at home”.

Asin also confesses that she changed into a complete shopaholic during her shoot. Adds Asin: “It was a necessary evil that I had to indulge, as I explored all leading designer label stores in Paris and London from where I picked up designer shoes, dresses and sunglasses for my film as well as my personal use”.

Asin was also amazed when lots of Indians at Madame Tussauds in London came up to her and wanted to be photographed with her.

Raj Thackeray polarises Maharashtra politics

Mumbai: The issue of "Marathi pride" raised by Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has polarised the State politics and the ruling Congress-NCP coalition can ill afford to ignore its emotive appeal in an election year.

Prominent leaders of the ruling establishment have been forced to contend that the issues raised by Raj are genuine but they do not agree with his methods.

Even Shiv Sainik-turned-Congressman Narayan Rane, the State's Revenue Minister observed in a front page column in his Marathi newspaper Prahar that north Indian leaders have united on the Marathi versus Hindi issue and said that their unity was not for projecting a nationalist sentiment but isolating Maharashtra and its people.

"When the north Indian leaders have got together, leaders from Maharashtra have developed cold feet," he had said.

The thrashing of innocent north Indian youths during the Railway recruitment Board (RRB) examinations on October 19 as part of the MNS agitation for rights of "sons of soil" seems to have divided even the Marathi-speaking people.

Political observers note that only about 5 to 10 per cent of the Marathi youth from families which are traditionally Shiv Sena voters, have been attracted to Raj's style of politics. "But, it remains to be seen whether the support will translate into votes," observers feel.

They point out that it was the similar case of beating up of north Indian youths who have come to Mumbai to appear for the railway exams just before the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 which had cost Shiv Sena-BJP victory in the Lok Sabha and subsequent Assembly elections.

However, the polarisation is not restricted around "Marathi asmita (pride)", feel political analysts.

The current issue has pitted the Hindi-speaking population versus the rest. There is growing resentment about the encroachment of Hindi-speaking people in all spheres of life in the State among the non-Hindi population in Mumbai and other cities of Maharashtra, observers say.

Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik account for over one third of total Assembly seats and Shiv Sena wields considerable influence here. The Congress-NCP felt that they could use Raj who also has good number of supporters in this region, to cut Shiv Sena to size.

The north Indians in this belt comprise nearly 20 per cent of the total voters. The numbers are quite substantial to swing votes either for Shiv Sena-BJP or Congress-NCP.

BJP sources said it is unlikely that Congress-NCP will benefit. "The north Indian voters have realised that Raj was propped up by the Congress-NCP to target the Shiv Sena," sources added.

Besides, Raj's arrest and subsequent bail and also filing of about 54 cases against him in different cities of the State are meant to shield him from the Non-bailable Warrant (NBW) issued by the Jamshedpur court.

BJP sources are of the view that the NBW received by the Mumbai police a day before he was arrested in the October 19 attacks on north Indians, will never be executed by the State government.

Also, the BJP sources feel that since their party's campaign against Bangladeshi immigrants, who have found place in the voters' list in Maharashtra, has succeeded and it may highlight this issue during elections asking voters to decide whether these Bangladeshis or the north Indians are a real threat to the State.

With the State accounting for 42 per cent urban areas, most of which are cosmopolitan in nature, Marathi-speaking activists of Congress feel that the leadership should give prominence to Maharashtrians during ticket distribution especially in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune and Nashik belt, the most developed and industrialised area.

Congress being a national party cannot take a definite stand on the 'Marathi issue'. But, the party will have to do a balancing act and turn the tables on its opponents by labelling the issue as a fight for political survival between MNS and Shiv Sena, sources in the state Congress feel.

Congress sources said that instead of beating up youths from other States, Raj can do great justice to young Marathi boys and girls by doing something constructive.

Political analysts are of the opinion that the echo of Raj Thackeray's anti-North Indian tirade has been felt nationwide, thanks to the hyped coverage on 24-hour news channels.

People of northern Indian States feel Maharashtra government has not tackled the Raj issue efficiently and this is bound to affect the Congress in the election-bound states of north India.

Congress sources admit that the Marathi issue have takers in unemployed local youth who feel that they have been overtaken by people from other states especially North India.

Congress, it appears to have been caught on the backfoot.

"In States like Bihar and UP, the party has virtually negligible presence. Rahul Gandhi is trying his best to revive the party at the grassroots by meeting students at colleges and schools. The party will be answerable to voters in those States," sources said.

"Besides, major States in the Hindi belt like MP, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi go to polls next month and the issue is bound to figure during campaigns," they added.

Under pressure, the Maharashtra government had to act against Raj, observers said. Since last week, it has moved swiftly and picked him up from Ratnagiri while he was on tour.

"The government is now trying to bind him legally by filing 54 cases against him in three days. However, all offences registered against him are bailable. So, there is a possibility that he will get bail and emerge as a hero," observers said.

However, they are quick to note that only time will tell whether Raj will be able to translate his popularity among a section of the Marathi people into electoral success.

According to political analysts, the government first tried to handle Raj politically rather than treating his anti-north Indian tirade as a potential law and order problem.

"The government first thought that it will be able to weaken Shiv Sena by ignoring Raj. Sena working president Uddhav Thackeray has been touring the state extensively in recent times highlighting the government's failures in power sector, farmers suicides among others," sources said.

A senior cabinet minister when contacted said, "As far as government is concerned, we have to be least bothered about the political fallout. Our primary concern is maintaining law and order and steps are being taken in that direction. In this case, either way - whether we take action or not, the government will have to face the music."

Imran lets Aamir do the talking

Imran Khan, touted as the new chocolate boy of Bollywood, says comparisons with uncle Aamir Khan are inevitable. In fact, he is happy to let his illustrious 'maamu' do all the talking for his debut film Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na.

"I'm not shy but I take time to get comfortable with people...I was happy letting Aamir maamu do all the speaking. I also knew people would start making comparisons between us regardless of whether we were seen together or not. When the comparisons are inevitable, what's the point worrying about it? I really appreciate Aamir's support though," Imran said.

So how much does Imran depend on Aamir for advice?

"On a personal level we're extremely close. Yes he's my uncle and I'm proud of that. But we don't discuss each other's work besides Jaane Tu.... Our family has always separated the personal from the professional. He's always been a great believer in letting every one he loves find his own path. He always tells me to make my decisions about which films to do," he said.

So why wasn't he talking much before the film's release?

"I wanted the film to speak for me before I did. Now that people know what's in store in Jaane Tu..., I feel more relaxed talking about the film. Though I'm still uncomfortable talking about myself."

Like Aamir, Imran wanted to be a director to begin with.

"Yes, that's why I can look at my film objectively. I was 22 and immature when I wanted to be a director. Now I feel I'm not ready for direction yet. Thank god Jaane Tu... came into my life."

And again like Aamir, Imran too believes commercial films can be intelligent.

"Where and how did we decide intelligent films can't be commercial? I believe at the end of the day we've to sell tickets in theatres. And for that we need to make audiences feel good about a film. Given those parameters it's our duty to do something innovative."

Imran already has two other films - Kidnap and Luck - on the floors.

"Shibani Bhatija who wrote Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna wrote Kidnap. It's an exceptional script. My character was so interesting ... and a challenge for me because it's completely different from Jaane Tu.... It required me to stretch myself as an actor. It took me very far away from my comfort zone.

"Then there's Luck which takes me to another zone. Though I can identify with the character, it's a very demanding film physically. I'll come out of Luck with a lot of bruises," Imran laughed.

Imran never hid his relationship with girlfriend Avantika Malik and says he's only happy being seen with her in public.

"I feel whoever you are in a relationship with needs to feel like an important part of your life. The soul mate is a very important support system. I'm glad to have her by my side," he said.

The actor also denied the notion that having a girlfriend would affect an actor's career.

"People wrongly feel if a male actor is attached his career suffers. Shah Rukh (Khan), Aamir mamu, Hrithik (Roshan) ...all came into the industry attached. Finally it's only your work that the audience looks at," Imran quipped.

The actor has already won audiences hearts with his first film, but he has his head firmly on his shoulders.

"I wonder if I can live up to all the expectations! I've seen Jaane Tu... dozens of times. I've done whatever I could do. More than my happiness my director Abbas Tyrewala, Mansoor Khan and Aamir mamu are happy. But I can see only the glaring flaws. But Aamir and Abbas are happy. So I'm going by their judgement."

Imran is also against the much talked about competition between him and debutante Harman Baweja, specially since their films released on the same day.

He said, "Filmmaking is not a marathon race where only one person wins. For one film to be a success it isn't necessary for the other to fail. It's all about whether the films are liked by the audience or not. And who says only one film can do well?"

Worcestershire cancel Nehra deal

Worcestershire will not be signing experienced Indian Test bowler Ashish Nehra after he asked for more money and to change his start date.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes had sorted out terms for the 29-year-old's arrival at New Road earlier in the week, but the deal is now cancelled.

"It had been cleared with the Board of Control for Cricket in India," chief executive Mark Newton said.

"But then he asked for more money and said the deal started too soon."

Nehra, who has played 72 one-day internationals, had been signed to replace Fidel Edwards, who withdrew from a move to the county after the West Indies Cricket Board ordered him to rest ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.

IPL team owners targetting Flintoff, Pietersen

London: Shah Rukh Khan is reportedly close to a deal with Andrew Flintoff for his Kolkata IPL team for a fee of around £750,000. Flintoff's agent though denied a deal was imminent.

Shah Rukh had said at the dinner hosted in London a few weeks ago that he was on the lookout for some younger players from India and England. Although no names were mentioned, most feel Flintoff was on his mind. A source told Hindustan Times that Flintoff would not like to annoy the ECB at a time when his Test selection is not certain and his agent could wait for other players to sign up.

But some sources are almost sure that both Flintoff and the stylish Kevin Pietersen have been offered fees by IPL team owners that they will find hard to resist. In fact, several players apart from the two are already on collision course with the ECB over new contracts.

Pietersen has also been offered a very "high" fee. According to an earlier report, "one of India's wealthiest families" wanted Pietersen to sign "at any price". Sources said Pietersen was sure of playing in India next year and was close to signing the most lucrative deal yet in the IPL after being tendered more than $4 million for a three-year contract by an undisclosed IPL franchise.

Though MS Dhoni is currently the most valuable player in the competition — earning above $1.5 million annually — but “such is Pietersen's appeal, his final figure could yet top that”.

England's limited-overs captain Paul Collingwood has been pressing the ECB to relax its stance and let the country's top players turn out in the IPL. He supported the view of Pietersen and Test captain Michael Vaughan, who argued there was no reason for the England stars to miss out on the T20 extravaganza.

"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about the IPL. At the moment we can't play, but players will be tempted. If you had the chance to earn four times your normal money in the next six weeks, would you take it? It's human nature," Collingwood was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"Hopefully, there won't be a situation where players have to make a choice between the IPL and playing for England."

Apart from the three players, Flintoff, Pietersen and Collingwood, Owais Shah, Stuart Broad and Ravi Bopara are also reported to have offers in the region of $300,000.

Ponting fined for dissent

Ricky Ponting's 300th one-day international produced an Australian win but it ended on a slightly sour note for him personally after he was fined for showing dissent at an umpire's decision. Ponting pleaded not guilty to the charge but was docked 30% of his match fee after the match referee Roshan Mahanama found him guilty.

The incident took place during the 23rd over of West Indies' chase when the Australians believed they had Patrick Browne caught behind off the bowling of Michael Clarke. There was a noise as the ball went through to the wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi but replays appeared to suggest it came off the batsman's back leg.

Ponting and his team-mates were already celebrating before they finally looked around at the umpire Norman Malcolm, who turned down the appeal much to Australia's amazement. Ponting moved from his position and apeared to make a comment to Malcolm after the decision was made, leading to a charge being laid by the umpires.

"Although the player pleaded not guilty, after scrutinising the video footage and taking into consideration the evidence submitted by the umpires, I found that his actions were in breach of ICC's Code of Conduct and decided to fine him 30% of his match fee," Mahanama said. Australia won the match by 63 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Ganguly bags Asian Cricketer and Asian Batsman award

Former captain Sourav Ganguly was adjudged the Asian Cricketer and Asian Batsman of the year for his fighting comeback into the Indian team at the Castrol Asian Cricket Awards today in an awards ceremoy held in Karachi (June 27).

The Prince of Kolkata was awarded for his performances after staging a comeback to International Cricket. Saurav Ganguly has inspired Team India's recent Test success by some splendid batting performances. Apart from Ganguly his Indian team mates too won accolades for their heroics and swept the Asian Cricket Awards. Sachin Tendulkar was named the Best ODI batsman while Gautam Gambhir grabbed the honour in Twenty20.

Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara took away the best Test Batsman of the year award while compatriot Farveez Maharoof was chosen as the Best ODI Bowler. Pakistan's Umar Gul was named the Best Twenty20 Bowler.

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan, not surprisingly, took away the Best Bowler award. The surprise element was Pakistan wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, who has been dropped from the Asia Cup squad because of his poor form, as he was conferred with the Best Fielder award.

But former Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram, who along with Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and former India skipper Rahul Dravid picked the winners, said that Akmal was selected for his overall performances throughout the last two years. Though Ganguly was not present at the ceremony, his wife Dona took the awards on his behalf.