Katrina Kaif attends her sister's wedding in London

Katrina Kaif's sister Natacha tied the knot on Sunday(August 25).

Katrina Kaif left Mumbai for London at midnight on Saturday, to join her family for the wedding, thereby rubbishing all the rumours and speculations regarding her alleged time-off for a visit to join Ranbir Kapoor in Sri Lanka.

"To insinuate that Katrina Kaif has nothing better to do than to follow Ranbir Kapoor around like a jobless star-wife wherever he is shooting is not just absurd but also insulting. Katrina Kaif didn't even have time to join her family in London in advance before the wedding. She left Mumbai for London just hours before the ceremony," said a friend of Katrina.

There were reports that Katrina was busy trousseau-shopping for Natacha. "Rubbish!" says Katrina's friend.

"All her sisters as strong-willed and independent-minded as Katrina. Natacha did all her wedding shopping on her own. Katrina Kaif just flew in to attend the wedding. She flies back in a few days."

Saif is same post marriage: Kareena Kapoor

Mumbai: Actress Kareena Kapoor feels marriage to actor Saif Ali Khan has not changed anything in her life and she hopes the Nawab of Pataudi also remains the same.

Bollywood star couple Saif and Kareena tied the knot here in October last year after a five-year courtship.

"Saif and I were in love and we decided to get married. For us everything is same. Things are going great (in married life). It is just the same even while I was dating Saif... Things are going amazing. Saif is same as before, hopefully he will never change," Kareena said.

"For media and people, it (marriage) seems like a big thing. But in real life it is not like that. There have never been any restrictions. We are surprised when people ask what is the difference after marriage, we fail to understand this as there is no difference. He is in America and we were talking about this thing... It seems surprising," she said.

Though Kareena feels things are same post marriage, there is usually an added responsibility after marriage but for her, singlehood and married life is more or less the same.

"Since childhood I was a responsible girl. There was responsibility of the family... First of my mother, then my sister Karisma and now Saif`s responsibility. But he (Saif) is pretty much on his own, he is a responsible person, he`s quite mature," the 32-year-old actress said.

Kareena believes in giving equal importance to love and work in her life.

"Both (love and work) are equal for me. I have been balancing things. I am an actress who has been open about my relationships. There is nothing wrong in falling in love.

"I don`t know why people associate love with your career? I don`t understand why people ask this? Because love is like the way you breathe air... You love your mother but still you work. I love my mother, family and I still work," she said.

Since her mother-in-law is legendary actress Sharmila
Tagore; when asked which films of hers she likes the most, Kareena said she loved her in `Amar Prem` (1972).

"I like `Amar Prem` a lot, that is my favourite film. I think that was the best film of hers. I loved her in the film. I won`t be part of its remake version as I don`t think classics should be remade," she said.

On work front, Kareena is looking forward to the release of Prakash Jha`s `Satyagraha`, where she plays the role of a journalist.

"She (my role in the film) is the voice, truth of the film. Because the responsibility of a journalist is to report truth, she sums up everythi

Not Katrina or Kareena, Deepika is the box-office queen

She debuted with Farah Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ and since then there is no looking back for the long legged actress, Deepika Padukone. In the beginning of her career, she was criticized for naive acting but she took those criticisms in a positive way and polished her acting. Today, she is at the peak of her career and ruled the box-office. She is the only actress in Bollywood who has scored 500 crores in a single year. She suppresses her contenders Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor.

Deepika is the box-office queen. 2014 has been extremely lucky for the diva. She had three hits in her kitty, ‘Race 2’, ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ and now ‘Chennai Express’. All these three movies strike gold at the box-office. The movies crossed 100 crore mark and ‘Chennai Express’ turned to be a game changer. The film has broke many record and is still going strong picking up numbers. While her competitors Katrina is just behind her with Rs.319.63 crore in 2012 (Ek Tha Tiger and Jab Tak Hai Jaan) and Kareena Kapoor is at third position. Her two movies collected Rs.263.15 crore in 2011 (Bodyguard and Ra.One).

Deepika Padukone’s success story doesn’t end here. She has another important film lined up for relase this year and it is Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s highly anticipated film, ‘Ram Leela’ starring Ranveer and Deepika in the lead. The film is very much in the news since it’s inspection and it is assumed that ‘Ram Leela’ will set a new record.

Deepika’s hand is full for 2014 as well. She has bagged Farah Khan’s ‘Happy New Year’ opposite Shahrukh Khan and talks are going on for few more meaty projects.

Deepika is very much focused on her work and she has created a niche in Bollywood with hard work and dedication.

Lakme Fashion Week 2013: Kajol, Jacqueline Fernandez, Ayan Mukherji, Zarine Khan attend Shehla Khan’s new fashion

Infusing fantasy and surreal concepts to this season’s Lakme Fashion Week, designer Shehla Khan introduced a deeper and bolder hued collection named – Tale of the Unexpected, which draws inspiration from the designer’s love of fairy tales.

On being the showstopper, Jacqueline Fernandez said, “Shehla is a sweet and soft spoken girl, this reflects in her clothes as well which are very feminine, very girly but also wearable and contemporary for all ages. Through Sonam (Kapoor) I got to know not only a wonderful designer but a beautiful person. I’m so thrilled to be her showstopper today. I feel like a modern day princess!”

Shehla’s B-town friends and clients were also present to cheer her – Kajol (dressed in a beautiful blue badla sari by Shehla), Ayan Mukherji, Kunal Rawal, Rhea Kapoor with her mother Sunita Kapoor, Anu Dewan, Avantika Malik, Madhu Nair, Maheep Kapoor, Sharmilla Khanna, Shaan Khanna, Zarine Khan, Shabina Khan and many more.

Khan showcased an array of structured looks, as she explains, “The silhouettes are rather bold, and an element of structure exists in almost every look, representing royalty along with contemporary feminine grace and regality”. The young designer has dressed some of Bollywood’s top fashionistas such as Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Kajol, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Malaika Arora Khan, Karisma Kapoor and Alia Bhatt to name a few.

Parineeti Chopra wants to romance Shaan

The actress, who was here with her `Shuddh Desi Romance` co-star Sushant Singh Rajput to promote the film, enjoyed Shaan`s performance on the song "Ae kya bolti tu". It`ll be aired Sunday on Colors.

"Singer toh tum ho hi, dancer ab ban gaye ho aur is act mein toh tapori ki acting bhi karli (You are already a singer, now you have become a dancer, and in this performance you have even acted). I`m going to romance you in the sequel of `Shuddh Desi Romance` now," Parineeti said.

To which, Shaan, who was dressed as a tapori, said: "Oh that`s so kind... I thought mujhe chacha ka role milega (I thought I will get the role of an uncle)."

`Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 6`, a weekend show, sees actress Madhuri Dixit, choreographer Remo D`Souza and filmmaker Karan Johar in the judges` panel.

Watch out Girls: Ranbir's dad is keeping a close watch on his antics!

Ranbir Kapoor has grabbed as many headlines for his alleged dalliances as his films. And according to sources, dad Rishi Kapoor is being driven up the wall with his son's antics. Though the veteran actor has been playing the cool card, sources close to the Kapoor khandaan say that he is rather irked with Ranbir's romances.

Insiders say that whenever his son is in town, Rishi makes it a point to keep a tab on Ranbir's whereabouts. And the trusted watchman at the Krishna Raj bungalow is apparently doing daddy's dirty job.A source says, `When Ranbir is in the city, the senior Kapoor keeps calling his watchman to enquire about him. Apparently he keeps a check on what time Ranbir comes home and even about those who accompany him.`

Recently, there was buzz that the Kapoor bungalow in Bandra is undergoing renovation work with a new doorway being fitted to provide the star son with a separate entrance and exit to his room. Perhaps that will give Ranbir some much-needed privacy?

Sunil Shetty’s daughter to gain five kilos for debut?

Athiya Shetty, actor Sunil Shetty's daughter, who will make her big-screen debut opposite Sooraj Pancholi, has already started prepping for her role. The film, to be directed by Nikhil Advani, is a remake of Subhash Ghai's super hit, Hero (1983).

Apparently, Athiya is being guided by a fitness trainer and nutritionist. She has three months to get fighting fit and you may even see her five kilos heavier before the film goes on floors this November.

Athiya had earlier attended an audition for a leading production house. And most people there ended up remarking that she is tall and lean — more in the inter-national model mode. Guess the little weight that she has been asked to put on will make her more appealing to the Indian masses.

Salman Khan and the story of his 11 girlfriends

The only Khan bachelor in Bollywood (now even Imran Khan is married) Salman Khan has a had a colourful history as far as his love life is concerned. Starting from Sangita Bijalani and currently ending at Romanian Iulia Vantur for the time being, there is no full stop to Salman Khan's love life and every decade the list is populated with a new entry.

After Sangita Bijalani and Somi Ali, there came Aishwarya Rai and then her much touted look-alike Sneha Ullal. Later, there came Katrina and her look-alike Zarine Khan. Apart from these famous affairs, Salmna Khan has also had a string of flings that lasted for just a couple of months.

Ranbir & Katrina in Sri Lanka again

Seems like Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are still in the hiding about their relationship. Both the actors were clicked holidaying together in Spain a while back and this drew a sharp response from Kats, who wrote an open letter to the media.

Post Spain, she and Ranbir were seen hanging out together in Sri Lanka where the Kapoor lad is shooting for Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet. Katrina was pictured working out with Ranbir in Sri Lanka and she also bonded well with Ranbir's co star in the film, Anushka Sharma.

Sources inform that Katrina is once again in Sri Lanka where Ranbir's schedule for Bombay Velvet is on. However, this time it seems she has learnt her lesson and is maintaining a low profile, refraining from interacting with Ranbir or the cast openly.

Perhaps Katrina can take a lesson or two from Saif and Kareena? Should Ranbir and Katrina come out in the open?

Mumbai no safe haven for women: B'wood actresses post gang-rape

Mumbai, Aug 26 (IANS) Calling the recent gang-rape of a woman photojournalist in Mumbai a "wake-up call", Bollywood's actress brigade, including Shabana Azmi and Juhi Chawla have, said the city isn't safe anymore and that the incident has sent a "shock" down everyone's spine.

Here's what they had to say:

Shabana Azmi: This ghastly incident is a wake-up call for all Mumbaikars who revel in calling our city the safest in India. The new rape law has not instilled any fear because of lack of faith in law and order. We need to tackle rape at many levels. There's a deep-rooted misogyny, and sexual assault is used as an instrument of control and power so that women are denied freedom.

Juhi Chawla: Till now I was always proud of Mumbai. It was always vibrant and yet safe. Buzzing with activity at all hours, alive and throbbing with excitement. This news comes as a shocker. I hope the victim will be healed and fine. I felt worse for the fact that she is a photographer, so she may be connected to our film industry. I can't imagine how painful and traumatic this must be for her and her family.Very tragic.

Lilette Dubey: Shocking, shocking, shocking. We always took pride in Mumbai for being safe for women. But it looks like even after the Delhi incident, we've learnt no lessons. Such is the nature of the beasts that it won't change. The anti-rape laws are not detrimental enough. I'm almost tempted to believe castration is the only solution.

Pooja Bedi: Mumbai is definitely not going to be a safe city for women if we don't send out a loud, stern warning to potential rapists. We need swift sentencing through fast-track courts. The harshest and severest punishment must be meted out to these rapists.

Reema Kagti: I don't feel Mumbai or any other place in India is safe for working women.

Richa Chadha: The issue is not where it happens, but that it happens at all. The problem is with the Indian chauvinist male, who believes any woman stepping out of the house is meant for him to use and abuse - be it a student or a working woman. Let's not lock up our girls, let's teach the boys some manners. And let's have strong laws in place that act as a deterrent for these beasts.

Sophie Chowdry: When I moved from Mumbai to London I felt proud to say I'm living in the safest city in the world. Today, the joke is on me. I'm shamed at what is happening in Mumbai. For an atrocity of this magnitude to take place in broad daylight is shocking. Rape occurs in every part of the world...

Who’s That Girl, Virat Kohli?

Cricketer Virat Kohli took some time off to catch a film at PVR recently with a female friend. However, we have no idea who said friend is, since she was adamant about hiding her face the minute she saw paparazzi photographers in sight. What we do know, though, is that she’s not Brazilian model Izabelle Leite, who Virat is rumoured to be dating. So what are your thoughts? Friend? Cousin? Someone else? We’re not sure, so we’ll leave the guessing up to you.

Shraddha Kapoor’s Strange Conditions

Here’s some gossip that we’ve been hearing: Shraddha Kapoor has apparently been irking a few people as of late! The gossip mills are still abuzz about her rejecting the sequel to Welcome and upsetting the producers, although they have gone on record to say that she was never approached for the role as she isn’t glamorous enough (ouch… we don’t agree). Now we hear that Shraddha has said no to two more films, both of which featured Abhishek Bachchan in the lead. In fact, what we’re being told is that the actress doesn’t even mind working with a newcomer, but she thinks she has zero chemistry with Bachchan junior and therefore has avoided doing those films with him. Buzz is that Abhishek is a bit put off by the fact that she’s been saying no… and he’s not the only one. The word on the streets is that Shraddha has way too many conditions in her contract, including not wearing bikinis or any sort of skimpy clothes.

Katrina Kaif’s brother-in-law Pictures with friends and family

Katrina Kaif asked Deepika Padukone to shut up?

To understand this story, you will have to go a little bit into the past. It all started when photos of alleged lovers Katrina and Ranbir were sprawled across every section of the media, while they were on a secret vacation.

Intimate pictures of a bikini-clad Kat and shirtless Ranbir triggered the juiciest gossip of the century. The two alleged love birds were left fuming when all secrecy was taken out of their secret vacation.

Soon afterwards, an angry and disturbed Kat wrote a letter to the media asking them to refrain from such invasive behaviour.

The twist in the tale came when Ranbir’s ex and Katrina’s rival, Deepika Padukone appeared into the picture and offered a little harmless advice.

Live-in relationships not different from marriage: Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra, who will be seen in a live-in relationship with her onscreen boyfriend Sushant Singh Rajput in 'Shuddh Desi Romance', sees living together as a practical solution for busy couples who do not get time for each other.

"I don't think live-in relationships are different from marriage. Today, live-in relationships are more out of practicality," Parineeti told reporters in a group interview.

Giving a hypothetical example, she said: "I am an actress. If I get too late at work and if I want to meet my boyfriend, when do I meet him? Obviously, in the night. If I come back home and sleep in my place, people will say it's not a live-in relationship. It's all about our perception.

"Whoever is not in a relationship, even there pre-martial sex exists. I myself want to know why it is different."

Although she supports it, Parineeti confesses her parents won't be able accept it.

"My parents are very orthodox, so I may get scared to do this because they will feel bad. But actually it is fine," she said.

Directed by Maneesh Sharma, Shuddh Desi Romance features also introduces Vaani Kapoor and it will come out on Sep 6.

Parineeti Chopra denies dating Maneesh Sharma

Parineeti Chopra is quite upset these days with her link up rumors. She is however, thankful that she has not been linked up with any of her co stars till now.

Parineeti debuted in Bollywood with ‘Ladies Vs. Ricky Bahl’. Maneesh Sharma directed the movie. Her upcoming movie ‘Shuddh Desi Romance’ is also directed by Maneesh. This is enough for some grapevine talk. Till now, Parineeti has taken all the alleged rumors about her with a chill pill but this time the actress is not in a mood to take things lightly.

Sana Saeed faces opposition at home

A career high at the age of 8 and a long struggle thereon; in a case illustrative of the child stars teeming the industry, Sana Saeed is still remembered as the cherubic daughter of Shah Rukh Khan in the monster hit 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.

She has since made an adult comeback with the Karan Johar flick Student of the Year and participated in a popular dance reality TV show but there is a twist in the story.

Whispers in the industry suggest a rift between the young actress and her parents and when TOI contacted the actress she opened up to us about her dilemma at her Mahim apartment on Monday.

Cooing over her six-month old niece Niz, Sanaa is a bundle of energy. With her petite figure clad in body-con trousers and a mass of wavy highlighted hair, she looks cut for the industry which prizes youthful good looks over everything.

The city of Mumbai teems with aspirants like her, many of them having travelled from places afar to carve out their place in the sun. And like a lot of them, even a former child star can't stop her parents from raining on her parade.

In this case, while one parent fanned Sana's ambition, her father a poet, was deadset against his daughter taking up acting as a profession.

So is she being pressurised to quit showbiz? "My mother was the one who introduced me to this world and she has always been there for me. But she was not OK with me wearing a bikini in SOTY. My father has never been supportive of my decision to be an actress. But I don't expect them to understand, my parents are from a generation where none of their peers ever wore a skirt, let alone a bikini," says the 24-year-old.

Sana made her film debut with a small part in Student Of The Year, playing Tania, a sexed up teenage vixen out to poach a rich boyfriend. It was a calculated risk on her part, after all a bit part in a KJo film is still a big deal.But the move had some rather unexpected effects: a family feud.
The actress grew up in a middle class Muslim household,a house on JJ Road and two sisters who have both chosen the conventional life path, steady job, marriage, babies. But Sanaa struck out from a young age.

From the age of four, her chubby visage was a constant presence on TV screens selling everything from shampoos to chocolates.

Her mother was always by her side, playing manager, minder and parent. But then Sana grew up and decided to wear a bikini for her first film role and all hell broke loose.That beginning of a conflict which continues till date

Will Kareena Kapoor’s name change help her career?

and life? Find out!
Kareena Kapoor Khan. That’s how her name appears in the credits of Satyagraha. She got married to Saif Ali Khan last year. Talaash released soon after. But her name flashed as Kareena Kapoor in the opening credits. However, in her second release after her shaadi, she has added Khan to her name.
Actors are known to be paranoid about changing names especially when their career is going great. It’s common for them to experiment with different spellings for the luck factor. Shraddha A Salla, a Tarot card reader and numerologist, analyses Kareena Kapoor Khan’s new name. She says this change will work very well for the actor personally as well as professionally.

“Kareena is strongly ruled by Jupiter — the planet of growth and abundance, Jupiter supports creativity and entertainment, and makes one rise to his/her peak in this profession. Not only is Kareena’s birth and destiny number ruled by Jupiter, but also her name vibration. By adding Khan to her name, she is including the family name into her subconscious mind, which will work positively for her as she will always have their support and respect. With Saif, she has created an energy of total acceptance and bonding by taking his name.”

She adds, “New opportunities in films and other fields related to media will open up. Starting of a new venture like a production house is very likely. Health wise, this energy might make her a bit emotional and lazy, but her nature of always bouncing back will solve the issue. She will become calm, mature and more receptive to people around her.”

Salman’s Sisters Reject Katrina’s Invitation

Katrina Kaif, who recently attended her sister’s wedding in London, had apparently extended an invitation to the entire Khan family. Of course, Salman‘s sisters Alvira and Arpita were also asked to attend the event, but the two chose to stay away. While they were a close-knit group some time ago, it looks like that’s no longer the case. In actuality, the Khan sisters have begun distancing themselves from Katrina.ven though the ceremony was a private affair, Katrina was still hoping that someone from the Khan family would be present. Unfortunately, though, none of them turned up. However, a source tells us that Kat’s beau Ranbir Kapoor has sent the bride, Natacha, a lavish gift! Details on that to come soon.

Ranbir Kapoor To Propose Katrina For Marriage Soon?

OMG, now that's the hottest gossip of the season. From what we have learnt from the latest buzz was that Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor has planned to propose girlfriend Katrina Kaif soon. Though Ranbir and Kat have always tried to keep their alleged affair hush-hush, what we hear is that the Kapoor lad has now made up his mind to settle down with his ladylove. Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are considered as one of the hottest couples of the Bollywood industry. The duo have been spotted hand-in-hand in several occasions and events. This gave rise to the speculations about Ranbir and Kat dating each other. The last stroke came after the alleged couple went on a holiday trip in Ibiza, where they together got clicked by the media, that created a lot of frenzy in the tinselville. Sources informed a leading daily that many hearts are sure to break on Ranbir Kapoor's birthday, September 28. "A lot of hearts are set to break on Ranbir's birthday. But looks like the man has made up his mind," source informed the daily. Well, does that mean Ranbir is all set for marriage with Katrina and has some immediate engagement plans?

Dhoni 16th highest earning athlete: Forbes

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has been ranked 16th in the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes with an earning of $31.5 million (around Rs.180 crore), placing him above the likes of Rafael Nadal and Usain Bolt.

As per the latest Forbes list of highest-paid athletes in the world, the 31-year-old captain of the Indian cricket team earned $31.5 million between June 2012 and June 2013.

The list places Dhoni above F1 racer Fernando Alonso, who is ranked 19th, Lewis Hamilton at 26th place, Novak Djokovic at 28th place, Rafael Nadal at 30th spot and Usain Bolt at 40th rank.

The calculation is based upon the earnings estimates which includes salaries, bonuses and prize money from both club and national teams, as well as endorsement income.

Dhoni has moved up 15 positions in this year's list. He held the 31st rank last year. Sachin Tendulkar is the only other Indian sportsman who features in the list with a rank of 31st and total annual earning of $22 million (Rs.125 crore).

The list is topped by golfer Tiger Woods, who made $78.1 million, last year followed by tennis player Roger Federer who earned $71.5 million and basketball player Kobe Bryant, whose earnings stood at $61.9 million.

According to Forbes, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova topped the list of highest-paid female athletes for the ninth straight year by earning $29 million between June 2012 and June 2013.

American Serena Williams was second on the list with earnings of $20.5 million, followed by Chinese tennis player Li Na on $18.2 million and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka on $15.7 million.

Pakistan players caught watching vulgar dance show before Zimbabwe departure

KARACHI: The newly-appointed manager of the Pakistan team, Moin Khan might have spoken aloud about the importance of discipline in the side before leaving for Zimbabwe, but an incident involving three current players has left the Cricket Board red-faced.

Three of the members of the national team were caught on camera by Geo News channel enjoying a dance show in one of the theatres in Lahore.

Pace troika of Junaid Khan, Anwar Ali and Ali Asad were caught off-guard by the camera while they visited one of the theatres in Lahore to watch a dance show hours before the team's departure for Zimbabwe.

Most of these shows are notorious for being a front for raunchy dances by actresses on stage -- one reason why they are so popular among the public.

The channel clearly was in no mood to let go the players and came up with some sarcastic comments on their appearance in the theatre hours before the team was to leave for Zimbabwe last night.

One of the dancer said that the female performers were delighted to see the three Pakistani cricketers among the audience.

"It was exciting to see Junaid in the hall. He is the favorite player for many of us," one girl said.

Rahul Dravid wants open approach towards day-night Tests

Former India captain Rahul Dravid wants cricket administrators to approach the introduction of day-night Tests with an open mind to bolster the dwindling popularity of the longer format among spectators.

The idea of floodlit Test cricket, possibly played with a pink, orange or yellow ball, in more spectator-friendly hours has found acceptance in a wide section of the cricketing fraternity in recent years.

While doubts still remain about its technical viability, the International Cricket Council (ICC) last year approved the idea of day-night Test matches but left it to member boards to decide on the hours of play and the colour of the ball.

Speaking at an event organized by ESPNcricinfo in London on Monday, Dravid highlighted the primacy of Test cricket and suggested ways for bolstering the acceptance of the longer format of the game across the world.

"If it means playing day-night cricket, we must give it a try, keep an open mind," Dravid, the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, said. "The game's traditions aren't under threat if we play Test cricket under lights.

"I know there have been concerns about the durability of the pink ball, but I have had some experience of it, having played for the MCC, and it seemed to hold up okay.

"It could be an issue at places where dew sets in at certain times of the year, but scheduled at the right places at the right times, it could get Test cricket what it needs most: some more people in the stands."

Dravid, who also scored more than 10,000 runs in the 50-over format, felt Test cricket should not be sacrificed at the altar of the popular shorter formats and should be ready to adapt with changing times.

"Moving with the times does not mean embracing only T20 and trashing Test cricket," Dravid, who retired from international cricket last year, added. "It means finding a way to retain the best form of the game in a contemporary environment.

"Remember, while it did take long, there's even a roof over Wimbledon Centre Court these days.

"Day-night Tests remain a work in progress but we can start by sorting out the scheduling around Test cricket, to ensure that teams can complete their home and away cycles against each other over a four-year period."

Dravid, 40, also slammed the current trend of holding two-Test series between countries to accommodate T20 matches as "nothingness of a nothing" and backed a successful launch of the world Test championship.

Pacers Shami, Pandey bowl India A to innings win

MUMBAI: The India A team's tour of South Africa continues to be a revelation of sorts. After clinching the hard-fought tri-series that had a strong Australian A side as the third team, the Cheteshwar Pujara-led side crushed the hosts by an innings and 13 runs on the fourth and final day of the first unofficial Test at Rustenburg on Tuesday.

Lalchand Rajput, who keeps making an impact as a coach, credited pacers Mohammed Shami and Ishwar Pandey for the win that has given India A a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Shami (3-29) and Ishwar Pandey (3-25) shared six wickets amongst them while part-time spinner Rohit Sharma scalped two wickets to dismiss the hosts for 212 in their second innings after making them follow on.

"They really bowled their hearts out on a fourth-day pitch and that has only given the team more confidence of winning the next Test as well," an overjoyed Rajput told TOI from Rustenburg.

The lanky Pandey who plays for Madhya Pradesh in Ranji Trophy had match figures of 7-71. His effort earned him special praise from the coach.

"It is still early days for Ishwar, but I think he has the potential to make it big. He has a big heart and doesn't shy away from hard-work," said Rajput.

Resuming at 312 for nine, South Africa were dismissed for 357 in the first innings after Kyle Abbott (33 not out) and Andrew Birch (18) provided late resistance.

Pujara enforced the follow on and Pandey dismissed Reeza Hendricks off the third ball of his first over. Shami then struck twice in the sixth over, removing Dean Elgar (3) and J P Duminy (0) in the space of four balls.

Pandey took his second wicket in the form of Thami Tsolekile in the 35th over before Shahbaz Nadeem sent back Wayne Parnell (10) as South Africa further slumped to 140 for 7 in 41.4 overs

Overage Indian weightlifters disqualified from Asian Youth Games

NEW DELHI: In yet another embarrassing goof-up, three Indian weightlifters were disqualified from the second Youth Asian Games in Nanjing because of overage, adding a new twist to the shocking administrative fiasco which has already seen 24 athletes being barred from participation.

The entries of three weightlifters -- Chandrika Tarafdar (Women's 48kg), Jyoti Mal (women's 53kg) and Akshay Bhagwan (Men's 62kg) -- have been rejected by the Nanjing Games organisers due to overage issue. All the three were 1996 born weightlifters.

The new developments comes barely a couple of days after 18 track and field athletes were earlier disqualified from the Games due to overage issue, prompting the Sports Ministry to launch an inquiry into the incident.

It is learnt that participants in athletics and weightlifting should be born on or after January 1, 1997, though in other remaining disciplines, the sportspersons who are more than 17 years of age can also take part.

A senior official of Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said that the entries of three weightlifters have been rejected but reasons are yet to be known.

"We have come to know that entries of three weightlifters have been rejected by the local organising committee. We are yet to know the reason," an official said on condition of anonymity.

Indians are participating in this multi-sporting event as independent Olympic athletes because the Indian Olympic Association is serving a ban imposed by the International Olympic Committee.

The Indians are the only athletes, other than the one from Myanmar, who have been disqualified for overage issue.
All the athletes and weightlifters of other countries are born in 1997 or later.

A top IWF official said that in the earlier edition of the Asian Youth Championship in Singapore in 2009, India had sent only Under-17 weightlifters.

"In weightlifting, its always understood that the participants will be 16 years and above. It cannot be 17 years or above in the year of the competition. The criteria might be different in other disciplines, but this is the criteria in weightlifting. That was also the case in 2009 edition in Singapore," the official said.

Interestingly, many of the Indians who are participating in the other disciplines are also born in 1996.

India has sent around 90 athletes, including a few swimmers, golfers, judokas, shooters, squash players, paddlers, who were born in 1996, but they were not disqualified as the criteria is different for their respective disciplines.

Long jumper, Aung Kyaw of Myanmar is the only other athlete, apart from the Indians, to be disqualified from the competition due to overage.

Taking a stern view on the issue of Indian athletes being disqualified from Youth Asian Games, the Sports Ministry on Monday ordered an inquiry to fix responsibility on the officials for the fiasco which had brought embarrassment to the country.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) director General Jiji Thomson has been asked to probe the case and submit a report to the Sports Ministry. He will also inquire into the case of four Indian badminton players being thrown out of the Youth Games as their names were not included in the entry list.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) had claimed that they had sent entries of four Indian shuttlers for the ongoing Youth Asian Games in May and was under the impression that OCA would ensure the players participation by sorting out the issue that aroused because of the suspension of IOA by IOC.

Kallis targets last shot at World Cup glory

CAPE TOWN: South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis is ready to return to the one-day international side for a last shot at winning the 50-over World Cup.

Kallis, who will be 38 in October, played the last of his 321 one-dayers against New Zealand in February 2012, opting instead to focus on his test and lucrative Indian Premier League careers.

But after a meeting with national team coach Russell Domingo and Cricket South Africa (CSA) officials on Tuesday, he confirmed his commitment to returning to the line-up as they build towards the 2015 World Cup in Australasia.

"Playing for my country has always been both a huge honour and a privilege," Kallis said in a statement released by CSA on Tuesday.

"It remains my aspiration to be available for the 2015 World Cup but, at the same time I know as an all-rounder approaching my 38th birthday, I will need to assess my future in the game season by season.

"At the moment I am feeling mentally and physically refreshed and I am looking forward to carrying on playing for my country as long as possible," said Kallis.

Domingo says they will not select the all-rounder for the one-day series against Pakistan in October but hope to have him in the side for the end of year series against India.

"We are scheduled to play 30 ODIs between now and the start of the World Cup and we cannot expect Jacques to play every match. If we were to do that we would limit his longevity and we don't want that," added Domingo.

"The plan is to bring him back into the ODI squad for the home series against India in November. At the moment we have a youthful ODI batting line-up and Jacques brings a maturity that will be invaluable in developing the new generation."

Kallis has already appeared at five World Cup tournaments, the first in 1996, all of which have finished in disappointment for South Africa.

Saina hits back at Hidayat for IBL auction comments

MUMBAI: Hyderabad Hotshots icon player Saina Nehwal hit back at teammate and former world champion Taufik Hidayat for critising the auctioning process of the Indian Badminton League (IBL).

After inspiring her team to a 4-1 victory over Pune Pistons late on Monday, the World No. 4 said even though the Indonesian is a great player, it was 'unprofessional' of him to term the auctions 'biased' and post retirement he shouldn't have expected much moolah.

"I don't think there is anything unfair about the auctions. He (Hidayat) should accept it that he has retired now, so he can't get the highest base price of course. I think World No. 1 ( Lee Chong Wei) got the highest price ($135,000).

It's a negative thing to speak like this," said Saina after scripting a come-from-behind victory over World No. 3 Juliane Schenk of Germany.

2004 Athens Olympics gold medallist Hidayat was bought for a meagre $15,000 (same base price) even as his less experienced counterparts in the team - Pradnya Gadre ($46,000, base price - $10,000), Tarun Kona ($28,000, base price - $15,000) and Ajay Jayaram ($25,000, same base price) - were purchased for higher sums.

This had prompted the three-time Asian Games champion, who has defeated shuttling superstar Lin Dan twice in his hey days, to pull out of the IBL from the next edition.

"The price slab that was set was nonsense. Most of the foreign players were sold for their base price while the Indian players were bought for much higher amounts. This is my first and last IBL," Hidayat had said.

Defending the organisers, Saina said the IBL was meant for nurturing the game in the country. "There are many Indians playing in it and of course the tournament is for Indians to come up.

It is not like that we are doing anything wrong with the foreigners. What they are getting (money in IBL) I am sure they are all quite happy, because they don't even get it by winning the Super Series title or anything. I don't see this complaint coming from anyone else," Saina said.

"Of course, he (Hidayat) is a great player, he has achieved so much. But right now I don't think he should expect to get more than what he is getting," the 23-year-old added.

Meanwhile, the London Olympics bronze medallist expressed utter displeasure over the umpiring decisions during her 17-21, 21-19, 11-6 triumph over Pistons rival Schenk.

"In the second set, many line judgements went against me. It was not one or two but five or six points that I lost. I was not happy. The umpires should overrule also. It's their duty but I think none of the calls were overruled.

Finally we pulled off the match. But I don't want to ponder upon the negative things after the win," she said.

Monty Panesar let England down: Alistair Cook

LONDON: Troubled spinner Monty Panesar "let the England shirt down" with the unsavoury incident that sparked his exit from Sussex, captain Alistair Cook said, but insisted he could revive his Test career.

Panesar, 31, was fined by police for urinating in public after he was ejected from a Brighton nightclub on August 5 and Monday saw Sussex announce he'd played his last game for the south coast club.

The experienced left-armer was sent out on loan to Essex, Cook's county, and on Wednesday he was representing his new side against Northamptonshire, where Panesar made his name, in the County Championship. He took an economical one wicket for 72 runs in 34 overs.Panesar was not included in England's squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval starting on Wednesday despite the south London ground's reputation for taking turn, with uncapped Lancashire left-armer Simon Kerrigan called up instead as the second spinner behind off-break bowler Graeme Swann.

"First and foremost, certainly what's happened over the last couple of weeks has been disappointing," Cook said at The Oval on Tuesday.

"I've spoken to him -- he actually rang me -- which shows he knows he's done wrong and let the England shirt down a bit.

"But he recognizes he needs a bit of a change in his life which I think is always the first step," added opening batsman Cook, already guaranteed of a series win against Australia with England 3-0 up and one to play.

"The bottom line is that we need Monty back bowling as well as he can bowl. The way back is wickets and he knows that. We know he has that pedigree in international cricket.

"Luckily, I'm going to get a nice good look at him at Essex," said Cook, who insisted he'd played no part in Panesar's loan move.
"I didn't know. I thought he was going to Northants!" added Cook, whose England commitments will prevent him playing county cricket alongside Panesar this season.

Cook said he was unaware of the extent of Panesar's off-field problems but took heart from the way in which he'd called him to apologize.

"I didn't think they were as bad as that. I don't really know all the details but he has that side of his life that he definitely needs to get right because we know what an off-field life can do to you.

"It wasn't the most pleasant 'phone call for him to make -- to the England captain to apologize.

"But we know the class Monty has as a bowler and what he can do when he gets it right. We've seen that time and again. He just has to go back to basics, work as hard as he can and do what he does best -- which is taking wickets."

In a statement confirming his departure from Sussex, whom he joined in 2010, Panesar said Monday: "I apologize for letting the club, my colleagues and my fans down. I am determined to do whatever it takes to gain selection for England this winter. I want to become the best I can be.

"I have endured a challenging time this year off the field and my frustrations have sometimes got the better of me professionally," Panesar, whose wife has reportedly filed for divorce, added.

Panesar has taken 164 wickets at 33.78 in 48 Tests, the last of those against New Zealand in Auckland in March. 

I have never seen a cricket match: Lee Chong Wei

 MUMBAI: World number one Lee Chong Wei, who interacted with senior India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar after his singles match in the Indian badminton League, said he has never seen a cricket match in his life and wants to witness the game one day.

"I just spoke to him (Tendulkar) socially. This is the first time I met him. I am very happy because he came to watch my match and hopefully one day I can see a cricket (match). I have never seen a cricket match," Lee told reporters last night.

Lee, who joined Mumbai Masters after missing the team's first two away ties, eased his way past his compatriot Daren Liew in the first men's singles. He wrapped up his opening match under 35 minutes as he defeated Liew 21-12 21-16.

The winner of two Olympic silver medals, Lee said he has played against Liew on a lot of occasions and hoped his compatriot would do well in the upcoming Japan open.                                                                                                                                                                    "Daren played well last year. He won super series in France Open. This year he lost in World Championship. I hope he can play well in the coming Japan open," the Malaysian said.

Lee paired up with three-time All England Champion Tine Baun for the mixed doubles match and overcame Delhi's pair of V Diju and Prajakta Sawant 21-18 15-21 11-5.

"I just play (doubles) in the local tournaments. Sometimes just play for fun in the training. This is a combination and internationally this is the first time (I have played) in the league.

"This is the first time I played with Tine Baun. I just reached a few days before. I have just practiced and tried very hard."

Lee's exponents in both the formats helped his side to register a 4-1 victory over the Delhi Smashers.

Kareena Kapoor gets mobbed in Dubai

Bollywood stars have a huge fan following in Dubai and Kapoor`s trip to the city to launch a jewellery store saw hundreds of fans jostling to get a glimpse of the Bollywood diva, reported Gulf News.

The actors` appearance caused traffic snarls and a stampede like situation. While inside the store, the two actors could barely find a space to stand thanks to the army of photographers.

Finally, a policeman came to the rescue and escorted the stars to their cars where they were again mobbed by the crowd waiting outside.

'There is no need to be cheap'

 Raveena Tandon is in no hurry to announce her comeback to Hindi films yet. Instead, she is busy managing her home and kids, doing movies down South and being a philanthropist. CS caught up with her.As an actor, I believe we should be able to contribute for the welfare of the society. Previously I have partnered with UNICEF. My latest project was to house 30 orphan children who were homeless and were staying with me in my bungalow for over one and a half years.

With the help of family and friends who helped me gather funds, we built a home for them in Vasai. I was completely involved in the project from the flooring to the colouring of the walls. Recently, when the kids moved to this place, they made cards which said that the house we built for them is better than the Taj Mahal (smiles).

Anushka ne bana di jodi

Anushka Sharma who made her debut with SRK in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi helped Anurag Kashyap set up a meeting with the actor.

The meeting took place at SRK's London house, not too long ago.

A source told Mirror, "After Anushka signed Bombay Velvet; Anurag developed a great equation with her. Post the initial script reading sessions, they started discussing other projects and that is when Anurag happened to discuss a script which Anushka thought was a perfect fit for SRK."

Anushka told her director that as soon as she gets the opportunity, she will co-ordinate a meeting with Shah Rukh and she soon fulfilled the promise.
"Recently when SRK was at his London home, Anushka dropped by with Anurag in tow. Anurag was finding it difficult to fix a meeting with the actor in Mumbai because of SRK's busy schedule. And usually the actor's script reading sessions run into 6-7 seven days. So at the London house, Anurag and SRK spoke at length about movies and the kind of projects that excite them. Anushka was also present during the interaction. At the end of the discussion the director promised SRK that after Bombay Velvet, he will write his next script for him. The meeting ended on an optimistic note," added the source.

Anushka is not the first leading lady to act as a go-between directors and superstars. When Katrina Kaif organised the first meeting between Kabir Khan and Salman Khan and Ek Tha Tiger was born.

Salman Khan's Special Gift For Mental Co-Star Daisy Shah!

Bollywood's heartthrob Salman Khan remains in news because of his love interests. Though he says he is single, Salman is often linked with his co-stars. The actor, who is known for his generous nature, has apparently paid rs 1.5 lakhs to Daisy Shah for her surgery. According to the latest rumour, Salman Khan has become very fond of her Mental co-stars Daisy Shah. And not only Salman, even Daisy runs to Salman for every small thing. Salman and Daisy are working together for the first time in Mental. Not many people know that Daisy had rejected Salman's Bodyguard in the past .It is said that Salman and Daisy are so close that even unit members of Mental avoid to speak their minds in front of Daisy. Not only this, the two were often spotted taking romantic evening walks in Lavasa while shooting for Mental.

Are Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh on a holiday?

After Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, we thought Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh too have left for a romantic holiday. But seems like the Chennai Express actor has someone else for company. The actor has taken some time off to pamper herself and spend some quality with her family in Europe over the next two weeks.

For the last two years, it has been only work and no play for Deepika Padukone. Starting from Cocktail (2012), she has delivered four consecutive hits. The last three – Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani and Chennai Express – have each crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, with each film performing better than the previous at the box office.

Deepika is quite professional when it comes to work! We heard that the leggy lass has completed all her shooting schedules before leaving for this holiday so that she could enjoy her break.

We hope Dippy has a great time. Oh and don’t forget to get something for us from Europe!

A smile on Sunaina's face adds spark to Hrithik's life

Hrithik Roshan and his sister Sunaina share a special brother-sister bond and the Hindi film star says a simple smile on his sibling's face is all he needs.

"Let me start by saying what is the best thing she does for me. Every time she smiles, it just adds that little spark I always need in my eyes," Hrithik said in an interview.

The actor is currently busy promoting "Krrish 3", his new superhero thriller slated for a Nov 4 release.

Sunaina enjoys the small little things that her brother does for her.

"He just keeps doing these small things everyday, which means a lot to me because small things later on become big things... it could be a hug, a smile on his face, and it could be seeing him happy," she said.

Sunaina was diagnosed with cervical cancer almost five years back, which she fought and overcame.

Sanam Jung with her sisters

Veena Malick Gets Painted by a Finnish artist

Pakistani actress Veena Malik, who was recently seen in Kannada movie Silk Sakkath Hot, is in news again on an interesting topic. Well, the glamorous actress' body has been painted as a canvas for an artistic collaboration between herself and Finland's best-known visual artist Vesa Kivinen, in London. Veena Malik's five artworks have been created by Vesa Kivinen in which a rich palette of colours is painted directly onto Malik's body, say reports. He has reportedly created symbolic landscapes where the resulting forms and textures are a clear departure from both the organic lines and the envisioned sketch. Those paintings are described as the dialogue between three-dimensional physiology and gesture coupled with the aesthetics of two-dimensional paintings that coalesce into a singular object of art. The five unique art pieces explore themes from ancient and religious traditions to our contemporary global melting pot with its ever evolving and emerging cross-cultural associations, add reports. Meanwhile, Veena Malik, who told the publication that she feels glad to work with Vesa Kivinen, is getting rave reviews for her avatars. The actress is also being praised by fan followers on Twitter.