All is well between Salman and Katrina

For those who think Katrina Kaif has severed all relations with Salman Khan and his family, there is news. Recently she arranged a show of her latest hit "Raajneeti" for Salim Khan who is proud of the actress.

Talking about arranging the show for Salman's family after they've apparently split, Katrina said: "I wish all these speculations on my personal life would end. Salman's family is the only family I've known in Mumbai. That can't change.

"Of course, I wanted Salim saab to see 'Raajneeti' for very special reason. He has seen my struggle in Bollywood from the start. He's very proud of me."

"Raajneeti" director Prakash Jha said: "Salim saab was full of praise for 'Raajneeti'. He specially praised the dialogues which, coming from him, was a great compliment. Earlier, Salim saab had said what he and Javed Akhtar saab wrote as a cops story in 'Zanjeer' was nowhere near the authenticity of my cops story in 'Gangaa Jal'. He's a generous man."

Salim Khan's generosity was also evident in the call he made to Katrina praising her mature and restrained performance in "Raajneeti".

After tweeting to the entire world that he would definitely like to see "Raajneeti" and raising Katrina's hopes that he'd finally watch one of her films, Salman stayed away from the special screening of "Raajneeti". Salman has not seen a single film of Katrina.

Rafael Nadal into Wimbledon semi-finals

Spain's world number one Rafael Nadal beat Swedish sixth seed Robin Soderling 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 in the men's singles quarter-finals at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

"I started so slow but Robin was playing very long, very powerful shots so it was very difficult for me," Nadal said.

"I am feeling great. For me, another time in the semi-finals of this tournament is a dream.

"I always try my best and I think I am playing better and better every day. In my opinion there is no one favourite right now in the tournament."

What's brewing KJo, Vidya?

Vidya Balan and Karan Johar have often been meeting up either at work or home

Recently, Vidya was seen at Karan’s office in Khar, which is incidentally diagonally opposite to her new house. She was living in Chembur earlier. A couple of days ago, she even went to Karan’s house at Union Park for dinner and was there for four hours. If all goes well, Vidya may soon find herself in one of Karan Johar’s forthcoming productions.

A friend of Vidya’s says, “Vidya’s fine performances in Paa and Ishqiya, which were very different from each other, has made Karan sit up and take notice. Apparently, they are talking about working together.”

The friend confirmed that Karan had invited Vidya to many of his parties even earlier and that Vidya has always loved Karan’s films.

At Karan’s house the two of them spoke about everything under the sun. Karan confirmed that Vidya came to his house for dinner. He said, “A couple of other friends were there too. Vidya is a tremendously talented actress. My company, Dharma Productions, is very keen on working with her. But there is no film as yet. Right now, there’s only I Hate Luv Storys (which releases this Friday) in my mind.

What’s brewing between Karan Johar and Vidya Balan? The latest is that the two have struck a new friendship after meeting and interacting at a recent function. Vidya was spotted sitting next to Karan there.

I am running around all over the place. Then I’ll be working on Dostana 2, which I am producing. I have become more of a producer now. As for a script, which I was supposed to pen in London for my next directorial venture, I wasn’t able to structure it much. In fact, I ended up having five different ideas.”

Recounting her meeting with Karan, Vidya too was gushing praises for the filmmaker, “Karan Johar is one of the wittiest people I have met. He had me in splits. No wonder, he writes beautifully.”

Roger federer looses to Tomas Berdych says right leg injury reason

Roger Federer said injuries to his back and right leg played a key role in his stunning Wimbledon quarter-final defeat by Tomas Berdych on Wednesday.

Federer's reign as Wimbledon champion was brought to a sensational end on Centre Centre as Czech 12th seed Berdych ensured the world number two would miss the Wimbledon final for the first time since 2002.

After seven years of almost uninterrupted success at the All England Club, Federer was unable to subdue the big-serving Berdych as he suffered his second successive Grand Slam quarter-final defeat.

It is worry trend for the six-time Wimbledon champion, but he puts his recent struggles down to the difficulties of dealing with two injuries at once.

"I am struggling with a little bit of a back and a leg issue," Federer said. "That just doesn't quite allow me to play the way I would like to play. So it's frustrating, to say the least.

"The leg injury came in the finals of Halle. That never really went away and the back's been feeling really badly stiff for the last five or six days.

"When you're hurting, it's just a combination of many things. You just don't feel as comfortable.

"You can't concentrate on each and every point because you do feel the pain sometimes. And then you tend to play differently than the way you want to play.

"Under the circumstances I think I played a decent match. But I've been feeling bad for the last two, three matches now. It's just not good and healthy to play under these kind of conditions.

"So if there's anything good about this it's I'm gonna get some rest, that's for sure."

Federer had won eight of his previous 10 meetings with Berdych, but he found it impossible to get to grips with his opponent's ferocious serve and precise, powerful ground-strokes.

The Swiss star never looked comfortable as Berdych went for broke on every point and he insisted the defeat was more a result of the Czech's excellent display than any failings in his own game.

"I don't think I played poorly but he went after it. I know Berdych. I think I've played him 10 times already before and that's the way he plays," Federer said.

"He's been able to play more consistent for the last year or so, and I was just not able to defend well enough and I didn't come up with the good stuff when I had to. So it was disappointing.

"I had my chances. I don't think I needed to change much. The way I returned, I could have won.

"But I was just not playing well enough. And when he had to, he was able to come up with some good stuff."

By his own high standards 2010 has been a forgettable year for Federer, who has now failed to win any of his eight tournaments since beating Andy Murray in the Australian Open final in January.

But, while Federer concedes he has been below his best in recent months, he has no intention of panicking and expects to return fit and revitalised in time for the American hard court season.

"Obviously people think (going out in the) quarters is shocking, but people would die to play in the quarter-final of a Grand Slam," he said.

"It's not something I'm used to doing, losing in quarter-finals, because it's not something I've done in the last six years.

"Obviously I'm unhappy with the way I'm playing. I'm definitely struggling at the moment.

"But I'm looking forward to a rest, and then attack again in North America."

Larry King to stop his show

I have a style,'' Larry King told me in 1998. "If you don't like that style, I can't do anything about that.''

There were plenty who did not like King's style, but I did. And I'm going to miss this Average Joe with above-average curiosity, this virtuoso of the vernacular. His announcement that he is surrendering his perch at CNN after 25 years means the departure of a genuine TV character, one as idiosyncratic and memorable in his way as, say, John Locke on "Lost'' or Gregory House on "House.''

The difference, of course, was that Larry King was not a scriptwriter's creation, but real. With his suspenders, his oversized glasses, his bulbous noggin, and a gravelly voice with which he questioned guests or greeted call-ins from viewers ("Cedar Falls, hello!), he seemed to belong to another time.

Increasingly, that became a problem, and, at 76, with his ratings plummeting and his show often seeming unfocused, he's right to hang it up now. With its hiring of disgraced-but-feisty former New York governor Eliot Spitzer to cohost a "Crossfire''-style show in the 8 p.m. hour, CNN is clearly trying to play catch up with Fox News and MSNBC by providing a home for partisan combat.

That's not what King was about. A radio guy originally, he brought that medium's appetite for sustained conversation to his work on television. He liked to talk to people and -- get this! -- he actually listened to what they said, unlike so many other cable blowhards in love with the sound of their own voice. In contrast with their bullying demeanor, King brought an old-school, gentlemanly quality even to his interviews of people with whom he disagreed.

He was a quirky original, and in any history that is written of television, Larry King will loom large.

Karan all set to kick start AGNEEPATH

Ever since Karan Johar announced the remake of this Amitabh Bachchan starrer cult modern day classic, audience has waited with bated breath to know more about its progress. Even though Karan hadn't announced any timelines for the shooting of the film and the subsequent release, there has been widespread excitement about AGNEEPATH for close to one year now.

"Well, the current status around AGNEEPATH is that the film's screenplay has been finalized. I am mighty excited about the work that has gone in because it is beyond anything that I have done in the past", says Karan who is currently deep neck involved in the promotional activities of his upcoming release I HATE LUV STORYS.

There have been speculations galore about the AGNEEPATH remake which would be directed by first timer Karan Malhotra. While names like Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan have been thrown around, there is no announcement that has come from Karan Johar.

"I have maintained this earlier and I am stating this again, no one has been finalized yet for AGNEEPATH. When an announcement has to happen, it will be official", is all that Karan is willing to state around the casting.

However, he is happy to talk about the emotional process of making the film. "My father was quite attached to the film and he was truly disheartened when the film didn't work at the box office. It is such an irony that though it didn't connect with the audience then, today it is being hailed as a cult classic", he says with regret written all over his face.

The fact that AGNEEPATH is doing extremely well on home video and satellite circuits is heartening for Karan. However, that is not really enough for Johar junior who wishes to bring the story again in an all new avtar.

"It is my ambition and dream to fulfill my father's dream to ensure that the story reaches out to the widest possible audience through theaters", he says, "Keeping today's sensibilities in mind, we are tweaking it appropriately as well. Karan Malhotra is looking at the film differently and hence we wanted to invest a good amount of time in getting the screenplay perfect."

ANJAANA ANJAANI to bring on 'Khuda Jaane' magic?

Ever since Vishal-Shekhar created 'Khuda Jaane' for BACHNA AE HASEENO, there have been speculations galore if the composer duo would be able to recreate the same magic all over again. Yes, they have delivered good music in subsequent films like DOSTANA and I HATE LUV STORYS as well. However, the magic of 'Khuda Jaane' is something which is waiting to enthrall audience all over again.

The melodious track picturised on Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone was a rage and now that director Siddharth Anand, Ranbir Kapoor and the composer duo Vishal-Shekhar are coming together all over again for ANJAANA ANJAANI, one looks forward to something spectacular.

"Of course the song went on to be truly phenomenal but then at the end of the day, it was meant for BACHNA AE HASEENO", smiles Shekhar, "We never compare our previous soundtracks, even though people keep coming back to us about JHANKAAR BEATS as well. For us ANJAANI ANJAANI is a new album and let's say that it may well bring in something huger than 'Khuda Jaane'."
CHECK OUT: Today, the trend is changing

With Sajid Nadiadwala, producer of ANJAANA ANJAANI, touting the film as his first true blue romantic musical entertainer, there are huge hopes nevertheless from the soundtrack here. No wonder, he can't be expected to have settled for anything lesser.

"The fact is that every composer has asked us how 'Khuda Jaane' was made. This is why, while making music of ANJAANA ANJAANI, we had to put ourselves in a challenging position to surpass our earlier effort", adds Vishal, "Whether we have managed to do that or not is something in the hands of audience and God. All we can say is that the title track of ANJAANA ANJAANI is totally new. The tune goes into many different places and emotions and comes to a very strong core of melody. Hopefully people will like it."

Well, we hope too!

SRK-Gauri get protective in Mannat

Talk to Shah Rukh Khan and if you happen to be a woman, there’s no way you will not end up going weak in the knees. The actor too obliges his female fans by flashing his dimpled smile at them, posing for pictures and signing autographs for them. Just like women shower special attention on Shah Rukh, the actor reciprocates by ensuring women, around him are never ill-treated either.

We recall, during one of the press conferences, Shah Rukh drove the photographers into absolute frenzy (the way it happens every time SRK steps out and attends an event). SRK’s bodyguards tried to control the paparazzi and even in this extreme chaos the actor warned his bodyguards not to hurt any female reporters who were also waiting for his bytes.
The actor is extremely protective of women and hates it when they are put though any form of abuse or discomfort. Shah Rukh and Gauri have thus introduced a norm in Mannat that ensures total comfort for the women workers in the house.
In a tv documentary made on him, the actor himself revealed, “Gauri and I want the female workers of the house to feel at ease when they are working. We thus make sure that on few floors the men workers of the house are not allowed as the women shouldn’t feel conscious when they get up in the morning and start working.”

We were charmed, awed and inspired by SRK all this while but this piece of news has made us realize how great a soul he indeed is other than being a great actor. Hats off to you Shah Rukh.

Salman won't watch Abhi-Ash together?

On Saturday evening after pack-up a part of Salman’s Ready crew in Sri Lanka took off to see Mani Ratnam’s Raavan. Salman was also asked to accompany the excited group of actors and technicians.

Says a source, “Initially Salman did show interest in the film. But then when it was time to accompany the rest of the Ready unit Salman opted out because of the controversial nature of the subject and also the fact that he has earned the wrath of the Tamilians by embracing endorsing and visiting Sri Lanka twice in a month.”

More importantly Raavan is worshipped by certain sections of the Sri Lankan people and the film did raise hackles when released in Sri Lanka. Understandably, Salman was advised against accompanying his friends for Raavan.

Mahesh Manjrekar who’s shooting with Salman in Sri Lanka confirms the fact that Salman did not accompany him and the others who saw Raavan on Saturday. “I went with my friends. But it went very peacefully. I had also heard that the Sri Lankans were offended by the way Raavan was depicted. But there were 500 people in the theatre and they watched in rapt attention.”

Since the movie theatres in Sri Lanka do not allow edibles Manjrekar and his friends had taken their own snacks. “We had a good time. Wish Salman accompanied us.”

Genelia crowned brand ambassador of the year

Actress Genelia D’Souza has been crowned as the Brand Ambassador of the Year by CNBC AWAAZ Consumer Awards. Last year Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan had won the title.

The actress currently endorses nine brands including Cadbury's Perk, Fanta, Spinz, Dabur Vatika, LG Cookie, Virgin, Margo, Garnier and Fasttrack.

"It is an honour that CNBC AWAAZ and the Indian consumers have chosen to bestow upon me and I couldn't be happier. Stalwarts like Shah Rukh and Akshay Kumar have been awarded this prestigious title in the past and I'm only glad that people think I'm worthy of the same," Genelia said in a press statement.

"This award symbolises a bridge between the consumer and the brand and I consider it a huge responsibility. I hope I continue to do even better in the future and I'm sure I will as I have a very strong team with me that helps me build, grow and sustain. My success is as much theirs as it is mine," she added.

The award was announced late Monday evening.

Danny Boyle Featuring Aamir Khan in Bombay Velvet

Danny has chosen Anurag Kashyap as the director of this movie. According to Anurag Shahrukh Khan was never in the picture.

In fact, the makers have always believed that only Aamir Khan had the passion and profundity to perform the character and so there were no double thoughts of thinking for any other name (read Shahrukh Khan).

Anurag Kashyap has sheltered the script and would be visiting Aamir for narration and even if Aamir discarded the script they would go for an actor who’ll suit the script not a name.

However, Anurag is positive that known “the perfectionist” nature of Aamir Khan, he would be excited to take up the assignment which is tailor made for him. Bombay Velvet is being produced by Danny Boyle with Studio 18 and written-directed by Anurag Kashyap.

Earlier it was rumored that Aamir and SRK would be acting together in the movie, but now it has been made clear that there is only Amir Khan in the flick.

The murmurs in the industry are such that Shah Rukh Khan’s dismissal from the movie might be a result of his rejection of Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’.

SRK was approached for Anil Kapoor’s role in the movie at first and since then Danny Boyle and SRK are not on best of terms, and so there was no question of Danny offering this flick to King Khan.

Spain,v Portugal set for high-voltage clash

The saliva is already pooling on the floor in Cape Town as mouths water ahead of the first-ever World Cup match between neighbours Spain and Portugal, who meet on Tuesday in the final round of 16 match.

Much is expected of the game, which will pit the likes of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Deco against Xavi Hernandez and David Villa in Cape Town’s Green Point stadium.

But there is a chance that the free-flowing, high-scoring game the game promises on paper will fail to materialise.

Spain cast off their reputation as big tournament chokers when they won the 2008 European Championships, and came into the World Cup as joint-favourites with Brazil.

Yet their star-studded squad has so far not fulfilled its attacking potential, while Portugal has proven stingy in defence.

Wins over Honduras (2-0) and ten-man Chile (2-1) saw Spain through at the top of Group H despite a shock 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in the opening game.

Striker Fernando Torres has been a pale imitation of his old self, and Spain have had to rely on David Villa, who has scored three of their four goals so far.

Portugal has taken notice.

“We know that Spain had some difficulties in their first games,” Portuguese midfielder Raul Meireles said. “We have to play to win.”

If Torres has struggled to score against less-illustrious opposition, he is likely to find the going tougher against a Portuguese team yet to concede a goal despite being landed in this year’s Group of Death.

Neither Brazil, Ivory Coast nor North Korea could breach the rearguard of Portugal, who finished second in Group G.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, while wary of Ronaldo, feels this defensive strength is the biggest threat to his team’s progression to a quarterfinal tie against either Japan or Paraguay.

“Cristiano is one of their best players, but we mustn’t forget that the Portuguese are the only team that still haven’t conceded a goal at this World Cup,” he said.

“Their game is based around defensive solidity, pace and counter-attacking, as well as having very skilful players.” The flip side of the coin is that Portugal have struggled to score — which may seem an odd statement for a team with seven goals from three games.

But all of their goals came against lowly North Korea. The matches against Ivory Coast and Brazil were turgid 0-0 draws.

Nonetheless, Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz is convinced his team has not yet shown its true menace.

“Portugal’s best is still to come,” he said.

Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso, a key player, is likely to miss the game with an ankle injury sustained in the win over Chile.

The Spaniards have quality options aplenty on the bench with Cesc Fabregas and David Silva desperate for more playing time — although the rumour is that del Bosque will go with the more defensive Javi Martinez to nullify Portugal’s attacking threat.

Playmaker Deco missed Portugal’s matches against North Korea and Brazil, but is expected to return and bring some more creativity to the midfield.

Brzail v chile:Brazil deafts chile by 3-0 goals

Brazil defeat Chile By 3-0 goal and setup clash with European power house Netherlands in Port Elizabeth.Robinho was declared man of the match,he scored a goal and setup a goal for
Fabiano.The other goal was scored by Juan.

RCOM sells tower business to GTL for Rs 50,000cr

The country's second-largest wireless carrier, Reliance Communications (RCOM), on Sunday hived off its tower business to GTL Infrastructure for Rs 50,000 crore ($11 billion) to create the world's largest telecom infrastructure company not controlled by a telecom operator.

The boards of the Anil Ambani-promoted RCOM and its subsidiary, Reliance Infratel (Rel Infratel), and GTL Infrastructure (GTL Infra), a company promoted by Manoj Tirodkar, have approved the transaction. The deal will be implemented through a demerger of Rel Infratel's tower assets into GTL Infra. Along with the substantial unlocking of value, the deal will help RCOM reduce the debt on its books and invest in network upgrades.

RCOM, the flagship company of the Reliance ADA group, has a net debt of Rs 33,000 crore. Selling off the tower assets has ensured that RCOM's net debt gets reduced by Rs 18,000 crore, leaving a debt of Rs 15,000 crore in its kitty.

The deal comes a month after the non-compete agreement between the two Ambani brothers - Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani - was scrapped. The last time RCOM wanted to buy out South Africa's MTN, the elder brother had derailed the deal by invoking the right of first refusal in RCOM.

As part of the GTL deal, over 2 million shareholders of RCOM and the minority shareholders of Rel Infratel are set to receive free listed shares of the merged entity. "The swap ratio is expected to be in the range of 2-3 shares of GTL Infra for every one share of RCOM, and will depend on the quantum of debt that is reduced in Rel Infratel," sources told TOI. A detailed picture would be available within the next three weeks, the sources added.

The RCOM-GTL deal does not include the optic fibre network of over 200,000 km and related assets owned by Rel Infratel, which is to remain under RCOMs ownership.

Though the exact financial details of the deal are not immediately available, it is learnt that the deal is not based on the exact number of towers that RCOM owns but the tenants on those towers. The current and future tenants of RCOM's towers are said to have enabled a deal size of Rs 48 lakh per tower.

With the 50,000 towers owned by RCOM, the deal pitches GTL Infra into the No. 2 slot in India with a combined total 80,000 towers, behind Indus Towers' 1 lakh telecom towers. As against GTL, which is an independent and neutral firm, Indus is a consortium owned by leading telecom companies, including Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Group and Idea Cellular. The owners of Indus have pooled their assets to form the firm. GTL, on the other hand, continues to remain independent and neutral.

Upon closing, the merged entity will have over 80,000 towers and over 1,25,000 tenancies from over 10 telecom operators. The interests of RCOM as the largest tenant of the merged entity have been adequately protected through appropriate contractual arrangements, sources said.

Sources said RCOM decided to ink the deal with GTL because of "the benefits of scale that would be immediately available, as well as enjoying the future benefits when more tenants get added onto the towers".

The fact that GTL is an independent tower company also helped swing the deal in its favour. Globally, Crown Castle and American Tower Corporation are among the few telecom firms that are not controlled by telecom operators. For mobile companies, using independent tower networks is a major thrust area.

"Though infrastructure sharing is the norm with most operators as of now, having a neutral, independent stand favours faster deployment and investment optimisation," an analyst with a brokerage house said.
It may be recalled that in January this year, GTL Infra bought 17,000 towers from Aircel, majority owned by Malaysia's Maxis, in a deal valued at Rs 8,400 crore. The company took on Aircel's debt of Rs 4,500 crore and paid cash for the remaining transaction.

By 2013, GTL plans to erect, engineer and manage 100,000 cell sites, the company told investors after its quarterly results in April this year.

Incidentally, telecom operators which are already tenants via this deal and have been brought on board are RCOM, Aircel, Etisalat DB Telecom, MTS, Uninor Telecom, Videocon Mobile, Tata Teleservices, Vodafone and S Tel.

In addition, the merged entity is to have a firm option on additional 75,000 tenancies from other leading players.

If one takes into account the future demand for telecom infrastructure across the country from 14 players in 2G, and winners in the recent auction for 3G (9 players) and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) (8 players), the merged entity is expected to derive substantially higher tenancy ratios, apart from scale benefits and operational synergies.

Neither of the company officials was available for comment.

Also on the anvil is the RCOM board proposal for the induction of strategic or private equity investors for a 26% shareholding in the company. "Those discussions are continuing," RCOM said in a statement.
Rel Infratel, meanwhile, is also proposing an initial public offering (IPO) and has filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Indian CEOs ready for a bigger slice of the Chinese business pie

Wipro is in the process of establishing a multi-product manufacturing unit in China while Infosys plans to use it as a base for handling a range of informational technology projects in this country. These are among the several Indian companies that see great potential in business collaboration in Chinese industry.

“In the infrastructure engineering area where we are a leader in hydraulic cylinders, we have taken a decision to set up a multi-product manufacturing unit in China during this year,” Wipro chairman Azim Premji has written in “India China ties: 60 years, 60 thoughts”, a volume brought out by the Indian embassy in Beijing to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Sons does not mince words about the challenges that lie ahead when he wrote in the volume, “Going forward, India and China will increasingly be global competitors for resources and markets”. He expressed the hope that the two countries can find ways to become complementary economic powers which “synergize the strengths of each other” in addressing global markets.

This sentiment was echoed by most representatives of Indian industry who contributed to the volume containing thoughts by 60 prominent Indians.

N.R.Narayan Murthy, founder chairman of Infosys Technologies, said, “The high quality of Chinese talent, the sound work ethic, high learnability, and customer orientation, make China an ideal location for our IT projects to be completed”.

“They (India and China) need to look at each other from a fresh prospective,” Gautam Thapar, chairman of Avantha Group and Aspen Institute India said. The relationship must not to be colored with the jaundiced eyes of past failures, he warned.

S.Jaishankar, Indian ambassador in Beijing, said “Yet, ‘near’ history can sometimes obscure deeper bonds and shared heritage developed over centuries”.

Subramaniam Ramadorai, vice chairman of Tata Consultancy Services, said both countries faced a similar set of challenges of sustainability, health and education. Joint research may lead to innovative solutions for addressing them and making the two countries leading centers of technological innovation.

Infosys may top revenue growth in next three fiscals: Report

Information Technology major Infosys's revenue growth is likely to be the strongest among the top three Indian vendors in the coming three financial years, a report said.

Some of Infosys recent deal wins, like Telstra and British Petroleum, give the IT major new larger 'mineable' clients, which are expected help the company in maintaining its sector-leading growth rate, financial service provider IIFL said in a recent report here.

During the economic slowdown, Infosys had registered a faster growth than its peers, Tata Consultancy Services and HCL, despite aggressive ramp-downs from its largest client.

Infosys, it said, has the highest exposure to clients from the US and, hence, is least vulnerable to a sharp depreciation in European currencies.

Moreover, the recovery in IT spending from US clients has been decidedly faster than that from European clients.

"The faster recovery in the US, coupled with Infosys' relatively high exposure to that geography, makes it well-placed to register sector-leading revenue growth," it said.

Over the last four quarters, revenues from the US are up 16.5 per cent as compared to a decline of 13-14 per cent from Europe.

The company's Earnings Per Share (EPS) is also likely to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23 per cent over FY 10-13 against the 18-20 per cent of those of its competitors, the report said.

Wipro bags microsoft country partner award for India

Wipro has been chosen out of an international field of top Microsoft partners as delivering market-leading customer solutions built on Microsoft technology, a company press release said here.

In winning the award, Wipro has been recognised for its superior technology, innovation, and subsidiary engagement, it said.

"Wipro Ltd has demonstrated the highest level of excellence and innovation, by combining local market expertise with superior solutions and services that fulfil our customers' needs," Microsoft Corp's Corporate Vice-President (Worldwide Partner Group), Allison Watson, said.

These awards are be presented in a number of categories and the winners chosen from a pool of almost 3,000 entrants globally.

"We are delighted to get this Award. Wipro has been at the forefront of consulting, architecting and implementing innovative solutions on the Microsoft platform which have a high business impact for our customers," Wipro's VP and Business Head (India, Middle East and Africa), Anand Sankaran, said

The recognition brings into spotlight, the company's commitment to innovation and delivering best-of-breed solutions that address the evolving business needs of customers, he said.

The Microsoft Partner Awards recognise Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the last year.

Nokia C7 Surfaces on Nokia Website

Nokia's current Symbian flagship (also possibly the last N-Series Symbian), the N8 is no doubt a good phone. But then, it might just be too much for a user who is on the lookout for a cheaper phone without compromising much on the features.


That's where Nokia's latest C-Series device, the C7-00, comes into the picture. Now, this phone has not been officially revealed by Nokia yet. However, traces of the phone were found in an XML file located in the hidden depths of the Nokia website. This incidentally comes just a few weeks after images of the C7 were leaked.


The specs of the C7 include a 3.5-inch capacitive touchscreen, Symbian^3 and an 8 megapixel camera with dual LED flash and support for face detection. It is also rumored to support multi-touch gestures. Other features include a 360x640 pixel nHD pixel display and support for 3G UMTS/HSDPA, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth .

There is no detail on the pricing or the expected launch date of this PHONE

Mobile Carriers Sign Up for Samsung's Galaxy Smartphone

In the shadow of the latest blockbuster Apple Inc. iPhone launch, Samsung Electronics Co. has quietly positioned its own marquee smartphone with all of the national carriers in an attempt to regain its position with high-end cellphones.
Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel Corp. and T-Mobile USA said early Monday that they would be carrying a version of Samsung's Galaxy S. AT&T Inc. previously said it would sell a version of the device to its customers later this year. Of all the carriers, only T-Mobile, a unit of Deutsche Telekom AG, would commit to a firm launch date of July 21; the other carriers said only that they would sell the device in the coming months.
While Samsung's total cellphone market share rose steadily over the past few years, the company fell behind in its position with the more profitable—and faster growing—smartphone market. Instead, the South Korean company had hinged its growth on mid-market messaging devices and was slower to adopt newer, flashier smartphone operating systems. The Galaxy S, which packs several high-end features, is Samsung's attempt to regain momentum in the segment.
Samsung is hoping to avoid Nokia Corp.'s dilemma. Despite its leadership position, Nokia has struggled with eroding share in the high-end market because it has stubbornly clung to its aging Symbian platform, and has been slow to roll out a next-generation smartphone operating system, leading to a recent profit warning.
While Samsung is the No. 2 cellphone maker in the world, it is only the fifth-largest player in the smartphone category, surpassed by Nokia, smartphone power players Research in Motion Ltd., which makes the BlackBerry, and Apple, and Taiwanese upstart HTC Corp., according to research firm Gartner.
Samsung, unburdened by its own legacy operating system, has turned to Google Inc.'s Android as well as strong carrier relationships to kickstart its smartphone business. While its initial attempts at an Android phone have yielded middling success, it has higher hopes for the Galaxy S, which features a 1-gigahertz Samsung processor, a brighter Super Amoled touchscreen display and a six-axis sensor for mobile games.
The Galaxy S has a high bar to cross. Apple said Monday it sold 1.7 million iPhone 4s in its first three days, surpassing the start of the iPhone 3GS. Samsung sold 2.6 million smartphones in total in the first quarter, according to Gartner.
Unlike the iPhone 4, which is sold exclusively with AT&T service contracts, the Galaxy S will be available through all of the carriers, and may not get the marketing support normally reserved for exclusive devices.
Samsung plans to hold an event to further promote the device on Tuesday. T-Mobile will be the first U.S. carrier to get the phone, which will be known as the Vibrant and cost $200 with a two-year contract.
Sprint's version, called the Epic, will have the ability to tap into its fourth-generation WiMax network in areas where the service is available. The carrier didn't say when the phone would be available.
AT&T announced its version, called Captivate, earlier this month, but it said only that the phone was scheduled for release in the coming months.
Verizon Wireless, which is jointly owned by Verizon Communications Inc. and Vodafone Group PLC, will sell its version as the Fascinate, and it expects to sell the device by late summer or early fall.

Apple Sells 1.7 Million of Its New iPhones in Three Days

Apple said it sold more than 1.7 million units of the iPhone 4 over the first weekend it was available for purchase.
Steven P. Jobs, chief executive of the company, said that the iPhone 4, which first became available on Thursday, had topped the sales figures of previous iPhone models.
The iPhone 3G, which went on sale in 2008, and the 3GS, which became available in 2009, both sold close to a million in the same period, Appple said.
“This is the most successful product launch in Apple’s history,” Mr. Jobs said in a statement on Monday.
The release of the new phone was not without some hiccups. Despite online glitches that caused processing errors during the presale period, more than 600,000 people placed preorders for the phone, causing both Apple and AT&T to delay the shipment of any new orders placed online.
“We apologize to those customers who were turned away because we did not have enough supply,” Mr. Jobs said.
In addition, many new owners have complained of problems with the new smartphone, including reception issues and odd screen discolorations.
Mr. Jobs did not mention the reception difficulties on Monday, although he did acknowledge the issue in an e-mail to a frustrated iPhone 4 owner who noticed that his cellular signal was sharply degraded when he held the phone. Although Mr. Jobs advised iPhone 4 owners to avoid gripping the metal antennas in the frame of the phone in a certain way, another solution may be en route.
The blog AppleInsider, citing Apple’s tech support forums, reported on Friday that the company was planning to release a software update to fix the signal problems.
Investors seem happy with the iPhone 4’s performance. Apple’s stock was up $1.56, or 0.6 percent, at $268.26 in afternoon trading on Monday

Samsung launches its N230 netbook

KOREAN CONGLOMERATE Samsung has announced that its N230 netbook is available worldwide.

Although slightly smarter looking then previous netbooks in the range, the N230 has design specs that are similar to those of Samsung's N210 and N220 netbooks.

It is powered by an Intel 1.66GHz N450 or 1.83GHz N470 Atom processor, and has 1GB of RAM, a 160GB HDD and a 10.1-inch 1024x600 display. It has a glossy, matte patterned black surface, weighs less than 1kg and is 23.2mm thick.

Samsung is making a song and dance about the N230's battery life. As standard it will offer seven hours of battery life, but if you're on a plane or simply can't be bothered to charge the machine then this can be extended to 13.8 hours with a 66Wh battery,

This type of netbook is aimed at entry-level PC users looking for something that they can take with them on the go. This means that it is covered with now standard connectivity technology, such as Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11bgn wireless LAN and a 3G wireless modem as a factory option.

If you've got other Samsung devices it might be a little more worthwhile to look at, as it carries sharing technology, which among other things allows you to stream HD content from your notebook to your TV

Katy Perry goes topless

Pop sensation Katy Perry has gone topless for the cover of the latest issue of American magazine Esquire.

On the cover of the magazine’s August edition, Katy Perry is seen posing in high waist, old fashion undies and black stripper heels while covering her breasts with her hand and forearms.

The cover story of the magazine has the 25-year-old singer talking about her engagement to British funnyman Russell Brand.

Perry recently sparked speculation that she and her fiancé have secretly tied the knot.

The singer shocked audiences on the Graham Norton Show as she said, “Life's never dull with him - that's why I married him (Brand)!”.


However, Perry corrected herself by saying, “That's why I'm marrying him.”

Pop sensation Katy Perry has gone topless for the cover of the latest issue of American magazine Esquire.

On the cover of the magazine’s August edition, Katy Perry is seen posing in high waist, old fashion undies and black stripper heels while covering her breasts with her hand and forearms.

The cover story of the magazine has the 25-year-old singer talking about her engagement to British funnyman Russell Brand.

Perry recently sparked speculation that she and her fiancé have secretly tied the knot.

The singer shocked audiences on the Graham Norton Show as she said, “Life's never dull with him - that's why I married him (Brand)!”.


However, Perry corrected herself by saying, “That's why I'm marrying him.”

Sonam Kapoor turns down film with Deepika Padukone?

The man responsible for cold vibes between them has moved on with his life, but it seems the two ladies haven’t. Yes, Sonam Kapoor and Deepika Padukone still seem to harbour some kind of grouse against each other.

It’s no secret that during the days of Saawariya, Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam were believed to be an item. Later, when Ranbir moved onto Deepika, Sonam obviously felt jilted. That caused a rift between the two actresses. The funny thing is that now when Ranbir has even broken up with Deepika, the two ladies still haven’t made up.

The buzz in tinsel town is that Sonam was recently approached to act in Rohit Dhawan’s first directorial film Desi Boys, starring Akshay Kumar, John Abraham and Deepika. But Sonam turned down the offer, despite the fact that she was to pair with Akki.

While the usual ‘lack of dates’ is the reason that’s being cited for Sonam’s refusal, grapevine suggests that the actress did not want to work in the same film that stars Deepika.

We say, make peace, ladies!

Abhi-Ash fights everyday

The power-couple of industry, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are known for being lovey-dovey in public. However, the truth seems to be far different from this.

Recently, during the Vogue India’s July issue, Abhi-Ash cleared the misconception and revealed about the fights that takes place between them. And when asked, how often they fight, the actor says, “Oh, every day.”

However, Aishwarya was quick to correct hubby Abhishek and said, “Not everyday baby. We didn’t fight yesterday. Or the day before. They’re more like disagreements, not fights. They’re not serious, they’re healthy. It’d be really boring otherwise,” says the actress.

Interestingly, when they do have any disagreements, it’s Abhishek who always makes up. “Women don’t make up! In three years, she’s made up like, four times. But we have a rule — we don’t sleep on a fight. And in defence of all men, I want to say, half the time why we give in and say sorry is because we’re just so sleepy and want to go to bed!”

is sherlyn chopra a virgin???

Sherlyn chopra is known to be outspoken about many things: her anatomical assets, her nudity, her secret passions and fantasies. But recently when someone on Twitter asked her if she is a virgin, the bombshell ducked the question quite cleverly.

“Someone asked if I'm a virgin. The answer is - My soul is a virgin,” Sherlyn tweeted.

Yeah! Smart answer, Sherlyn!

Meanwhile, the hottie no longer faces the ban against posting her pics on twitter. The ban was put in place after a complaint by an NGO over her nude pics on her Twitter account. With the ban lifted, Sherlyn has again started posting her hot pics for what she calls her “desperate tweethearts”.

The new pics, however, have Sherlyn posing in clothes.

European GP damages F1 credibility - Ferrari President

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has warned events at Sunday's European Grand Prix have set a precedent that could damage Formula 1's credibility.

Ferrari maintain McLaren's Lewis Hamilton effectively escaped punishment after overtaking the safety car.

Hamilton was handed a drive-through penalty, but was able to retain second position in the race.

Di Montezemolo said: "That is a very serious and unacceptable event that creates dangerous precedents."

Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso, who was running close behind Hamilton when the safety car came out following Red Bull driver Mark Webber's spectacular collision with the Lotus of Heikki Kovalainen, did not overtake the safety car, and went on to finish ninth.

But the timing and nature of the penalty on Hamilton enabled the British driver to build up a big enough cushion to complete the drive-through without losing a place. In finishing second, he maintained his position at the top of the drivers' championship. Alonso is fifth in the standings.

ANDREW BENSON BLOG
Alonso spent much of his afternoon in the lower reaches of the top 10, fuming about the way his hopes of a victory in his second home grand prix were dashed by the events that followed the crash involving his Australian friend Webber

In a statement on the Ferrari website, di Montezemolo said: "The result of yesterday's race was misrepresentative. Ferrari, which showed itself to be competitive in the European Grand Prix, paid a price that was too high for respecting the rules.

"Meanwhile, those who didn't follow the rules were penalised by the race officials in a way that was less severe than the damage suffered by those who did respect them. That is a very serious and unacceptable event that creates dangerous precedents, throwing a shadow over the credibility of Formula One.

"We are sure that the FIA will fully analyse what happened, taking the consequent necessary decisions. Ferrari will watch this with interest

McLaren count on upgrades for British GP success

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh believes a good performance at the British Grand Prix is vital if his team are to maintain their lead in the title race.

McLaren are expecting an improvement in their form as they are set to introduce a major update package at Silverstone, which will include the exhaust-blown diffuser.

The pace-setting Red Bulls have had the exhaust-blown diffuser installed since the start of the season and Whitmarsh believes that the McLaren cars must match their speed in Silverstone if they are to compete for the world championships.

"It is an important race for us," Whitmarsh said, "At a circuit like that we have to be competitive with Red Bull if we are going to be able to beat them this year. If we can be competitive there, we have a good chance to win both championships.

"It will be a big race, but it is not the end of it whatever happens. If we beat them they will not stand still. If they beat us we are not going to stand still. I hope it will be close and certainly closer than last year."

Whitmarsh conceded that he arrived in Valencia feeling apprehensive as rival-teams Ferrari, Mercedes, and Renault had all brought along significant update packages which included the exhaust-blown diffuser.

In Sunday's race German Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull took the win ahead of championship leader Lewis Hamilton, with Jenson Button in the second McLaren in third.

But he admitted he did not feel threatened by rival teams' improvements and believes that his team have a great chance of securing both titles.

"To come out of here leading both world championships, we've seen what the others have got, and to have a decent upgrade, we must believe we are in the position to have a strong second half to the season and a world championship campaign."

Schumacher demands rule clarification

Michael Schumacher has demanded clarification of the safety car rules on Sunday after being held in the pits during the European Grand Prix.

The 41-year-old Mercedes driver dropped from third to 19th because he was forced to stop at the end of the pitlane after pitting during the safety car period.

The German was only able to work his way up to 16th place by the end of the race, the seven-time champion's worst ever finish in Formula One.

Schumacher has demanded an explanation as the hold-up ruined his race.

"What a race!" exclaimed Schumacher. "We would like to have clarification about the safety car situation as the red light on the exit from my first pitstop destroyed a race which otherwise would have offered us very good possibilities.

"Our point of view is that as the safety car had passed the pits without having the cars lined up behind it, there should not have been a red light. There was a green light for a moment and then suddenly it went red again. We believe that this was not correct.

"Our strategy was right in that context as we took the opportunity which could have given us a finish even close to the podium."

Mercedes boss Ross Brawn has also demanded an explanation a.

"The regulations are clear that the exit light should not go red until the line of cars has formed behind the safety car, and we would like the FIA to look into this." Said Brawn.

"There was no line formed and over 18 seconds between Hamilton and (Kamui) Kobayashi when Michael came in. It was a good effort from Michael to try and recover from there but ultimately a very frustrating afternoon."

Portugal need to learn from mistakes: coach Queiroz

Portugal should learn from their 0-0 draw against Brazil in the group stages as they prepare to take on reigning European champions Spain in the World Cup football Round of 16, team boss Carlos Queiroz said Monday.

'It could be said we had a training game, in the sense that Brazil played the same style of football that Spain might play against us,' the Portuguese coach said in Cape Town's Green Point stadium.

While Portugal thumped North Korea 7-0, they failed to score in their other two group matches - the game against Brazil being one of the drabbest of the tournament so far. At the same time, they have not conceded a single goal.

Spain's star-studded squad has so far not fulfilled its attacking potential either, losing their opening game to Switzerland, then posting unconvincing wins over Honduras and Chile to top Group H.

Nonetheless, Queiroz expects an even but entertaining match between the Iberian rivals, who are meeting for the first time in the World Cup.

'I believe it will be a quick game of football, with imagination, creativity, speed and great moves,' he said of Tuesday's game.

Playmaker Deco, who was ruled out of the North Korea and Brazil games with a hip injury, should take his place back in the side, Queiroz said.

Concerns over the form of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, whose goal against North Korea was his first since early 2009, are also unwarranted, the feisty Portuguese coach said.

The winners of the showdown in Green Point will take on either Japan or Paraguay, who meet earlier on Tuesday, in the quarter-finals

Kaka, Robinho back as Brazil take on Chile

Brazil coach Dunga recalled Kaka for Monday's last 16 World Cup clash against Chile at Ellis Park after the Real Madrid star had served a one-match suspension for his red card against the Ivory Coast.

Benfica's Ramires takes over on the left wing while forward Robinho comes back into the side to link up with Sevilla's Luis Fabiano.

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa has made four changes with both defender Walter Ponce and midfielder Marco Estrada missing through suspension.

Defender Ismael Fuentes comes in at left-back, while centre-back Pablo Contreras joins West Bromwich Albion's Gonzalo Jara in the heart of the defence.

Carlos Carmona fills the holding role in midfield and Humberto Suazo of Spain's Real Zaragoza will start as the lone striker in the only changes from the side beaten 2-1 by Spain in their last group stage match.

Teams

Brazil: Julio Cesar - Maicon, Lucio (capt), Juan, Michel Bastos - Dani Alves, Gilberto Silva, Kaka, Ramires - Robinho, Luis Fabiano

Coach: Dunga (BRA)

Chile: Claudio Bravo (capt) - Ismael Fuentes, Gonzalo Jara, Pablo Contreras, Mauricio Isla - Jean Beausejour, Carlos Carmona, Arturo Vidal, - Mark Gonzalez, Humberto Suazo, Alexis Sanchez

Coach: Marcelo Bielsa (ARG)

Referee: Howard Webb (ENG)

Netherlands beats Slovakia 2-1 at World Cup

Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder scored in each half on Monday to give the Netherlands a 2-1 win over Slovakia and a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals. The Dutch went ahead in the 18th minute when Robben cut inside from the right flank and found the target with a low, precise shot from 20 meters (yards). Sneijder doubled the lead into an empty net in the 84th.

Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg preserved the win with two key saves in the 67th, and the Dutch extended their team-record unbeaten streak to 23 games.

Robert Vittek pulled one back for Slovakia from the penalty spot in injury time.

In the quarterfinals, the Netherlands will face either five-time champion Brazil or Chile.

Akki wants Action Replayy to release on Diwali

After "Blue" last year, one would think Akshay Kumar would stay away from Diwali releases.

In fact that is what Vipul Shah had presumed and was in fact planning an Eid or a post-Diwali release for his directorial venture "Action Replayy", but a call from the star changed his plans.

Akshay, who is playing the male lead and also co-producing "Action Replayy", called Shah from London and asked him to opt for a Diwali release despite the fact that a big franchise film "Golmaal 3" was already scheduled for the same time.

"You'd be surprised to know that in spite of 'Blue' last Diwali, Akshay wants us to go ahead with 'Action Replayy' this Diwali. Let's not forget, Akshay's 'Garam Masala' had also released for Diwali and it was a big hit," said Shah.

Apparently Akshay wants a Diwali release because he feels a fun, frothy, and goofy film like "Action Replayy" has great festive value, and bad omen be damned.

"We're hoping for both 'Golmaal 3' and 'Action Replayy' to do well. If only one film can succeed, may the best one win. And may we be the best," said Shah.

Shah is also planning a collaboration with Tamil director Gautham Menon who directed the original Tamil version of Suriya-starrer "Kaakha Kaakha" that he is now remaking in Hindi with John Abraham in the lead. Nishikant Kamat will direct it.

Throughout the re-scripting of the original Tamil into Hindi, Shah kept Menon in the loop about the changes.

"We've made drastic changes in the script from the original. 'Kaakha Kaakha' is a seven-year-old film. The cop played by John will be completely different from Suriya in the original. The police force and the law and order situation have changed.

"We've altered the screenplay completely. While buying the remake rights, we had stipulated that the changes would be made. So legally or ethically we did not need to keep Gautham in the loop."

However, Shah felt it was only decent to inform the original about the changes. During these telephonic conversations between Shah and Menon, the former realised the Tamil director could bring a refreshing new idiom to commercial Hindi cinema.

"I'm definitely going to work with Gautham," said Shah.

Akshay shot a song at Ram Mandir

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar and southern actress Trisha Krishnan recently shot a song at the famous Shri Ram Mandir in Phaltan, Satara district, Maharashtra for Priyadarshan's next project "Khatta Meetha".

Titled "Sajde Kiye", it is a romantic track. The cast and crew abided by all the rules of the temple, said a source from the sets. No footwear was allowed and the clothes worn for the song were decent. While Trisha was seen in a maroon-coloured, simple lehenga-choli, Akshay too wore an Indian ensemble.

The source also says Akshay had a lot of fun shooting for "Khataa Meetha" and that he even played a prank on co-star Rajpal Yadav.

"An assistant on the sets had a cool phone which had a unique feature of changing a male voice to a female one. Akshay being the prankster that he is, took this phone and started bombarding Rajpal Yadav with calls.

"He claimed to be a girl from Dubai and kept proposing to the actor. Inspite of poor Rajpal hanging up, Akshay kept at it for a good two-three hours before finally owning up to the prank," said the source.

Big B: I'll hit you so hard....

Amitabh Bachchan gave a funny dialogue of a South Indian film, "I will hit you so hard even Google will not be able to find you", out on a social networking site.

It became an instant hit amongst the net community, getting repeated, used as status messages and updates across the net. Of course, no one bothered to give credit to the person who set it all in motion. The funniest part is that five days after he started the joke, it is coming back to him and people are sending it to him as a brand new original joke, asking him for updates about it, not knowing that he himself started it. We speak about IPR rights in a country where even AB’s work is passed off by the general public as their own!

David Cameron and Barack Obama swap their beers at G20

David Cameron and Barack Obama cemented their special relationship at the G20 summit - by hitting the bottle.

The Prime Minister and the US President swapped beers on Saturday ahead of the talks in Toronto.

It was a jokey reference to a bet they'd made on the result of the England vs USA World Cup match two weeks ago.

That game ended in a draw, so they both paid up. Mr Cameron handed over 12 bottles of Hobgoblin, made in his Witney constituency, while Mr Obama gave him 24 bottles of Goose Island 312 from his home city of Chicago.

Afterwards Mr Obama said: "We already, I think, have established a strong working relationship and we are confident that the special relationship is only going to get stronger."

But he could not avoid a mention of the USA team's shock defeat of England in the 1950 World Cup.

Their camaraderie could not hide the differences between Britain and the USA over the economy.

A final communique from the G20 was carefully worded to paper over the divisions on how to tackle the global crisis. Mr Cameron has urged other countries to slash spending and raise taxes to reduce the deficit. But the Americans have argued that nations risk a double dip recession if they pull the plug on spending too quickly

Us Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said emergency assistance for the global economy, agreed at past summits, must not be withdrawn too soon. He said: "The scars of this crisis are still with us."

As the debate hotted up inside the venue in the Canadian city, trouble flared outside.

Angry demonstrators wearing black balaclavas broke away from a crowd of peaceful protesters, setting fire to police vehicles and smashing windows with baseball bats and hammers.

Police used shields, clubs, tear gas and pepper spray to push back the rioters, some of whom hurled bottles at them. There were more than 400 arrests.

Toronto police chief Bill Blair said: "We have never seen that level of wanton criminality and vandalism and destruction on our streets."

CASH IN

The G20 nations agreed to force banks to set aside money to prevent a "Lehman-style" meltdown and the need for a taxpayers' bail-out.

Deepika Padukone conquers vertigo to head for the Everest

Ranbir Kapoor’s ex flame cum sexy-legged lass Deepika Padukone showed great guts and tremendous commitment as she overcame her fears for her film assignment.

The model turned actress, who debuted opposite Shahrukh Khan in ‘Om Shanti Om’, had to clamour some wooden platforms placed at some decent height. And even though she is extremely tall and looks down on her co-stars from great heights, she does have her apprehensions and doesn’t quite like the height factor.

But, despite her vertigo, Deepika stayed unruffled and didn’t even allow others to get an inkling of her fear factor. All this transpired during a photo shoot with renowned photographer Avinash Gowariker.

Though, she kept her fears to herself, she was ecstatic on pulling off the shoot. And she did confess to feeling petrified after the shoot wrapped up. In fact, Avinash was a tad baffled when he came to know of her dreaded experience.

The effortlessness, ease and aplomb with which Deepika did her shoots never permitted any betrayal. She masked her trepidations so well that he was dumb-struck when she came up with her guilty admission.

Nevertheless, despite her altitude-unease, she is climbing the ladders of success fast and furious and with newer heights beckoning her, she is also touted to reach the Everest of Bollywood (after Aishwarya Rai hangs her boots).

Matt Damon inspires Saif's look in 'Agent Vinod'

Saif Ali Khan has lost oodles of weight, changed his hairstyle and redesigned his entire body language to play a lean spy in his second home production "Agent Vinod". His new look is said to be inspired by Hollywood star Matt Damon.

"If Shahid Kapoor in his dad's film 'Mausam' has modelled his look on Tom Cruise in 'Top Gun', Saif's role model for Agent Vinod is Matt Damon in 'Bourne Identity'," said actor's close friend.

The actor avoided cameras and paparazzi pictures until his departure to Morocco this week because he didn't want to reveal his new look. But when Aamir Khan invited him to his party last weekend, it blew the whistle on Saif's carefully-concealed look.

On the eve of his departure to Morocco for the shooting of "Agent Vinod", Saif completely revamped his look and went into hiding until he left the country.

A special hair styling done by Aalim Hakim clipping off the long tresses that Saif was lately seen sporting had been planned for six months. Saif wanted to delay the haircut until the final moment before his departure from Morocco.

While the actor remained inaccessible for any questions on his makeover for "Agent Vinod", his ladylove Kareena Kapoor proudly spilt the beans.

"Saif has never looked cooler. He has lost nine kilos in three months. He's all toned and rippling muscles," Kareena told IANS.

"He was with long hair for so long that I had forgotten how dashing he looks in cropped hair. Saif has got his hair cropped really short, that's all I can tell you about his 'Agent Vinod' look. He got it done a couple of days back. Since then he was reluctant to step out of his house," she added.

So frightened was Saif of revealing his new look that he refused to show it even to his own parents. Only Kareena had the privilege of seeing it until Aamir's party.

"And that too only because I'll see how he looks anyway because I'm his co-star," laughs Kareena, adding that her look in "Agent Vinod" would also be unique.

"Aki Nirula is doing my look for 'Agent Vinod'. I don't think I've ever looked the way I would in 'Agent Vinod'. As for Saif, he looks like a Hollywood star for the film. I can't take my eyes off him," she said.

Why is Salman promoting Imran Khan?

Salman Khan is known to encourage new and fresh talents entering tinsel ville. And these days, he is all praises about the young heartthrob Imran Khan. Salman recently expressed that he’s loving the promos of Imran’s ‘I Hate Luv Storys’.

Salman said, “I want to see ‘I Hate Luv Storys’. Imran is a dude. I saw the promos and loved them.”

Salman, who fondly addresses Imran as Shona also said, “I wish Imran all the best, I think this one is a big one. I am very happy for you Shona.”

When we asked Imran why Salman is promoting him, the actor was clueless. He said, “Even I don’t know why he is promoting me. But I am happy. Salman is a very nice person and he treats me like family. It’s very sweet of him to say such good things about me.”

Imran may not know the reason behind Salman’s sweetness towards him, but the gossip mongers have a story! Buzz is that Salman’s promoting the young actor so that Imran achieves the same popularity as Ranbir Kapoor. Both Imran and Ranbir started off their filmi careers together but Ranbir surged ahead with hit after hit while Imran’s films struggled at the box office.

Now if you ask how all this affects Salman Khan, the rumour mills point towards an interesting facet. The many speculations about the growing closeness between Imran’s arch-rival Ranbir Kapoor and Salman’s girlfriend (or should be say ex) Katrina Kaif, might just be the fuel that’s ignited this fire

Saif on British director’s wish list

There’s something quite English about the Junior Nawab of Pataudi Saif Ali Khan. Not only did he study at Oxford, he has always had a weakness for everything British. Now, it seems, the British are reciprocating. Jon Harris director of the film The Descent 2 and renowned editor of half a dozen films like The Pond, Eden Lake, Stardust, Snatch, Kick-Ass and soon to be release X-Men: First Class has a unique relationship with Bollywood.

Jon Harris had edited the critically acclaimed film Being Cyrus directed by Homi Adajania with Saif. Recently, while giving interviews for the promotion of the film The Descent 2 he was asked a question about one actor with whom he would like to work with and why. To this Jon Harris quickly replied “Saif Ali Khan. I haven’t met him but I loved his role in a film for which I was an editor. The film is called Being Cyrus and my friend Homi told me that it was a critically-acclaimed movie in India. I am looking forward to work with the actor if I get an opportunity.”

When asked about Saif, Jon says, “Saif has this unique feature he can look young, at the same time mature. I would have loved to cast him in this horror film, but apparently the story had no male actors in a prominent role and it was a sequel so there has to be a continuation. I look at him as the Wolverine ie., Hugh Jackman of India and am really looking forward to direct him as soon as I get a green signal for my next projects as director.”

Ash over Bebo for Bhansali

That Sanjay Leela Bhansali shares a very special bond with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is well known. The two have been close since Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam . Once Aishwarya had famously said, “He doesn’t have to tell me what to do. I just KNOW what he wants. We just have to look at each other and the shots are in place.”

Though Bhansali was most satisfied with Rani Mukherjee’s performance in Black, deep inside he was angry about the loud spat he had had with Aishwarya when she publicly declared that she was parting ways, both personally and professionally, with Salman. Black thus came to Rani.

In the meanwhile, Salman moved away from Bhansali as well. “Sanjay now wants to be totally and ruthlessly professional about the casting of his films. He therefore sent a message to Kareena, an actress he has been interested to work with, that he had a role for her,” says a source.

But before Kareena could rejoice about finally working with Bhansali, Raavan flopped. Bhansali felt so bad for his friend Aishwarya, who was banking on both Raavan and then Guzaarish to take her to new heights, that he decided that his next feature will be with Ash.

He realised he couldn’t have chosen a worse time to decide to work with another actress. Says a source, “Sanjay felt that by bringing Kareena in his film at a time when Aishwarya had suffered such a debacle, he would be betraying her.” Bebo can wait

US supports Russia's WTO entry

US President Barack Obama has extended his full support to Russia's entry into the World Trade Organisation, saying that it would deepen Moscow's integration into the global economy.

"I believe that Russia belongs in the WTO. That's good for Russia. It's good for America. And it is good for the world economy," Obama said at the US-Russia Business Summit held at the US Chamber of Commerce here.

"To deepen Russia's integration into the global economy, I reaffirmed our strong commitment to Russia's ascension to the World Trade Organisation," Obama said at a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev.

Announcing that Moscow would now allow the US to begin exporting its poultry products to Russia once again, Obama said: "I want to thank President Medvedev and his team for resolving this issue, which is of such importance to American business and which sends an important signal about Russia's seriousness about achieving membership in the WTO."

"Therefore, I told President Medvedev that our teams should accelerate their efforts to work together to complete this process in the very near future. Russia belongs in the WTO. That's good for Russia, it's good for America, and it's good for the world economy," he said.

Responding to a question, Obama said: "We think it is not only in the interests of the Russian Federation, but in the interest of the United States and in the interest of the world that Russia joins the WTO. So this is something that we want to get resolved."

When asked about the time frame, he said: "Let me give you a sense of perspective from our US trade representative, Ron Kirk, who has been in close contact and negotiations with his counterparts on the Russian side. The way he described it is that 90 per cent, 95 per cent of the issues have now been resolved."

"Now, in our joint statement, what we are going to essentially instruct our negotiators is that they try to come to terms with the technical issues that remain by the fall.

We are going to keep putting pressure on negotiators in the same way that we did during the START treaty, so that there's a sense of urgency on the part of our team," he said.

"A lot of the technical issues, the resolution of those technical issues, though, may be in the hands of the Russian government.

We've already made progress on some issues like encryption, for example. There may be certain international standards that require modifications in Russian law," Obama said.

"So as much as possible, what I've told my team is, we are going to do everything we can to get this done as quickly as possible, and we will be very specific and very clear about the technical issues that Russia still faces, and Russia then will act in accordance with its needs and requirements internally to meet the demands of the WTO in order to get this done."

"But I'm confident that we can get this completed. And I am confident that President Medvedev and his vision for an innovative, modernised, energised economy are entirely consistent with Russia's joining the WTO," Obama said.

India beat Sri Lanka to win Asia Cup after 15 years

India's pace battery led by Ashish Nehra demolished Sri Lanka to help their team win the Asia Cup with a comfortable 81-run win on Thursday.
Dinesh Karthik top-scored with 66 as India made 268-6 after electing to bat in the day-night final, before the defending champions and hosts were shot out for 187.

India, who last won the region's premier one-day prize in 1994, denied Sri Lanka a hat-trick of titles following their victories in 2004 and 2008.

Nehra claimed four wickets, including two in one over, as Sri Lanka were reduced to 51-5 by the 16th over before being bundled out in the 45th over.

India never looked back after hard-hitting opener Tillakaratne Dilshan was dismissed off the fifth delivery, holing out to mid-on off seamer Praveen Kumar.

Kumar, who made use of windy conditions to swing the ball, bowled an unchanged opening spell of nine overs in which he conceded just 29 runs.

Fellow seamer Zaheer Khan bowled Upul Tharanga, before Nehra wrecked havoc by having Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews caught behind in the 14th over.

Nehra also removed Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara for 17, but Thilina Kandamby (31) and Chamara Kapugedera (55 not out) delayed the end.

Nehra's 4-40 was supported by Zaheer's 2-36 and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja's 2-29.

Karthik, who replaced the injured Virender Sehwag, hit nine boundaries to lead India's batting at the Rangiri stadium in Dambulla.

Karthik put on 62 for the second wicket with Virat Kohli (28) and 46 for the third with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (38).

Rohit Sharma propped up with the middle-order with a fluent 41, before Jadeja boosted the score with an unbeaten 25.

Kandamby, who had failed to take a wicket with his leg-spin in 32 previous one-dayers, stunned India's top order with the dismissals of Karthik and Dhoni.

Ali Zafar-Tere Bin laden suffered short term memory loss

Ali Zafar, the Tere Bin Laden actor shocked everyone on the sets recently. The Pakistani singer turned actor suffered from a temporary memory loss following a minor accident causing everyone to panic. But the most shocked person was definitely the actor Ali Zafar, himself. Ali was supposed to ride a bike in one of the scenes. While riding the bike, the brakes failed and he fell somersaulting on the ground. This minor accident resulted in a state of temporary amnesia.

According to a production member, “Ali suffered some minor scratches and bruises after the fall. He could not remember what happened to him and how he got there. He even started asking strange questions. Ali was rushed to the hospital by the production team.” The member added, “The actor kept asking how he came to India and what is he doing here? Ali was given a day off on the advice of the doctor.”

Well, the best thing is that Ali has now got his memory back and we can enjoy the laugh riot Tere Bin Laden! Produced by the Walkwater Media and IBC Motion Pictures, Tere Bin Laden is a tongue-in-cheek comedy. Abhishek Sharma has written and directed the movie, in which Ali plays the role of an ambitious young news reporter from Pakistan. One who is desperate to go to the US to fulfill his dreams.

Tere Bin Laden is a ‘jihad satire’, which is set to release worldwide on 16th July, 2010.

Salman Khan turns film critic

Apart from tweeting incessantly about his home production Dabbang directed by Abhinav Kashyap, over the last couple of months, Salman Khan has also turned into a movie critic.

On Monday night, after watching a special screening of Pooja Shetty-Deora’s Tere Bin Laden, Khan put up a picture of Deora, Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar and himself and tweeted, “Ali Zafar, me and Pooja Shetty, after Tere Bin Laden screening. I loved it! Must watch on July 16.”

Khan also put up a picture of Zafar and tweeted, “That's Ali Zafar guys! Watch him on July 16th. Super film!” Not too long ago, Khan had some sweet things to say about the Imran Khan-Sonam Kapoor’s soon-to-release movie I Hate Luv Storys: “Want to see IHLS, Imraan is shona dude. Seeing promos and loving it, all the best dude, think this is a big one. Happy for youshona!”

The Wanted star only gushes about actors and movies of those close to him. Since Hrithik Roshan is a friend, Khan recently wanted to know the fate of Kites. He had tweeted, “Who saw Kites? Is the movie good? Hope it is.”

A month ago, while sharing his opinion on movie criticism, Khan had said, “Sab (reviews) bakwaas hai (everything is nonsense)”. He quoted the example of his former protégé Himesh Reshammiya’s movie, Karzzzz, that received 5-star ratings but was an evening’s entertainment that he wouldn’t recommend. It’s a well-known fact that the singer-composer-actor and Khan had fallen out sometime ago.

For the benefit of the aam janta (common man), Khan informs that his brother Sohail and nephew Nirvaan saw the Jackie Chan-Jaden Smith starrer, The Karate Kid, and says they both loved the movie.

Can Zarine Khan use Salman Khan successfully like Katrina Kaif?

Can Zarine Khan use Salman Khan successfully like Katrina Kaif?

It looks like Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan’s relationship has come to an end. There is a new girl in Salman Khan’s life and she is none other than Zarine Khan, Salman Khan’s co-star in Veer.

Salman Khan and Zarine Khan were spotted recently in a party thrown by Aamir Khan.

The party was thrown in owner of Gustava Sanataolalla, an Oscar winning music composer, who is composing the music of Aamir Khan’s wife, Krian Rao’s directorial debut Dhobi Ghat. Aamir Khan will play the male lead in the movie.

The party took place on June 19, 2010. Salman Khan and Zarine Khan walked at 12:28 a.m. A reliable source said, “Heads turned when Zarine and Salman walked in together. And soon enough, there were hushed whispers doing the rounds at the party. Zarine was lugging on to Salman's sleeve throughout the party. Though he spent most of his time talking to Aamir, he didn’t mind her presence at all.”

When Salman Khan and Aamir Khan posed for a photoshoot, she quietly moved aside.

Well, this is not the first time, Salman Khan had such relationship. Only few years ago, another Zarine Khan look alike (you know who) had similar relationship with Salman Khan.

Zarine Khan is now all praise about Salman Khan. She addresses Salman Khan as her mentor. It was Salman Khan who first gave her big break in his movie, Veer. Since then, Salman Khan has been promoting Zarine Khan to many movie makers.

Thanks to Salman Khan, Zarine Khan got to open the recent IIFA Awards 2010 show that took place in Sri Lanka. The budding actress recently adorned the cover of Exhibit magazine.

Now, the million dollar question is- Can Zarine Khan successfully use Salman Khan to gain a foothold in the Bollywood industry? Her look alike, Katrina Kaif got a big help from Salman Khan and today she is the top actress in Bollywood. Let’s see, whether Zarine Khan can follow the footsteps of her look alike.

Microsoft claims 'biggest' show-biz investment with Bing refresh

Microsoft is throwing the combined might of Hollywood, the record labels and the games industry at Google with its latest Bing update.

On Tuesday evening the company unveiled Bing Entertainment, which provides the ability to search, view and - depending on the medium - purchase films, TV, music and games.

Microsoft called the update, announced at an event in Los Angeles, California, one of the biggest investments it's making in the area of entertainment.

No kidding. Hosting the event, modestly billed by Microsoft as being focused on the future of entertainment, was Ryan Seacrest - presumably taking a well-paid break between seasons of American Idol. Seacrest reportedly pulls down $15m per season for hosting a talent-cum-popularity contest that until this year had Simon Cowell on its panel of judges.
The entertainment market is Microsoft's latest big investment in Bing to grow its search share against Google. A year into Bing, Microsoft's search properties in the US have hit 12 per cent of the market.

And it seems Bing's entertainment landgrab will further challenge the metrics used to judge and measure this market. comScore earlier this month said Microsoft and Yahoo! had experienced market share gains in part because of they are using "contextual search approaches" such as those in Bing Entertainment that tie content and related search results together.

Entertainment is Microsoft's latest vertical to get the integrated search touch, following travel and shopping.

On music, Bing search results will now pull back tunes, album covers and - theoretically - the ability to play and buy through integration with Microsoft's Zune service.

I say theoretically, because a search for U2's Beautiful Day pulled back an error message saying integration with Zune wasn't yet complete. Microsoft claimed there's also integration for one-stop purchases with iTunes and Amazon.

Searching for films and TV, Microsoft has followed Google through integration deals with Hulu, Viacom and CBS and others that sees Bing pull back videos of episodes. Clicking takes you through to the service providers' site where you can view the videos.

Microsoft claimed access to 1,500 shows and 20,000 TV episodes with TV listings.

A search for movies produces a show times tab in Bing that presents a synopsis of local cinema listings. For games, meanwhile, Bing has aggregated games reviews, cheats and walkthroughs

Apple’s iPad Sales Accelerate: Three Million Sold in 80 Days

Far from slowing down, sales of Apple’s iPad are increasing, with three million units sold since the tablet’s launch 80 days ago. That’s the same amount of time it took Phileas Fogg to travel around the world. The first million was reached in 28 days, the second million was sold in “less than 60 days”. That means that the third million has been shifted ten days ahead of “schedule”.

The cynical might argue that this is more of a drop in speed, and that by opening up the iPad to the worldwide market a couple weeks back Apple should have sold a lot more. The cynic would probably be right, but the problem for Apple is that people don’t want them: it’s that it can’t make enough of the things to satisfy demand.

This comes just days behind the announcement that Apple managed to pre-sell an astonishing 600,000 iPhone 4s in a day, again amidst problems of supply shortage, and also computer system meltdowns. One thing is for sure: regular, non-geek people like Apple’s mobile machines, and they’re voting with their pocketbooks.