Basu becomes Dasgupta

Keep it simple, okay? Madhur Bhandarkar and Bipasha Basu Basu becomes Dasgupta Judging by the promos of Corporate, there are some hot scenes with Bipasha, which are sure to scorch the screens. Madhur Bhandarkar, however, says there is nothing sexy about Basu's character in his film, "I treated her simply as what she plays in the film —Nishigandha Dasgupta. I wanted Bipasha to have very little make-up in the film. I gave her the gel for her hair and asked her to don the executive suits. I did not treat her as the Bipasha Basu who has done Jism." So now you know what to expect. It's slime time! Anchors Aaliyah and Nischint in Gili Gili Gappa

Gili Gili Gappa: Noise, mess, slime!

Watch orange go green as Nick, the TV channel for kids, has launched a special slime show. Gili Gili Gappa. This is the first international version of Nick's Guinness World Record breaking gameshow Slimetime Live.

The fast-paced show airs on Fridays and embodies Nick's characteristic features — noise, mess and slime! It is hosted by the quirky Nischint (aka Nishu) and the lively Aaliyah.

This spunky duo tries to keep order while contributing to the chaos. The show has two teams go head to head in each of the six unique games like Mooh Phat, Aas Paas Bandar Gili Gili Andar and SpongeBum Gili Chaddi.

The finale round called Holi Hai has the two winners up against each other for the big challenge — a chance to sit under the Gili Gili Ganga machine for a complete sliming!

Balle balle in Oz: Saif Ali Khan

Saif's Melbourne connection

The closing ceremony of the 18th Commonwealth Games to be held at Melbourne on March 26 will have Bollywood stars performing including Saif Ali Khan, Rani Mukerji, Lara Dutta, Priyanka Chopra and Aishwarya Rai.

The highlight of the programme will be a completely original performance specially created for the ceremony. Though the look and feel continues to be Bollywood, the songs and tones are not. Saif and Rani will be seen dancing to the tunes of a bhangra number composed by Vishal Dadlani.

We hear that Chote Nawab is already thrilled to be back in Melbourne after his Salaam Namaste stint. In fact, he has always acknowledged that he loves being in Melbourne and that the city is his favourite holiday destination abroad. Knowing Saifu, the vibrant Melbourne night-life is more than a reason for a getaway. Wot say?

Roving Eye: Vikas Bhalla

Vikas who? Kanwal Toor

Vikas Bhalla gets close and comfy

The recent victims of the telly-jolly romance are actor Vikas Bhalla and hostess Kanwal Toor. Call it mutual admiration or growing fondness, the duo has been spotted relishing quiet dinners and tight hugs.

A source informs, "They met at a Christmas bash hosted by the Ruias (another clan of industrialists thronging the city). Since then, they have been indulging in private getaways."

However, the man in question, Vikas Bhalla says, "C'mon, we are friends and have been socialising at parties. Just because I'm spotted with her doesn't mean that I'm going around with her. And most importantly, I've become a daddy for the second time, so please keep me out of this."

When quizzed about the brewing romance, lady Toor says, "Who Vikas Bhalla? Is it that singer you are talking about? I've met him a couple of times. But I'm not dating him." With Mr Bhalla's reputation, do we have an option of trusting you?

Legal eagle: Makrand Deshpande

Tulsi's lawyer is a drunkard!

Maverick director-actor Makrand Deshpande, whose streaked deadlocks are as familiar as him has a brand new calling in life — as a legal eagle. He will don the black coat and is all set to battle it out in the court of law.

His brief is to save Tulsi (Smriti Z Iraani) in the Savita (Apara Mehta) mercy-killing case in the Star daily Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.

Says Deshpande, "I play a drunkard who's never won a case in his life. And I take on the high-profiled assignment of saving Tulsi. The episode will air from March 23. This is also the first time I am working with Balaji."

Deshpande had earlier been seen as a man-eater in CID as well as in Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai in a cameo.

I'm back: Pawan Shankar

Pawan Shankar in Aisa Des Hai Mera

Post Siddhanth on Star One, Pawan Shankar has gone missing on TV except in a story for the same channel in Darna Mana Hai. Now, he returns with Manish Goswami's forthcoming Sony show Aisa Des Hai Mera, penned by Lekh Tandon.

"I am very excited about the role. It has many shades, from a farmer to a disc jockey. The guy I play is a foreign-returned man." A foreign-returned man turns farmer? Reminds one of Anil Kapoor in Virasat.

"Well, there, Kapoor was a farmer by some sort of compulsion, here, I am a farmer by choice. It's a very interesting portrayal."

Adds Goswami, " I always thought Pawan had great potential. For this role of a Canada-returned Jat, I needed someone who could portray a gamut of emotions as the role has a very wide range. Hence, I chose Pawan."

Explorer: Amol Palekar

Amol Palekar's latest Quest

While Amol Palekar could not have the last smile at the 78th Academy Awards, the director remains unaffected as he prepares for the release of his bilingual, Quest.

Yet again, he has borrowed the story from wife Sandhya Gokhale; and it seeks to explore man-woman relationship in the context of sexuality. This flick is supposed to complete his trilogy after Daayara and Anaahat.

Says Palekar, "I consecutively made three period films set in pre-20th century, though those had a contemporary relevance. Quest is this day's story. The characters face modern-day dilemmas."

For a change, the cast includes veteran theatre actors Vijaya Mehta, Mrinal Kulkarni and Sachin Khedekar. Now the buzz is that buddy Shah Rukh might just make a special appearance in the film. Knowing King Khan and his gestures, it might just happen.

Raza's Bollywood

Q What would be the title of the remake of old flick, Paisa Ya Pyaar starring Aishwarya Rai?
A Aish Ya Cash.