Pyaar kiya toh darna kya

Playing hide and Seek: Soha Ali Khan and Abhay Deol Pyaar kiya toh darna kya! We just have to wonder: what was Soha Khan doing on the sets of "good friend" Abhay Deol's Ek Chalis Ki Last Local, that too well past midnight? Soha not only spent some khaas time with Abhay but also happily mingled with the rest of the unit. Some time ago, Abhay too had dropped in on the sets of her film, Khoya Khoya Chand, where they had lunch together. Seems like Abhay and Soha have become quite the inseparable twosome. But why play this game of hide-and-seek? Dharam uncle ka darr hai ya bade bhaiya Saif ka? Do-gooder: Tusshar Kapoor with mentally challenged children on his birthday in Pune Tusshar's good deed Tusshar Kapoor, who is currently in Pune shooting for Priyadarshan's Dhol, celebrated his 30th birthday with mentally challenged children last Friday. The event was organised by the NGO Each One Teach One Trust. Says Tusshar, "I celebrated my birthday by cutting cake with them. Initially I was a bit apprehensive as kids can get naughty, but they were very warm. They sang songs from Golmaal and even asked me about Gayab!" As for his party with friends, he says, "A few friends came over to Pune and we brought in my birthday with a quiet dinner." Imitation is flattery: Pawan Kaul Copycat Kaul Pawan Kaul is copying director Anurag Kashyap's ways. Kashyap has created an online diary to capture the everyday joys and frustrations that have gone into the making of his film, No Smoking, starring John Abraham. Now we hear that Kaul is doing likewise for his film Bhram, starring Dino Morea and Milind Soman. Kashyap is a self-proclaimed blogger and shares his personal accounts of moviemaking with others because it's therapeutic. We wonder what kind of illness Kaul needs therapy for. Could it possibly have anything to do with that disastrous flick, Shhhh….? Band of boys: Himesh Reshammiya, Vipul Shah and RDB RDB in Namastey London Not to be confused with Rang De Basanti, RDB or Rhythm Dhol Bass, a popular UK band, will be singing a number composed by Himesh Reshammiya in Vipul Shah's Namastey London. This band, comprising brothers Kuly, Manj and Surj Singh, are known for their Bhangra fusion and this is the first time they'll be singing for a Hindi film. Says Vipul Shah, "I needed RDB for one song because Namastey London is about cultural amalgamation between Indians and NRIs in the UK. British Asian music is a perfect example of this fusion. It's hip, contemporary and has great rhythm." Scheduled to release in February 2007, Namastey London stars Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Upen Patel and Rishi Kapoor. KHULLAM KHULLA PYAR KARENGE HUM: Karan Oberoi and Mona Singh Mona Singh's mini vacation Post winning Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Mona Singh had the luxury of indulging in a holiday. The actress went to Bangkok immediately after her victory, chilled out and pampered herself only to return and be bitten by the viral bug. We spotted her at Rakshanda Khan's event recently, where she said she was still recovering. It is learnt that Mona will soon be resuming work and taking on a new project. Of course, we'll keep you posted on the details. Who's the boss here? Rakesh Bedi with his wife Schmoozing: Asif Shiekh and Kavita Kapoor Celebrating Yes Boss Crossing the 500th episode mark was celebration time for the cast and crew of the SAB show, Yes Boss. At a bash held at a Juhu nightspot on Friday, we spotted Kavita Kapoor, Asif Shiekh, Rakesh Bedi, Bhairavi Raichura, Sharad Vyas and director Rajan Waghdhare making merry among others.

RAZA'S BOLLYWOOD Q What would you say if a fan of Priya Gill manages to get a glimpse of her? A 'Priya'darshan. razamuradonly@hotmail.com

Shriya's second innings

No kissing please: Shriya Saran

Shriya feels grateful to the Bhatts and says, "It didn't matter to the Bhatts that I had already featured in a Hindi movie which did not click."

Flying high
Sharan's career seems to be on an upswing. She has been cast opposite Rajnikanth in Shankar's Tamil magnum opus Shivaji. "The Bhatts know I have almost a dozen Telugu hits to my credit. This must've had worked to my benefit as all filmmakers know that South actors observe strict discipline and punctuality," enthuses Saran.

Is it true that the actress had refused to kiss co-star Emran Hashmi in Awarapan? "I am a prude who finds kissing vulgar. I am uncomfortable in enacting kissing scenes on-screen. And the Bhatts, as well as director Mohit (Suri) were aware of my reservations. So even before I could express my apprehension, they assured me there were no smooching scenes at all in the script," says the actress.

Talking about her role in Shivaji the actress says, "My character is of a traditional Tamilian girl whom Rajnikanth wants to get married to. It's my privilege that I have finished shooting with Rajni sir," signs off the actor even as she gears up to start shooting for Awarapan shortly.

Mrinal Kulkarni in Ramu's Sholay

In awe
Incidentally, Varma had offered Mrinal a role in his earlier film, Sarkar, but at that time things did not work out due to date problems. "When Ramu offered me this role in Sholay, he was hesitant as it was small. But as all the scenes were with Amitabh Bachchan, I thought this was a lifetime opportunity and I agreed," says Mrinal, who is also sharing scenes with Mohanlal and Sachin Pilgaonkar.

"I have shot for some mesmerising scenes. When I was ready for the shot, Mr Bachchan asked Ramu, 'Is this beautiful lady part of the scene too?' I would like to assume he knew who I was even before we were introduced," she laughs.

Besides Sholay, Mrinal's recent big screen assignments include Gajendra Ahire's Marathi film Bayo and Amol Palekar's bilingual Quest.

After her five-year association with the Star Plus show Son Pari came to an end, Mrinal took on Solhah Singaarr in which she features as a young widow. "It doesn't have the usual mother-daughter track. Alaknanda is a parallel role and is a meaty role. She has just lost her husband; she is still young and there is a big surprise in store for her," reveals Mrinal.

She informs that there are plans to bring back Son Pari on the tube. "There has been a great response from the kids and talks are on for its return."
Mrinal also co-anchors an international travel show along with Milind Gunaji for ETV. "I have travelled to Nepal and Sri Lanka and next we will be off to Egypt. This show is exciting and really off-the-beaten-track; there is so much novelty in doing a travel-based show."

Write stuff
Little is known on Mrinal's personal front as she prefers to let her work do the talking. "I am not into the party circuit at all," she says. "My family and in-laws are based in Pune. So when I am not shooting, I am in Pune. My husband, Ruchir Kulkarni, is a lawyer," she says. Mrinal has a school-going son, Virajas.

Besides acting, Mrinal pursues her literary calling through columns in Marathi newspapers like Lokmat and Sakal. "It is my take on what I see and experience as an actress and a human being."