The new numero uno
By Madhur Mittal

IS Salman Khan the new numero uno? It would certainly seem so, going by the way everything right is happening to him. With an indisputable hit film — Pyar kiya to darna kya — behind him, this Khan is heading for big muscle power at the box office and other honcho heroes are hurriedly stepping out of his way!

Another pointer to his heightened popularity is the manner in which girls swoon everytime they happen to spot him driving into Film City or see him shooting at Juhu beach. In fact, at the recent celebrity soccer charity match held at the Cooperage (between top cricketers and top stars) all the females present were lustily rooting for Salman — despite the presence of Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Aamir Khan and others.

The secret of his upbeat success? Is that what Rahul Roy was asking Salman about the party later in the evening?

Jackie’s jokes

There can be no doubt that the debonair Shroff is by far the most genial star going around Bollywood. He meets you warmly and likes to chat up even as fans and colleagues crowd in.

An enjoyable aspect of his company is his ability to come up with hilarious anecdotes every time. Jackie’s jokes are always in great demand. What’s more, he has that (rare) attitude to laugh at himself. There was this group engaged in discussing how to ensure winnings. And Jaggu piped in with: "If you guys are interested in learning about losing. I’m an expert at losing two things" My money and my hair!"

Singing stars

From the time one can recall, it was Amitabh Bachchan who started singing his own songs in his movies. Before some (more) knowledgeable readers react negatively, allow me to clarify that I can "recall" only from the mid-70s, when I got into film journalism, okay?

So, following suit, a number of other actors and actresses jumped into the music bandwagon — preening themselves in recording studios with those massive headphones clapped over their ears! Let’s see (hear?) now, who were the ones to exercise their vocal chords? Rekha, of course had to imitate AB at any cost! Then we had Kumar Gaurav, Sanjay Dutt (who’s at it again!), Vijayeta Pandit and even Rajni Sharma getting into the singers role. Maybe others.

So what’s so strange or surprising if Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh are doing it today? Take it from me, this isn’t the end of it.

Newsy newcomer

Filmmakers are falling all over themselves to sign up this lissome lass called Nilanjana Sharma for their films.

This 22-year-old has featured in prime time ad campaigns of De Beers, Times Bank, Donna shoes, Vimal.... besides pop videos (including Silk Route’s hot number). Quite a head-turner, she is seen in Mumbai only once in a bluemoon. Where she is for the rest of the time, nobody really seems to know.

Only Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes can solve the "miss"-tery of this nubile nymph.

Fear strikes

The underworld extortionists are going after new victims now. Of late, they have targetted some prominent technicians, including music directions, playback singers, directors, action coordinators and choreographers.

Jatin-Lalit, Pappu Verma, Anand Mahendroo, Waman Bhosle, Saroj Khan and Sonu Nigam, amongst others! The threat calls are usually made very late in the night (to induce added fear psychosis) and the amount demanded ranges beween 10 to 50 lakh. The police are "investigating". But is that going to be enough....?