Mahima to make a mark
By Madhur Mittal

MAHIMA Choudhary’s devastating debut in Pardes was for sure. But after her debut, she was seen only on the cover pages of glossies and gossip magazines — accompanied by a sensational and/or controversial story. That left one wondering whether she was going to adorn the screen again or not.

Well, the good news is that her fans can look forward to Mahima’s second starrer soon. It’s titled Daag and comes from veteran filmmaker Raj Kanwar. And her costars are Sanjay Dutt and Chandrachur Singh — an interesting combination.

But the highlight is Mahima herself. The saree clad Pardes pretty has literally switched over to being a glamorous temptress. Her outfits in Daag have been specially, deliberately designed to project her as a glamorous star.

Don’t be surprised, just be prepared!!!

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Rani will reign

The other happening heroine is gonna be Rani Mukherji. As it is, she has become the rani (queen) of millions of male hearts by conquering them with her very fair, very ‘fresh’ charms in Ghulam and Kuch kuch hota hai. But, mark my words, this is merely, barely the beginning. Yeah.

For, we here in Bollywood, are witnessing the birth and blossoming of an actress extraordinaire. An actress who, with just two films, has reached put for the stars. Coming events cast their shadows, they say. Well, then all one can say is that Rani will reign!

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Splitting hair

The New Year is witnessing a strange obsession amongst the big noise heroes. They all seem to be in a tearing hurry to chop off their long locks. Perhaps, it was Salman Khan who started it all but, the fact is, now we have even Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and, can you believe it, even Saif Ali Khan minus their manes.

Oh, they all claim that "a particular role demanded it", but that doesn’t pull any hair... sorry, I mean, wool... over my eyes. The basic idea seems to be an attempt to look younger, as well as (faithfully) following in the ‘cut’ of the Hollywood superstars. The leading ladies have their own, fetish: Getting their dark hair bleached totally pale and then piling on with the latest non-drip "Excellence" creme colourants from L’Oreal!

Shucks, to me, it just seems like splitting hair.

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Hope lives on

Yes, hope is the one thing we have we can all look forward to,... to make all our wishes and dreams come true. And Bollywood sure could do with some happy times and tidings in 1999. The one most fervent wish of everyone is: Please, God, let all the shootouts and killings and action occur on screen... not on the streets of Mumbai.

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Will they resolve?

Come to think of it, almost all our popular heroes and heroines could do with a few, well-meaning resolves for 1999. But, will they?

A few outstanding examples are:

Shah Rukh Khan: "I shall be more realistic. And stop stammering."

Tabu: "I shall stop making crazy statements. And artificial faces."

Aamir Khan: "I shall not go to Khandala. Nor perfection extremes."

Sunny Deol: "I must stop screaming, yelling, cursing, snarling..."

Juhi Chawla: "I shall not do comedies, even tho’ I’m a pucca comic".

Ajay Devgun: "I must smile convincingly. Why the hell can’t I...?"

Kajol: "No, I know I can never resolve to be journalist friendly!"

Madhuri Dixit: "I shall not wiggle or wriggle my hips anymore."

Sunil Shetty: "I promise to get myself an entirely new wardrobe."

Karisma Kapoor: "I shall finally admit that mom was sexier ever."

Amitabh Bachchan: "All I’d resolve is: Never say die, Bade Miyan."

Govinda: "I shall resolve to remain No 1 — Hero, Coolie or joker."