Princess of Poise!

Kate Middleton's a sudden fashion icon with her easy style. The royal bride-to-be has 'approachable style' that sets her apart from Princess Diana, says Nona Walia

The fashion world has been taken over by the 'Middleton' effect. As the hysteria before the royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William builds up, Kate is slated to be the next 'fashion icon'. Stylists predict that the future Queen of England Kate will be a bigger style icon than Diana! In fact, UK's Daily Mirror reports how Kate is poised to become a style icon in her own right!

Making monarchy stylish!
Kate's chic and classy style has already got her an iconic status. Ahead of the wedding, Katemania is sweeping the world, as the future princess' wa r d r o b e choices show a positive effect on sales. Kate brings a softer touch to British dressing. According to royal historian, Hugo Vickers, the couple has sparked a "new generation revival" of the monarchy and they could eclipse celebrities such as Beckhams. Says designer Suneet Varma, "Kate's style is more relaxed and approachable. She'll chart her own personal style. When Princess Diana was courting Charles, she was in her teens and a school teacher. The legendary Bruce Oldfield gave her a drastic makeover, by ensuring whatever she wore became a big fashion moment. From her hats to her dresses — Princess Diana's makeover after marriage had a huge impact. Kate's style is evolved, as her own identity is strong, but it'll be tough for her to match Diana's style. Kate should stick to her own signature style and keep it simple but not boring."

The 'Middleton' effect
Kate enjoys being a lady of elegance. She was wearing a see-through dress when she first caught Prince William's eye. The world is waiting in anticipation to discover the mystery designer of her bridal gown. The question is: Will it be anywhere close to Princess Diana's silk taffeta gown which topped the list of iconic wedding dresses worn by royal and celebrity brides. Says designer Rohit Bal, "I personally doubt anyone could ever fill Princess Diana's shoes! There can be only one Grace Kelly, one Marilyn Monroe and only one Princess Diana, who'll remain the ultimate style icon."

Unlike Diana, Kate doesn't dress for publicity. Fashion expert Asha Baxi says, "Kate's good-looking, smart, charming. The 'Middleton' effect on fashion will be influential in coming years."

A glimpse of fairytale!
Kate's life has a glimpse of fairytale endings — girl-next-door becomes Queen of the palace, with minimal make-up, auburn hair falling on her shoulders. Designer Raghavendra Rathore agrees, "Kate has a polished and sophisticated sense of style. She is considered a style icon already because of her timeless elegance. She has kept away from anything frivolous and flouncy and has stuck with ensembles that emulate sharpness. Kate embodies a cutting-edge and chic sense of style and has the ability to pull off anything fresh and feminine to contrived and structured with equal panache."

But it isn't just about clothes and style, the Princess-in-waiting's personality and presence also make her unique. Designer Rina Dhaka says, "Kate will be the style icon of the future. She'll be to England what Michelle Obama is to the US. She doesn't need to ape Princess Diana, for she's stylish in her own way.

Soon, Kate hysteria will become a talking point, making her a different icon from Princess Diana." Says designer Jaya Rathore, "Kate Middleton and Princess Diana are two different women from diverse backgrounds. There's a generational change in their styles. When Diana got married into the royal family, she was too young. It was a magical. Kate's educated and experienced the media attention over the last few years and her style is more practical."

Princess of the high street!
With the spotlight on Kate's mystery bridal dress, Alexandra Shulman, the Vogue editor writes, "When you get a pretty, young woman who is going to have an incredibly high profile on the stage, the inclination is to want to embrace her." Interestingly, Kate's been referred to as 'Princess of the High Street' because of her affordable choices. Designers Anjalee & Arjun Kapoor believe, "Kate has a comfortable body language. She carries herself with poise and grace. The best thing is that Kate always gives positive vibes and connects with the masses."

Agyness Deyn to visit India

British model Agyness Deyn is apparently planning a trip to India in a bid to 'find herself'.

The Oldham-born model recently returned to London after an unsuccessful attempt to break into acting in New York.

Now the restless model, once the muse of designer Henry Holland, is preparing for a backpacking voyage of self-discovery.

"Agyness has been sofa-hopping in London while she prepares to head to India," the Daily Mail quote a pal as saying.

"She's only 28 and she still needs to find out what she wants to do in life.
The acting world wasn't for her and she thinks there's more to life than modelling.

"She's hoping it will be a life-changing experience that will help her to finally find her calling," the pal added.

SRK praised Salman: Abhinav

Abhinav Kashyap a.k.a. Dabangg director and brother of Anurag Kashyap, only recently visited Shah Rukh Khan at his residence and all hell broke loose. There were talks that Abhinav had left the Salman camp for Shah Rukh's. However, Abhinav Kashyap denied all of this when we put him in the hot seat.

He told us, "Yes, I did go to Shah Rukh's house. He saw Dabangg, thought it to be a good movie, and share the appreciation with me. He's an actor, I'm a director, we are a part of the same industry, there was no reason why I shouldn't have met him. I didn't meet him in hinding, I told Arbaaz that Shah Rukh had called me home and that I intended to meet him," he said.

Abhinav further added, "SRK spoke a great deal about Dabangg. He praised Salman's performance in it. He applauded Arbaaz' production efforts. He congratulated me on a job well done as well. That was really all that happened when I visited Shah Rukh."

About Abhinav's next project, it's going to be backed by Viacom 18. Nothing else has been decided yet. A film with SRK? "Well, if fate has it that we work together, we will. Nothing has been talked about so far."

I'm not a f**k buddy: Payal

Payal Rohatgi declares she is, "angry and in mood for vengeance," She was recently discharged from a nursing home, where she was treated for depression.

She's been grappling with the decision to bare her mind about her tryst with Dibakar Banerjee. But now she has decided she wants to have her say. In a no holds barred conversation, she reveals her version of what happened between them, during their short four-month friendship.

Payal says a few months ago she sent an SMS to Dibakar, introducing herself and asking to meet him. According to her, since then they've been friends. "You could also call him a mentor." She adds they'd often talk about relationships – his and hers. "I spoke about my problems (split with Rahul Mahajan), and he'd talk about his marriage not working. He advised me to see a psychiatrist from Bombay Hospital, someone whom he sees to discuss his inability to be monogamous and his need for multiple affairs." She admits not minding being agony aunt to him.

Things changed after she auditioned for a role for his upcoming film, Shanghai. "I mentioned to him that I want to act, and asked for a role in his film. He asked me to meet Atul Mongia, his casting director. The scene required me to react to the news about my husband's murder. I think I gave my best because I cried my heart out. After the audition I messaged Dibakar, and he asked me how I was feeling. I told him I was very low because to portray the grief I'd imagined my mother dying." She claims he then offered to come to her house. "He'd been over before and we've hung out but he never misbehaved with me. So, I agreed. When he came, he commented that I had put on weight. I was puzzled. He then asked me to lift my shirt and show him my stomach. I got pissed-off. I told him not joke around as I was feeling low. I said to him, 'Let me be, and please leave.' And he left."

She says after that whenever she tried to call the director, he never took her calls. "After the positive feedback on the day of the audition, I was surprised when the casting director told me that Dibakar and the core crew preferred another girl. I messaged him requesting him to give me the role and that I was ready to do a two-day workshop, and also do a second audition. No revertal, no reply, nothing from this man who'd call me at least 20 times a month," she says in a high pitch. She says this behaviour from 'a friend' devastated her. She continues, "This must have happened to me before. But never from a friend. You can't f**k your buddy, if you are giving her a role!"

What Dibakar has to say...

The meeting: Payal contacted me first around March 2010 through many texts and phonecalls of an over familiar nature. She said she wanted to act in meaningful films rather than do item numbers. Upon her repeated insistence I met her at a Business Centre of a Five Star hotel in a business environment.

There I impressed that the ONLY way to act in my film would be to pass a screen test. Because her texts were flirtatious I clarified in a frank and forthright way – that if I were to ever cheat on my marriage, I would rather have an extra marital affair with a non actor than ask for sexual favours in return for a role as that would really go against my deepest principles. After that there were many calls and texts asking for professional advice. I learnt other directors had got similar calls too. However giving her benefit of doubt I referred her to my casting and workshop director whom she contacted.

The counselling session: After which there were many phone calls where she sought advice on a personal front. Realizing that she was a deeply troubled person I recommended acting teachers, playgroups, theatre workshops and a personal counselor to h er. This counselor was someone I had consulted, during my darkest hours in 2004 when Khosla was not releasing and there had been a death in the family. This is no secret. Many of my friends, colleagues and my wife know about it. This was told to Payal as a way of telling her that all bad patches can be overcome if one is determined.

The screen test: She contacted me in early 2011. I told her to test for Shanghai by contacting my casting director. She insisted on meeting him and me for workshops before testing. I did not meet her in any way during this period though she called me for advice a few times. After testing for the role, she called him and me many times in a disturbed state. Apparently the testing for the role of a bereaved wife had seriously unsettled her. I told her to get on out and meet friends. I was on my way to a colleague's studio and she insisted on coming there, to presumably to talk to me about the test and cheer up. She also insisted that I pick her up. I was unwise enough to accede.

The meeting at her house: When I reached her place, she asked me up as she would take five minutes. I was barely there for a few minutes and my driver can affirm that. Nothing of any sexual, exploitative or suggestive nature transpired – I'm willing to swear in court to that. After which I escorted her to the studio, where an hour-long happy interaction with people present, while I withdrew to work. This is where the conversation about her weight took place! My colleague remembers it! And there was no request to lift her top – but a discussion on the weight of the character she was testing for! She started texting me shortly after this, asking about the screen test results. I texted her to please check with my casting director, as is my policy. Upon which the texts again became insistent and troubled. This time I took a call as this repetitive pattern of help-anxiety-help was taking its toll. I decided to end communication.

After ending communication: Her texts became angrier, more disturbed. She called me and my casting director in the middle of the night in an angry state. Then all communication stopped. The screen test cue sheet proves the date is 7th February. Why does one take so long to ask redressal? During this clarification you will note that I have not betrayed the many details of Payal's confidential life that she narrated to me while asking for advice. My cardinal mistake has been to take her aim to act in meaningful roles sincerely. And in my well-meaningness and well known practice of being cordial and respectful to all who approach me, misjudged her desperation and level of disturbance and the length she's willing to go to damage a well wisher who just happened to give her a screen test and then not find her suitable.

'Sunidhi, Enrique didn't shoot together'

It was big news that Sunidhi Chauhan was to croon with international singing sensation Enrique Iglesias.

But TOI has stumbled upon some startling facts. Sunidhi hasn't recorded with him for 'Heartbeat'. The collaboration is simply to make an Indian version named The Masala Mix composed by Shamir Tandon. The other 'fact' being drummed was the music video that she shot with Enrique. Sources say the original video featuring Enrique and Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls has been edited. Nicole has been chopped out, and Sunidhi fitted in! Apparently, Enrique is not in touch with Sunidhi or the composer, he is only in touch with the record label. When confronted on this, Sunidhi attempts to come clean. Read on....

Was Enrique present when the recording happened? We hear otherwise.
Enrique has not re-recorded the song. His part is from the original song. My portions have been fitted in. We've brought in Indian elements into his song.

What about your interviews about "working with Enrique"?
There might be a misunderstanding. You may want to hear the recording before jumping the gun. I mean, it was great to collaborate with Enrique, which is his song, and we have made a totally different new song for the Indian audiences. It is fresh and doesn't sound like the original. It isn't a remix.

We hear Enrique hasn't shot even for the music video and that you've merely been fitted in?
As I said, you have to see the video before you can decide that. Enrique has shot for the video. We have scenes together in the video. (Sources from the record label reveal that when Sunidhi was in LA for four days, Enrique might have shot a couple of shots with her for some part, but most of it was shot separately)

'Meet'ing of minds
Meanwhile, the public relations executive of the music label informed us that the entire office staff was busy in a crucial meeting and and thus unavailable for a comment. Hmmmm... what was the agenda? An album with Sunidhi and Jay Z?

I'm an obsessive actor: Aamir Khan

This may well be one of Aamir Khan's busiest birthdays. He is shooting for Reema Kagti's suspense thriller, bulking up for Aditya Chopra's Dhoom-3 and getting ready to release Delhi Belly.

He's also learning to swim, speak Marathi more fluently and planning to enroll in a cooking class. In a quick Q & A, the actor confesses to his current highs.

So who is it with you in Dhoom-3? Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra or Deepika Padukone?
Dhoom-3 will roll in January 2012. I'm only building my physique for it from now on. And why are you assuming that I'm involved in the casting. Aditya Chopra and Vijay Acharya Krishna (Victor) will select the heroine. I have no say in the matter.

In an Aamir film, Aamir normally has all the say...
Yaar nahin, I'm only an actor on set. I'm an obsessive actor but nothing more. Right now, I'm totally preoccupied with Reema's film. It is a genre that neither I nor anyone else has dabbled in for a long time. It's also got a strong emotional core.

And, it has no title?
Yeah, if someone gives me a title for Reema's film, it will be the best birthday gift I receive today.

Heard you are learning to swim?
Yes, in fact I've enrolled for swimming lessons with Mickey Mehta. I have to swim in Reema's film. Actually I'm very excited about this one. After 3-Idiots this is my next film. I was in Dhobi Ghaat, but it was more Kiran's movie.

You also have conversations only in Marathi?
With my staff I only speak in Marathi. My teacher Suhas Limaye says that it is the best way to polish my language. I have poor language skills; I'm a little slow but I am thoroughly enjoying speaking the language.

What's this cooking thing you are getting into?
Cooking is also something I want to learn. Honestly, I haven't started.

One hears Kiran and you have moved into your mother's house?
Yes, Kiran and I are now sleeping in the bedroom where I spent my childhood. My mother has come to live in my building; Kiran and I have moved upstairs to her home. Our things are still in our home downstairs but we sleep and wake up in mom's house. After pack up, I go straight to mom's house and I am with her till bedtime.

What according to you is your biggest achievement in the year gone by?
I have given the industry two women directors-Anusha Rizvi (Peepli Live) and Kiran Rao (Dhobi Ghat). I've supported talent that I believe in and I have also shown that art house movies which earlier collected two-three crores can collect as much as 15 crore-plus.

Is Delhi Belly also art-house?
No. It is a kameena commercial film.

Are Shah Rukh, Salman and you still the front-runners?
I don't know about being number 1 or 2; I'm excited about my success. My fans are happy to see everything that I put out there in the market. That's immensely gratifying.

Do you feel any different at 46 than you felt at 40?
Frankly, age is just a number. Physically, no one can counter age; to me it has never mattered. Goals can be achieved even when you are 90. The audience doesn't ask an actor's age when it comes to seeing his film.

I'm not a B or C grade actress: Preity

Preity Zinta, 36, talks about her television debut and having survived a difficult personal phase 

What convinced you to accept the offer to host Guinness World Record Ab India Todega?
(laughs) It is a record breaking show. I have been getting TV offers for the past five-six years. I didn't have time. Nothing grabbed my attention then.

Talk shows are too personal because so much about your own life emerges through them. I am an adventurous person and when I heard about this show, I had to give it a shot.

All your friends from the industry (Shah Rukh, Salman, Abhishek, Amitabh) have hosted TV shows. Did you ask them for tips?
They told me to relax and be myself. Whoever met me said do what you want.

When will you return to the big screen?
You will see me in movies this year.

Why have you turned down scripts in the past few years?
I was busy over the past six months with the court cases and the fights with BCCI. Before the IPL, I can shoot for the show. IPL follows, and then I will take a month off before shooting for my film.

You made a successful transition from acting to entrepreneurship.
Earlier, I never had the courage to try something completely different. Once I was at the top of my game and opportunity came, I said, 'I want to try this.' I could have done it a bit differently by doing one film a year at least. But I got so consumed by various things that I did not have time for anything else.

Are you in touch with people from the industry?
Of course. I always meet filmmakers who call me for script narrations and politely say, 'Not right now, later'. I listen to every script and that's why they have always been nice to me. You can never forget where you have come from and the people who have helped you get there.

Have you refused any exciting projects?
I have said no to most of the major releases that have done extremely well. It is not in my personality to say I was offered this and that.

Any regrets?
None. In the past 10 years, I have done big films, given big hits. I was never a B grade or C grade actress. I started with Dil Se. I am the only actress in my generation to have worked with Yash Chopra. I have been very lucky. I have never seen crazy failures in films. I did see a difficult side of life personally and it has made me tougher, stronger and smarter. I hope.

When your IPL team Kings XI Punjab came under the scanner, how did you deal with the allegations?
There were allegations against all the teams. We emerged clean, and had the court to back us. After all these investigations and after people pointing fingers at us, we went to court and won fair and square. I would have died of a heart attack if I had been accused of something that I have never done in my life.

Did you discuss issues with your business partner Ness Wadia?
I was in discussion with all my partners and there is no one in particular that I turned to.

What's your involvement with the Kamal Amrohi property case?
I am not anybody's legal heir, nor am I inheriting anything from anybody. I have a lot of respect for him and he is a gentleman. He was in a lot of trouble and I helped him. He asked me to help him. But people blew up the story. The only inheritance I will ever get is from my father.

But he publicly said he wants to give you his property.
Well, yeah! But I haven't taken anything from him.

Are you in touch with Ness?
Why is he so important to everybody? It was over between us two years ago and you should let it be.

Is there a new man in your life?
No, not right now.

Have you turned celibate?
(Laughs) No, I am normal. If I meet someone, I am happy to have a chat. But I am not seeing anyone in particular right now.

Would you want to marry soon?
Of course! I am like anybody else.