Media reports suggest that Priyanka is now feeling jittery about a steamy scene that she’s done in the film.

Interestingly, this scene is not with Shahid Kapoor but a rather not so known theatre actor who plays her initial love interest in the film. The reports further claim, this scene was shot before the release of Fashion and Dostana.

She had done the scene going by Bharadwaj’s belief in the importance of the scene to the script. But now post the awards hoopla and new found big status as the film’s release date is getting nearer Priyanka is getting cold feet.

Well what really the truth is might come out once the film is finally released. Kaminey is amongst one of the most eagerly awaited releases of 2009. Now this news that we heard makes it more eagerly awaited for us as well!

Before Sanjay Nirupam was fielded as the Congress I candidate to fight BJP’s veteran Ram Nayak for this year’s Lok Sabha elections, the Congress was very keen to put up the much-in-the-news Priyanka Chopra in place of Govinda.

According to very reliable sources the discussions had gone very much ahead. “The Congress wanted a glamorous and younger Bollywood candidate after Govinda for the prestigious Mumbai North constituency.

Someone who would connect with the young urban youth of the nation. Initially Priyanka didn’t say no. But then her bulk of film-related work got the better of her.

Shooting day and night and then putting in months of gruelling election campaigning and devoting quality and quantity time to her constituency seemed a bit much for Priyanka. She finally had to say no, although Soniaji was very keen.”

The Congress I could’ve acquired itself another pretty and articulate Priyanka. Sadly it didn’t happen.

For now Priyanka Gandhi would have to be content being the prettiest and most glamorous member of the Congress party.

While the actress, finally on a much-needed sabbatical after the exhausting schedule of What’s Your Raashee remains tightlipped about her congress with politics, a close friend says, “Priyanka doesn’t rule out politics in the future.

But this time she is neither contesting nor campaigning for any candidate. Besides her schedules taking over Govinda’s constituency seemed a rather daunting task to Priyanka.”

Sources claim, it is not just the doctors but her boy friend Shahid Kapoor who seems to have imposed a NO DRINKS rule on her.

Sources add, “Though Priyanka cannot be called an alcoholic, she does enjoy a glass of wine or champagne occasionally that too only when she is with her closest friends.

Shahid is a strict vegetarian and also a teetotaler and it is but natural that he expects his new girl friend to be the same. It is a known fact that Shahid had turned his ex girlfriend Kareena Kapoor vegetarian and a teetotaler like him too.

This step with Priyanka has been taken by him because he was extremely worried when she got stomach infection as there was fear of it aggravating by having alcohol.”

The source further adds, “It is not just alcohol, Shahid is also wanting Priyanka to go slow on work and take enough rest.”

Priyanka says she loves being the centre of the male gaze.

“I love the attention I get. Which girl doesn’t? To be considered hot is …cool! To be called the sexiest, the most desirable, etc in magazine and website polls is very flattering. I take it in my stride.

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and I’m glad a lot of men behold me. There’s no special man to make me feel special. Between my family and career there’s no room for for anyone else.”

Priyanka Chopra is busy playing a dozen desirable divas in the same frame. She has 12 roles to play Ashutosh Gowariker’s What’s Your Raashee.

But it was Hurman Baweja who slogged his butt off in the 3-day schedule of the film in Chicago.

Priyanka spent her time with her cousins in Chicago.

Sighs Priyanka, “It was more masti than work. We chose this time to shoot in Chicago because the script needed snow. And we got it in plenty.

I loooooove the snow. And since I’ve a lot of in family in America I called them over to Chicago. It was more fun than work really.”

Priyanka loves shooting in the US. “I love going to America. I’ve so much family there. Earlier during Dostana in Philadelphia I had a ball.

Now in Chicago 1-15 people including my Naani, my aunts and my cousins would be on the sets to visit me. And luckily there was very little work for me. It was Hurman’s character which is from Chicago.”

Priyanka was glad to have this chance to unwind. “I let Hurman do all the slogging. Raashee is a very taxing film for me.

This kind of role has never been done. For the first time in my career I plan to take a two-week holiday after Raashee.”

For her show on 5 April for Femina Kangana paid a tribute to two screen queens Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

And when she got to know that Priyanka Chopra too will be performing Kangana gladly gave over the Fashion songs to her colleague and friend.

Says Kangana, “When I got to know that Priyanka is performing I asked her about her songs. When she said she was doing the Fashion songs I happily decided to do the tribute to Aishwarya and Madhuri.

I’ll danced to tracks like Madhuri’s Mera piya ghar aaya and Aishwarya’s Nimbooda. This gave me a chance to try out my Kathak which I’ve been learning for three years.”

So much for the belief that two actresses can never get along together. Ironically Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra couldn’t agree over the allotting of songs from Dostana during the Filmfare awards.

Priyanka had ultimately opted out.

Says Kangana, “I think girl bonding is very cool. I can’t say Priyanka and I are best friends. I think two actresses fighting is very unfashionable. After Fashion there’s a comfort level. And if we can share a platform without getting in one another’s way then isn’t that just great?”

Non-stop dancing for two back-to-back shows has taken its toll on Kangana Ranaut’s legs.

On Friday when she was scheduled to perform for an FM channel (98.5) Kangana’s legs could barely move.

Wincing in pain Kangana recounted her horror.“On Thursday I kept rehearsing non-stop for two shows for six hours. I never realized what I was putting myself through until the next morning when I woke up with swollen legs.”

Kangana somehow managed to drag herself to the show where she danced to her Fashion tracks.

By Taran Adarsh

Rating: ***1/2

Priyadarshan is synonymous with ha-ha-thons, but the talented storyteller has been equally proficient while handling intense dramas like SAZA-E-KALA PANI, GARDISH and VIRASAT. Like VIRASAT and MALAMAAL WEEKLY, Billu, the accomplished director’s new outing, is also set in a hamlet.

Although the story has been attempted in Malayalam (KADHA PARAYUMBOL) and Tamil (KUSELAN) earlier, the story actually takes its inspiration from the legendary friendship between Lord Krishna and Sudama. In this case, the story talks of the friendship between a superstar and an ordinary mortal who runs a salon.

Billu is a simple story about simple people, told in the most simplistic manner. There’s a generous dose of glamour as well, given the fact that the protagonist’s friend happens to be a superstar, but what actually works for the film is the simpleton’s story. He wages a daily battle to make ends meet.

Although the film is engaging, Priyadarshan reserves the best for the finale this time, when the superstar reminisces about his childhood friend and the deep bond that they shared. The end is remarkable and is sure to strike a chord with all sections of moviegoers.

Final word? Billu is amongst Priyadarshan’s finest works. And also Irrfan and SRK’s. This tale of friendship is sure to steal your heart!

Billu tells the story of a simple ordinary man, Bilas Rao Pardesi (Irrfan Khan), living in a small town with his wife Bindiya (Lara Dutta) and two kids. His life undergoes a drastic change as superstar Sahir Khan (Shah Rukh Khan) visits the village for a film shoot. Everything changes. Things go from good to bad to worse to good again.

Ten minutes into the film and you get absorbed into Billu’s small world. The salon is in bad shape, the family is facing tough times, the neighbours and acquaintances are fair-weather friends… Billu’s life gets grim with each passing day.

The story takes an interesting turn when Billu’s life collides with the superstar’s. And the assorted characters — right from an aspiring poet/lyricist (Rajpal Yadav), to a stingy money lender (Om Puri), to the principal of the school (Rasika Joshi) — everyone wants favours from Billu. These characters only make Billu more interesting.

SRK’s track is equally fascinating and only spices up the proceedings. In fact, Priyadarshan has amalgamated the three songs (featuring SRK with Deepika, Priyanka and Kareena) in the narrative smartly. Not once do you feel that you’re watching two stories concurrently.

The best part of the enterprise is its climax. The superstar recalls his humble beginning and how his friend stood by him in times of crisis. The writing is brilliant and SRK only takes the scene to greater heights with his terrific portrayal.

Priyadarshan is adept at handling relationships and with Billu, he proves he can handle emotions with as much flourish as comedy.

To tell a simple, uncomplicated story, without the usual frills, is an arduous task indeed and Priyadarshan tackles the material with remarkable ease. The humour here is subtle, not loud, and a constant smile remains on your face all through.

Mushtaq Shiekh and Priyadarshan’s screenplay is foolproof. In fact, the writing never loses focus and the highs and the lows in Billu’s life are sensitively penned by the duo. Manisha Korde’s dialogues are simple, gelling with the mood of the film.

Pritam’s music is energetic. The songs, promoted aggressively prior to the release, only get an impetus thanks to the presence of the three actresses.

‘Mar Jaani’ and ‘Love Mera Hit Hit’ are, of course, the pick of the lot. V. Manikandan’s cinematography is top notch. The locales (Pollachi) are breath-taking.

In the recent years, Irrfan has emerged as a force to reckon with, his performances have appealed to all strata of moviegoers and his work in Billu will only cement his status as a remarkable actor. Shah Rukh Khan needs to be admired for two reasons.

The show belongs to Irrfan, although SRK could’ve forced himself in every scene.

Also, he has chosen to opt for a film that’s not one of those run-of-the-mill types. In terms of performance, SRK shows his true potential towards the finale.

Lara Dutta springs a pleasant surprise. She goes through her part with complete understanding. Om Puri is excellent.

Rasika Joshi is too good. Rajpal Yadav is really funny in the penultimate scene, when he recites a film song of an SRK film. Asrani and Manoj Joshi are passable.

On the whole, Billu is a sweet-n-simple film that lingers in your memory even after the show has concluded.

The final 20 minutes are the highpoint of the enterprise and that elevates the status of the film to great heights. The film has the potential to grow with a strong word of mouth. Recommended… Take your family for this one!