Impressive Beauty Poojana Pradhan!

Poojana Pradhan is already an established name in the glamour circles of Nepal. She has been in the entertainment business for almost five years and now she informs us that her last name is actually not Pradhan but Gurung. She says, "My mother's name is Uma Pradhan and my father's Khadga Bahadur Gurung. They divorced when I was a kid and my dad married another woman. I started living with my mom and since the time I can remember I have always used Pradhan and not Gurung. However, on my citizenship and passport, I am referred to as Gurung!" Quite a dilemma one would reckon! She further informs, "I used to spell my name as Puja and it has just been only a few months that I have started writing my name as Poojana. Numerological effect you know!"

As of now, she is working on two movies simultaneously. "I am quite busy with the shooting of 'Kalo Baaz' directed by Deepak Basnet. The other one is 'Timi Ko Hau'. This is again directed by Deepak Basnet. Come Chait and I will be doing another movie called 'Champion' directed by Pradip Shrestha and produced by Maunata Shrestha," informs Poojana.

Things have been going pretty good for her lately. Only yesterday she completed the shooting of a music video -- "Mero Yaad Timilai", directed by Suresh Darpan Pokahrel and Dinesh Adhikari. And this is not where her hectic activities end. She just came back from a trip to Qatar where she had a show and come February 15, she will be leaving for Korea along with 1974 AD. This program is scheduled for February 20. As soon as she returns back from Korea, she will be leaving for Belgium, UK and Australia, for performances for which the dates have already been finalized. "I shall be performing on songs from Nepali films as well as remixed numbers!" states Poojana. Impressive!

Ash-Abhishek's wedding plans

A classical singer from Varanasi is currently on an extended practice session these days in preparation for the most talked about marriage of Bollywood couple Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

Channulal Mishra said that he has been invited by Amitabh Bachchan to perform at Abhishek's wedding.

"Amithabh Bachchan said that he wanted to organise a programme on the occasion of the wedding of Abhishek and Aishwarya. He said the date for the wedding was not fixed, but I have come to know that it will be sometime in March," Mishra said.

Families of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai on Monday said that both had got engaged at a private ceremony. Abhishek reportedly placed a diamond ring on Aishwarya's finger.

Speculation of a formal link gained ground after both families visited several temples to pray for them, as their stars were reportedly not in harmony.

Reports of an impending marriage were earlier fuelled after Ajitabh Bachchan, the younger brother of Amitabh, who met a Bangalore based astrologer Chandrashekhar Swami, to see if the couple's horoscopes matched.

The planets also seem to be blessing the couple. They were declared to be perfect by matched by the astrologer.

Abhishek was earlier engaged to Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor in 2002, but the marriage was called off for unexplained reasons. Abhishek (30) and Aishwarya (33) have starred together in Hindi films like Dhai Akshar Prem Ke, Kuch Na Kaho, Umrao Jaan and Dhoom II as also Mani Ratnam's "Guru". Aishwarya, who has acted in over 40 films, was crowned Miss World in 1994. Abhishek too has acted in about 40 films.

Gyanu Rana’s New Remixed Album!

Prominent adhunik and an accomplished bhajan singer Gyanu Rana who has been in the Music industry for almost 30 years now informs us that she intends to re-mix some of her old numbers and incorporate them in an album titled 'Best of Gyanu Rana'. She says, "There will be altogether eight to ten full fledged re-mixed songs on it and I will be singing all of them! The reason for going ahead with this is I believe one should move according to the times. The work regarding the arrangements and mixing has been taken care of by DJ Santosh and Buddha Sayami. It should be released by February 2007."

As of now, she has completed the recording of "Changba Oi Changba" and "Kasailey Bujhena Mero Mann Ko Bahalai". If you think that the re-mixed version of "Changba Oi Changba" done by DJ Raju is the ultimate and that another re-mix of the same track may not materialize…maybe we are underestimating Gyanu Rana. She opines, quote “the version Mausami did is quite artificially done and the way I have re-done it is far better than that!" Not only this, but she is confident that this album is also going to do wonders in the market commercially. "I have sung around 1200 numbers and I am 100 per cent sure that this album of mine is going to surpass all expectations. I can say this because of my years of experience in the music field."

She also informs that the music video of "Changba Oi Changba" is being worked out and DJ Santosh will be singing along with her as well.

All said and done, she has just completed yet another bhajan album, which is scheduled for release very shortly under the label of Purnima Cassette Centre. Lastly, she shares, "the compositions are all done by me except for two songs, which has been done by Krishna Devi Ranjit and Dhundi Raj Koirala."

Mausami Gurung Speaks Out

Looks like things are going really great lately for the talented Mausami Gurung who is one of the most sought after female singers in the country today.

Some months back, she had gone on a tour of Australia along with other Nepali artists and it has just been a couple of weeks since she come back after a series of events in the UK. While she was busy performing abroad, some of our readers got back to us saying that "Mausami, instead of singing Nepali songs to Nepali audience abroad sang Hindi Bollywood numbers. Quote, “If we wanted to hear Hindi songs why would we call her here!". We often hear about Nepali artists entertaining their audience with Hindi numbers while touring abroad; not that we want to make an issue out of it. After all, artists are required to entertain the crowd and give them their money’s worth irrespective of what language they sing in. Nevertheless, since it was one of the burning issues plaguing some of our readers, we decided to talk to Mausami herself and get her thoughts on it.

She admits that she did sing a Hindi number ("Dummaru Dum") while she was performing in Australia. She says, "Music is something which is very broad. My opinion is that at the end of the day music is music. It is not something which can be chained by a nationality or language. It is so diverse and everyone should be open about it. I did sing that Hindi song since the audience was asking for more encores from me. I had sung "Changba Oi Changba" a zillion times and I thought they might get bored of it. James Pradhan who was also performing at the same event asked me to go ahead with it and I saw no reason not to. There are people who like me or anyone else for that matter, singing a Hindi number and there are people who don't like it. Now what are we supposed to do? As I said before, music is music and people should be open about it!" It’s loud and clear Maushami! Hope you are reading this from Australia.

Now, that our questions were answered, more so of one of our readers from Australia, we decided to change the subject and ask her about her next project. She says, "Well, I am working on my second album and I have made an effort to make it different from my previous venture 'Unforgettable'. My plan is to release this new album by the end of January. It has different flavors of songs on it starting from Latino to selo, romantic to R&B. I am also doing a duet with Sugam Pokhael. The song is called "Lyauna Ta". This song was incorporated in my first album as well but this time round we have made many changes on it!" Way to go Maushami! Keep it up and good luck with your second album!

Ash-Abhishek to marry on Feb 19?

Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai are set to tie knot on February 19. Thats's the big news doing round in Bollywood these days.

According to sources, Bachchans' family astrologer has given the nod for ceremony soon after the release of their new film Guru. According to him Feb 19 is the ideal time for the couple to wed, as Rai's celestial planetary position will become compatible.

The wedding reception will be held in Mumbai at the Santacruz Hyatt and the who’s who of bollywood will attend the event. Neeta Lulla and Anna Singh will design the wedding dress for Ash and Abhishek respectively.

Sources claim that Ash and Abhi recently made an announcement at a friend’s party that they would be tying the knot, however the media will not be allowed to get an inside peak at one of the most happening events of bollywood.

In the meanwhile Ash will accompany Abhishek Bachchan and family for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

EXCLUSIVE …New Beginning For Aastha Thapa (Oli)

Popular TV personality Aastha Thapa (Oli) who captured the small screen by storm by hosting successful shows like 'Ghum Gham' and 'Win Kantipur' has been in the news in recent times. According to one of her family members who wishes to remain anonymous, she married Rajendra Bista secretly. (‘He recently came back from the United States’). Now, if you are wondering why make a big deal out of it, read further…..

According to a family member of Aastha…who wishes to be remain anonymous, Aastha is still the legal wife of Narendra Oli (brother of singer and media personality Komal Oli). Few weeks back, she had gone to her maiti and when her father-in-law Lalit Bikram tried to contact her…she could not be traced. Later, when Lalit Birkarm had a conversation with Aastha's maiti ghar he was informed that Aastha had not visited them in the first place. After this, Lalit Bikram filed a report at Lalitpur Jilla Prahari Karyalaya asking them to look for his daughter-in-law. On the other hand, since Komal Oli has not been living with them for the past five years, she was unaware of the happenings.

According to information provided by the family, Narendra is currently in Japan. He went there for a period of six months and is scheduled to come back sometime during February. The same family member who we spoke to states, "Narendra has not even been to Japan for four months and Aastha is doing all this! Narendra is going to be devastated now!" As stated by this family member, Rajendra Bista has not been in Nepal for long. He is also a married man and is a father of two children. "However, this person has been living in Jhamsikhel and he is a divorcee," mentions the source.

It was only after knowing about the divorce papers that Aastha had filed at a court in Dang that the family of Aastha became aware of her marriage to another man. This source informs, "Narendra has confirmed that once he is back, he intends to go to the court and claim his property that he had transferred to her."

Narendra Oli who is also a media person got married to Aastha Thapa on Kartik 6, 2056 BS. Theirs was a love marriage. According to Narendra's family, since Aastha had coerced him to settle down, they decided to tie the knot on the day of Bijaya Dashami. "We had told her that one should not marry during Kartik and to wait until Mangsir but she was the one who was adamant on her decision. She had told us that she has some family problems and had warned us that if they don't get married then, she would commit suicide. Well…we had no other option but to agree to her demands!" shares the member further adding, "During that time, she was pregnant but she had an abortion and got married. Aastha does not like babies…she has in fact aborted many times!" This source also mentions that so far Narendra and Aastha were not having any problems regarding their married life. Lastly this person confirms, "Aastha is an opportunist and too ambitious. Maybe it’s because of this nature of hers that she decided to take this step!" Pretty strong words there. We, here at fursad.com shall keep you posted on further developments on this story.

Abhaya and the Steam Injuns

Recently 'Abhaya and the Steam Injuns' came back after their ten day tour of Gangtok, Darjeeling and Namchi. Sharing the limelight with them was none other than Sabin Rai. They say that the tour was "simply good".

It was nearly two years back that 'Abhaya and the Steam Injuns' had released their debut album. They say that they have already completed the compilation of songs for their second venture for which the recoding will begin very soon. They promise that they shall not take much time in the recording process. "On February, we have a Hong Kong tour and as soon as we are back, we plan to release the new album," mentions Abhaya.

"It is not at all going to be the same! The specialty of our new album is that we have four songs written by poet Viplob Prateek. We love those songs to the core and we are very much excited to reveal those numbers to our listeners. We also believe that to get his creations is a plus point for us and our album!" Later she adds, "Our first album did incorporate rock, hip-hop and rap numbers among other flavors of music. However, the rock songs became more popular since we had visualized those numbers. Sad to say but the impact that those songs had in people was that we are a rock band. Here, I need to declare that we are not only good in singing rock numbers but we are equally good in singing other genre of music. Dot not typecast as a rock band! We want to be known as musicians who deliver quality music and we are here to make a difference in the Music industry of Nepal." Well…that was loud and clear. We got your message and hope everyone does it as well!

Ash-Hrithik kiss was obscene?

A court here today extended the date to January four in a case filed against Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai and actor Hrithik Roshan for allegedly performing an obscene scene in the film Dhoom-2.

The case was filed in the court of judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) R K Batham by the advocate Shailendra Dwivedi under section 292 (vulgarity) and 509 (derogatory to women) of the IPC.

The court today extended the date in the case to January four for recording statement of the complainant.

The complainant advocate has alleged that women felt offended with the obscene scene and it has promoted vulgarity in the society, especilly among the youths.

Baabul: Movie Review

Baabul

Producer: BR Films

Director: Ravi Chopra

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Hema Malini,Salman Khan,John Abraham, Om Puri, Sarika

Rating: 3/5

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It's often said that to change the system, one must remain within the system. And Baabul does this beautifully; clichéd enough not to rock the boat yet admirably, progressive, the film tries to maintain a balance between the two in every frame.

So there's Balraj Kapoor, played by Amitabh Bachchan, who's a traditionalist with a twist. While he believes and encourages Karva Chauth, he has strong, progressive views on widow remarriage. So when his only son Avinash, played by Salman Khan, dies tragically in an accident, he feels that his daughter-in-law Malvika should remarry, and not live a punished life. He encourages a romance between Malvika and Rajat (John Abraham), who's Malvika's childhood friend and has secretly been in love with her all along.

All's swell till the party poopers - the super conservative relatives vehemently oppose. Balraj's elder brother Balwant (Om Puri), is the sort who feels that widows bring bad luck to any auspicious event, and so keeps his widowed daughter-in-law (Sarika, with exactly one dialogue) within the four walls of the house. When he hears the, to-him bizarre, event of his younger brother getting his daughter-in-law remarried, he loses it. And tries to stop the wedding in typical filmi style, with a bellowing – ‘Ye shaadi nahin ho sakti'.

Interestingly, this very modern film follows the old school of filmmaking. So you have the super-rich North Indian family, sprawling mansions, beautiful, docile always-agreeable women in sindoor and mangalsutra. Still, it manages to be a supremely forward film. And a good film, largely because of Amitabh Bachchan, who's so convincing and lovable as Baabul, he has you in the palm of his hand. In his big, droopy eyes, you see his young daughter-in-law's pain reflected. And during his end monologue, you just want to get up and applaud. One of the lines has him thunder -`’we say that the practice of sati is over. But isn't denying a widow the right to live fully, equal to sati?'

Rani Mukherjee as Malvika shows up another award-winning performance after Black. In fact, in many intense scenes between Bachchan and Mukherjee, you feel the palpable connection and magic that the two brought together in Black. Complementing each other perfectly, and carrying the film on their shoulders, the two talent powerhouses are a treat to watch.

Salman's Avinash is an underdeveloped character. However the relationship between Avinash and Malvika is real and deep. This is a rare kind of on-screen romance, where the two are as much companions as they are man and wife. Keeping up its progressive tone, the film also shows Avinash attend pregnancy Lamaze classes with his wife saying that – ‘bache paida karna teamwork hota hai'. But the film falls back to old school again, and has the two break into song and dance, in open fields, without situation or warning. Again, while Malvika is a painter, who you feel would do a little more with her life post-wedding, she has her life revolving around karva chauth. It's good that she has a mind of her own, but what is she doing with it?

The music is ordinary and songs include the by-now customary Punjabi disco song, that's typically picturised with full family dancing alongside foreigner extras. The dialogues, save a few scenes towards the ending, disappointingly lack spirit, and do nothing to elevate the film. Director Ravi Chopra, credibly, again makes a film dealing with an issue. Baghban had one flinch a bit, at the stark black and white characters. By contrast, Baabul is a step up in trying to merge the old and the new.

Watch Baabul, for the story and brilliant performances by Amitabh and Rani. The three stars are largely for them.

Third bronze for Nepal; Shakya is the winner

Ayesha Shakya won the third bronze medal for Nepal in the ongoing 15th Asian Games in Doha, Qatar.

Shakya had to be satisfied with the bronze medal in the 59-kg category of Taekwondo after she was defeated by a Vietnamese player Thi Hoai Thu Nguyen in the semi finals.

Shakya, a silver medalist at the Tenth South Asian Games held earlier this year, had reached semi finals after defeating a Chinese player.

She became the third Nepalese player to win a bronze medal in the Doha Asiad. Earlier, Manita Shahi had won the medal in 63-kg category while Deepak Bista had won the medal in the 78-kg category.

Meanwhile, runner Arjun Bahadur Basnet finished at the 11th place in the marathon tournament by clocking 2 hours 23 minutes and 55 seconds. A Qatari runner won the marathon 11 minutes and 11 seconds ahead of Basnet who had won a silver medal in the marathon at Tenth South Asian Games.

Poila Jana Paam Vs Maile Lyauna Paam

"Poila Jana Pam" is one song which has been bringing back the smiles on most peoples’ faces and at the same time criticisms have been flowing in. Sung by Komal Oli it is the title song of an album of the same name. and released under the label of Music Nepal.

Just recently, two artists -- Bimam Chhetri and Suman Budha – cashing in on the popularity of "Poila Jana Pam" have released a song titled "Maile Lyauna Pam" incorporated on the album of the same name, 'Maile Lyauna Pam'. The irony of it all is that 'Maile Lyauna Pam' is doing much better in the market.

All said and done, Music Nepal is now all geared up to file a case against Bimam Chhetri and Suman Budha. Komal states, "I have no grievance against Bimam and Suman. Their song is very entertaining but Music Nepal, from whom I had released 'Poila Jana Pam' are planning to register a complaint against them in court after some homework. They say that Bimam and Suman have copied the tunes of one of my songs titled "Tulsipurma Ma Janda" on this particular song' Maile Lyauna Pam', which is on my previous album 'Mal Mal Kiri' and which was also released by Music Nepal."

Though Komal is not making an issue out of the latest development, she has some grand ideas cooking up in her mind. She shares, "Soon, I will be releasing an album which would be a counter attack to "Maile Lyauna Pam". I am doing so not because I am angry but I believe that this would be rather interesting and entertaining. The song shall be called "K Ho Timro Naam, K Cha Timro Kaam, Palna Sakchau Sakdainau Kati Kamauchau Daam". The flavor of this track will be very jhaurey and will soon hit the music stands."

Shahi bags first medal for Nepal in Doha Asiad

Manita Shahi became the first Nepalese athlete to bag any medal in the ongoing 15th Asian Games being held in Qatar, Doha.

Shahi won the bronze medal in the 63-kg category of Taekwondo on Thursday. She was defeated by an athlete from Chinese Taipei Wen Su Li in the semifinals. Earlier she had trounced Sangya Wangmo of Bhutan in a quarterfinal match after defeating Varsah Bende of India in the first round.

Shahi is a gold medalist at the Tenth South Asian Games held recently in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

However, other medal aspirants failed to win any medal on various categories of Taekwondo on Thursday. Among them include Ramesh Kumar Shrestha, Kumar Manandhar and Yan Kumari Chaulagain. On Friday also, Nepalese athletes will be taking part in Taekwondo competition. Taekwondo, karate and judo are few events in which Nepalese athletes are expected to bring home some medals.

Actress Sajja Mainali got married

Actress Sajja Mainali got married to Om Raj Bhattrai, a US citizen at 8:30 am today amongst traditional rituals at Indreni Complex, Naya Baneshwor.

According to her sister-in-law -- Bimala Mainali -- the marriage ceremony got conducted in a very simple way. Could not see what was happening since we were not invited!

Om Raj, an MBS Graduate and working as an accountant is permanently settled in the US. Sajja is the youngest daughter of Gopal Raj Mainali and Sarita Mainali.

See the sexiest Santa Girl.....

Newbie Sherlyn Chopra is so kicked about Christmas coming up that she's designed herself a complete Santa Claus holiday spirit costume.

The designer attire is a naughty two-piece set with a front cropped top, hot pants and the trademark Santa pom-pom hat; all made of luxurious red velvet, trimmed in snowy white marabou.

What's more! Sherlyn plans to wear this outfit wherever she goes on Christmas. Ooooh! Look out for the Santa Girl.

Jessica Simpson upset over Sex Tape rumors

It seems that Jessica Simpson will soon be keeping the likes of Pamela Anderson and Paris Hilton company, for rumours are abuzz that a sex-tape of the singer is about to hit the internet.

Apparently the tape, that features the ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ star and her former hubby Nick Lachey, has landed in the hands of the very same people who also put Pamela Anderson and then hubby Tommy Lee’s romp on the net.

Rumours are also abuzz that the individuals are ready to keep the sex tape out of the public domain if Simpson agrees to cough up a certain amount of money.

A source revealed to Britain's Daily Sport newspaper that the ‘Public Affair’ singer is “horrified” that her name is being linked to a sex tape, for she had always been the epitome of “morals and principles”.

"Jessica is horrified her name and sex tape are being mentioned in the same sentence. She's always been a girl of high morals and principles," the Post Chronicle quoted the source, as telling the paper.

Britney in American Music Award 2006

Britney Spears appears as a surprise presenter at the 2006 American Music Awards in Los Angeles.








Britney Spears walks on stage to present the award for soul/r&b favorite female artist at the 2006 American Music Awards in Los Angeles.