Kareena to star in Marigold?

Siddharth Jain of Hyperion Films will not reveal who will play the female lead in Marigold. "The cast of Marigold will be made public on February 10 after Willard Carroll, the director, comes to Mumbai," he says.

Though Salman Khan has been finalised as the male lead, the heroine remains undecided. Apparently, Hyperion have sounded out Kareena Kapoor for a part opposite Salman.

At the moment, Kareena is reading the script. Interestingly, Preity Zinta, who rejected the role when it was offered to her, is now doing the role Kareena refused in Karan Johar's production Kal Ho Na Ho because she was denied her market price.

The filmmakers are also talking to Hollywood actresses like Sandra Bullock and Ashley Judd to play the firang girl who comes to India to act in films and meets Salman.

Sanjay discharged

Kaante director Sanjay Gupta, who survived a serious road accident, has been discharged from hospital following three surgeries.

He is now staying at a hotel since his house is being renovated.

Ten years ago, Sulakshana Pandit, who sang popular tracks like Beqaraar dil tu (Door Ka Rahi) and Somwar ko hum (Apnapan), mysteriously disappeared from the music scene. She was rumoured to have suffered a breakdown.

She is set to bounce back with Sapna Chalta Raha, a ghazal album.

Hero promises to thrill

Post Gadar -- Ek Prem Katha, director Anil Sharma appears to have another winner up his sleeve. His forthcoming Rs 50 crore project The Hero starring Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Priyanka Chopra is one of the hottest propositions going.

The film has good pre-release reports for its powerful performances, hard hitting dialogues, intriguing plot and action.

No films for Smriti

Smriti Malhota-Irani aka Tulsi of top Indian soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has received many film offers. But the actress has no intention of joining the filmi bandwagon.

"People do films because they want to be rich, famous and to fulfill their creative satisfaction. I have everything -- a successful career, creative satisfaction and affluence. I am even looking after my husband Zubin Irani's work. Which makes me a rich woman," she smiles.

As for fame, she says, "I am not less famous than any top actress today. Moreover, my popularity is not transitory. It does not change every Friday. Some films I have been offered went on to become superhits, but I have no regrets."

Smokin' Kapoor

Anil Kapoor appeared disgruntled on the sets of brother Boney's new film, Bewafa in which he costars along with Kareena Kapoor and Akshay Kumar.

On the sets, he was heard complaining about how he has to smoke non stop for the film and how it would eventually affect his lungs.

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