This time it was Sonal Chauhan who had to pay a fine of Rs 85,000 for not declaring her designer purchases

Sonal Chauhan's trip to Macau over the weekend for an awards event ended on a bitter note.

On her arrival in Mumbai on Sunday night, the actress was intercepted by the airport customs for carrying high-end brands. She was fined Rs 85, 000 and then allowed to go.

The Jannat actress had picked up two branded designer bags at the Hong Kong airport. She was carrying her purchases and walking through the green channel, when she was stopped.

Says an onlooker, "Sonal had a suitcase and her two purchases in her hand. She did not realise that she would come under the Customs scanner. She was asked to show the receipts for the Salvatore Ferragamo and Chanel bags she had bought."

The starlet had her proof of purchase with her and according to the costs she was asked to pay Rs 85, 000 as fine for evading duty.

A source close to the actress states, "She did not want to create a scene as people had started gathering around when the customs folk were questioning her. She co-operated with them, paid the fine and was then allowed to go."

Bollywood folk in the Customs net...

On January 7, Dia Mirza was fined Rs 50,000 for not declaring her branded bags/cosmetics worth over Rs 2 lakh on her return from Bangkok.

In August last year, Ekta Kapoor was fined Rs 50,000 for not declaring her branded buys on returning from Bangkok.

In June last year, Anushka Sharma was questioned while returning from an awards event in Toronto for carrying undeclared jewellery.

In May last year, Minissha Lamba was apprehended for carrying jewellery worth over Rs 50 lakh on her way back from the Cannes film festival.

In the same month, Bipasha Basu had to pay about Rs 12,000 for carrying branded stuff on her arrival from London while Vikram Lamba (Mallika Sherawat's brother) was detained for carrying foreign currency and high -end goods on his arrival from Dubai.

Courtesy: Mid-Day.com

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All eyes have been set on Agneepath for this year hasn't really quenched the thirst of cinegoers who are yearning for a good film. Karan Johar's ambitious venture has all going for it, great cast, great and not to mentioned safe plot, roaring item number and ample publicity to not escape the eyes of anyone. However, the risky part comes with the alterations in the storyline. So does the newage Agneepath manage to please the audience? Let's find out.

A revenge saga, Agneepath, set in Mandwa, is the story of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan (Hrithik Roshan), who's sole purpose of living is to take avenge his father's death. But to take down Kancha (Sanjay Dutt), a ruthless and ferocious man, Vijay must grow to his stature and he does so under the wings of Rauf Lala (Rishi Kapoor) the biggest drug mafia of Mumbai. How eventually does Vijay maneuvers his way to seek revenge from Kancha follows through the rest of the plot.

One of the prerequisites for watching Karan Malhotra's Agneepath version 2012 is that one comes with a clear and open mind as after the initial 20 odd minutes that match up to the original version, the film takes its own course and establishes a new plot, which too mind you, has its own potent standing in the main plot running in the backdrop.

One cannot completely eliminate the comparisons this film will draw from its original counterpart and many might still sigh for missing the heavy kohl eyed Amitabh Bachchan mouthing dialogues in his deep baritone and moving around with his contagious swagger, newage Agneepath takes its own time to create Vijay's character and bring him to a point where you begin to yearn along with him for the revenge he seeks.

The developments made in the story of new Agneepath work for the good as well as the bad. The shock value of the film has been increased to grip the audience further more into the story. The entry of Rauf Lala's character works completely in favour of the film and provides a very convincing change in the plot. Moreover, the exceptionally brilliant portrayal of the character by Rishi Kapoor engulfs the audience into the brutality of the world Vijay breathes in.

The negatives to the film come in the name of Priyanka Chopra's character Kaali which is a complete waste and by no means adds any bit to the film. Even the initial portions of the movie appear highly fragmented and structured haphazardly. Director Karan Malhotra gives glimpses of brilliance but fizzles them soon enough with the repetitive errors he makes in direction.

Despite having a potent plot running along, the story meanders meaninglessly into sub plots that are needless and only eat up screen time. Some of the highlights of the film lose their impact owing to the fragmented execution.

However, the portions where Karan excels deserve special mention. The credit goes to him alone to create a dark world, envision an evil character such as Kancha and give him that brutal ruthlessness or even grow Vijay's character to a level as that of Kancha. Some of the scenes that stand out are the execution of Dinanath Chauhan, the introduction of Rauf Lala, the fight between Rauf Lala and Vijay and eventually the climax.

Although there are minor flaws, for example, the stab wounds on the stomach of Vijay disappear the moment his shirt rips off to showcase his chiseled eight pack abs giving a very '90s feel where the hero never dies, it's the execution of the fight sequence between a huge Kancha and a daring Vijay that keeps the audience at the edge of their seats.

Right from the first promo itself the unanimous opinion remained that Sanjay Dutt would easily overpower Hrithik Roshan in this film. However, Hrithik proves everyone wrong and outshines in his portions. Sanjay Dutt too does a brilliant job. Priyanka as mentioned before gets wasted. Zarina Wahab and Om Puri are decent in their parts.

Music by Ajay-Atul, except Chikni Chameli that sets the screen on fire, is passable. Cinematography and dialogues are average at best. The film could've been made crisp by slick editing.

Much against some flaws, Agneepath deserves to be lauded for performances and should be encouraged for a very convincing remake to a cult classic.

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Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) Remember Aditya Roy Kapoor? The young, curly-haired actor, seen in films like "Action Replayy" and "Guzaarish", will soon be relaunched in Gautham Menon's tri-lingual film project.

The actor had vanished almost to the point of non-existence, not answering messages or phone calls. But now it turns out he has been busy in the south shooting for a Tamil-Telugu-Hindi movie, being directed by Menon.

Menon, who is in the news for his new Hindi film "Ek Deewana Tha", confirmed the news.

"Yes, I am working with Aditya Roy Kapoor in a film that I am making in three languages - Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. The Hindi version with Aditya is called 'Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau'," he said.

About Kapoor, Menon said: "I spotted him on the location for Vipul Shah's 'Action Replayy'. I immediately knew he was right for 'Assi Nabbe Poorey Sau'."

Menon has apparently shot almost the entire film already. The movie also features Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

While Kapoor plays the lead in the Hindi version of this adventure-comedy-drama, Tamil superstar Jeeva and Telugu star Nani play the lead in the other two versions of the film.

Interestingly, Samantha, whom Menon introduced in Telugu film "Ye Maaya Chesave" in 2010, features in all three versions of the film.

"I already have three different heroes in three different languages to deal with. In addition, three heroines would have been impossible to handle. So Samantha stars in all three languages," said Menon.

The director says shooting a tri-lingual is like making three different films.

"I do one shot with Aditya and then the same shot with Jeeva and Nani. We go through every shot three times over in exactly the same way. I've never done a film simultaneously in three languages," he said.

However, Menon is worried about other things for now.

"At the moment, my full focus is on the release of 'Ek Deewana Tha'. It's a simple, old-fashioned love story," he said.

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Mumbai, Jan 24 (IANS) If Kamal Haasan had his way, superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be the only actor to step into his shoes for the Hindi remake of Gautham Menon's Tamil film "Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu".

Shah Rukh is currently in a dilemma as he has to choose between the remakes of two Tamil films - "Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu" and A.R. Murugadoss's "Ramanna".

Both offer the picky King Khan a chance to do something he hasn't done before -- a south Indian remake with parts that he hasn't tried before.

"While Murugadoss's film casts SRK as a social crusader, Menon's film casts him as a cop, a role he has played just once in Shashilal Nair's 'One 2 Ka 4' and that too a plain-clothed cop. SRK has never got a chance to get into khaki uniform. This, 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu' will let him do," said a source.

Haasan, who played the role of the cop on the lookout for a serial killer in the original movie "Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu", has expressed keen interest in Shah Rukh reprising the role in the film's Hindi version.

"Kamalji is extremely fond of Shah Rukh. They go back a long way to the time when 12 years ago Shah Rukh agreed to do Kamalji's 'Hey Ram' free of cost. When director Gautham Menon, who understandably respects Kamalji's opinion, asked the thespian who should play his role in the Hindi remake, Kamalji promptly gave Shah Rukh's name," said a source close to the project.

Menon confirmed his eagerness to cast Shah Rukh and said: "I don't know where these reports of Salman Khan being an option for 'Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu' are coming from. It's Shah Rukh Khan, who is the first and only choice. Kamalji played the part in the Tamil original. So Shah Rukh seems the right candidate for the part."

There is another reason why Salman was eliminated early from the race to play the cop in Menon's film.

Salman has already done the khaki bit several times over.

"Shah Rukh in khaki is a novelty. Salman has been there and done it many times. Shah Rukh is our man for the part," said the source.

Apparently, "Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu" will explore the same dark noire cop-killer space as Aamir Khan's "Talaash".

A source close to the project says that the only reason Shah Rukh has not given a final nod to Menon's remake is because he wants to see how "Talaash" is received by the audiences.

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Ahead of the wedding, best friend Sajid Nadiadwala and Fardeen Khan threw a grand pre-wedding bash for the wedding couple Genelia D'Souza and Ritiesh Deshmukh at Royalty Bandra. "Riteish and Genelia are lovely couples. Their seven years of relationship is very strong and I admire it. The celebrations will begin from Jan 29," Nadiadwala told reporters.

Bollywood stars turned up in large number to bless the couple. Boman Irani, who shared the screen space with Riteish in many films, said: "Riteish is like a son, friend and partner to me. I wish all the success to both of them."

Their pre-wedding bash was a star studded affair. Dressed in blue outfit, Genelia arrived hand-in-hand with Riteish. Deepika Padukone in retro style was seen entering the venue. Arjun Rampal with his wife Mehr Jessia was also spotted. Amisha Patel, Jiah Khan, Sanjay Dutt with wife Manyata, Boman Irani, Sajid Khan, Sameera Reddy were invited.

Farah Khan posed with her husband Shirish Kunder. Karan Johar, Neha Dhupia, Ashutosh Gowariker with wife Sunita, Zanire Khan were also spotted. Tusshar Kapoor and Neil Nitin Mukesh also arrived. Vishal Bharadwaj, Dino Morea, Sunil Shetty present at the bash. Also spotted Arshad Warsi with wife Maria.

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It's very unfortunate that fire broke out on the set of Aamir Khan's debut TV show on Monday night and caused huge damage.  The fire broke out due to electrical fault. Within fraction of second, things turned into ashes. The set is built near Madh Island, Malad to ground.

An insider said, "It was an extremely unfortunate event. Due to some electrical fault, the set caught fire and within minutes spread across the sets."

"Early evening the entire team had gone and done a recee and only about 20 people from the light and set department were wrapping light adjustments when the fire broke out. Luckily everyone was cleared and there were no casualties," said the source.

Talking about the damage, the source added, "Right now it's difficult to say whether or not it will cause any delays or for how long for the show to take off."

When contacted, a spokesperson of Aamir Khan's production house said, "It has been extremely unfortunate incident. We only feel lucky and very relieved that no one was hurt. As soon as we will be allowed to inspect and take stock, is when we will be able to assess the damage and decide to what extent we would need to repair the sets."

It is heard that Aamir's new talk show deals with issues related to the common man. It was also reported that Aamir moved into tears on the first day of the shoot.

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Putting the rumor into rest, when asked about Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra said that she does not want to talk about King Khan. The actress who co-hosted Zee Cine Awards with Shahrukh Khan has received huge applause for her act and mimicry.

When the actress was asked about her affair with Shahrukh Khan, without wasting anytime, she replied, "I will not talk about this. I shall never talk about this."

Speaking about her upcoming release 'Agneepath', the actress said, "I am nervous and excited. Reports have been brilliant. They have liked Hrithik (Roshan), Sanju (Sanjay Dutt) and my work. More than anything, they have loved the film. I'm very proud of Karan (Malhotra, the director) as this is his first film and I'm his first heroine. For me, it's not a remake. I hadn't even seen the original 'Agneepath' till I signed this film. Also my role has been written fresh."

Apparently, Priyanka's close proximity with SRK has separated the actress from the Salman Khan's camp. "I have worked with every co-actor possible. I don't come from a film background. I don't have relationships with people in terms of uncles and aunts. I have been an outsider. Wherever I'm today is due to the support of this film industry. They have given big films and amazing work to me. It hasn't been because of any director, production house, actor or a person. I have never been a part of any camp. I respect every co-actor tremendously and equally. I would work with anyone," the actress said.

Priyanka Chopra is a versatile actress and over the years, we have seen her growth as an actress.

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If everything goes as per plan then very soon we will get to see Shahrukh Khan and Imran Khan as brothers. UTV Motion Pictures are keen to remake the Tamil blockbuster 'Vettai' in Hindi and they wanted Shahrukh Khan and Imran Khan to step into the shoes of Madhavan and Arya.

In the movie, Madhavan and Arya played two brothers. One is peace loving while the other is a hooligan. UTV wants Shahrukh and Imran to enact the role as both have not paired together before and they would form a wonderful combination and secondly, they never starred in any remake.

Apparently, UTV's decision to cast Shahrukh Khan did not go well with Madhavan as he is s keen on essaying his character in the Hindi remake.

A source said, "But UTV, who have earned huge profits with the Tamil film, would rather take the remake further with two big stars in the lead roles. And since Shah Rukh and Imran have shied away from remakes of South Indian films, the production house feels that the novelty factor of their pairing will add to the edge of the remake."

When contacted, Siddharth Roy Kapoor of UTV said, "Nothing has been finalised yet. It's too early to talk about the details. But we're definitely considering remaking our Tamil production 'Vettai' in Hindi, since it's a huge success down south."

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Stars dazzle at Zee Cine awards in Macau. Celebrities are in full attendance at the Zee Cine Awards and the evening saw sizzling performance by the stars. The couple that dazzled the most was Ranbir Kapoor and his ex-flame Katrina Kaif. Kat shake her legs in 'Chikni Chameli' tune and 'Sheila KI Jawani'. She was applauded a lot by the audience. She was also awarded with international icon female award.

Ranbir enchanted the audience with his first live performance on songs like Bachna Ae Haseeno, Sadda Haq and Prem Ki Naiya. He bagged the best actor popular award for 'Rockstar'. Later, Ranbir joined Shahid Kapoor on the stage and the duo paid a tribute to late Shammi Kapoor and Dev Anand. Rockstar sweep away maximum award at the award show. It got into it's credit Best Director, Best Film (Popular), Best Music (AR Rahman), Best Singer (Mohit Chauhan for Jo Bhi Main) and Best Lyrics award.

The host of the evening Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra steal the show with their mimicry and one liner. The award show was a complete hit and charmed the audience of Macau.

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The official remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer 'Agneepath' is slated for January 26 release and before the film hit the theatre, a special screening was held last night.

So here's look at the stars who attended the screening of Karan Johar's 'Agneepath'.

Sanjay Dutt attended the screening with wife Maanyata Dutt, the main protagonist of the film Hrithik Roshan arrives for the screening of his much-awaited film. The lead actress Priyanka Chopra was seen in a relieved mood.  Priyanka plays the character of Kaali in the film who plays Hrithik's love interest. The cast and crew of Agneepath: Producer Karan Johar, director Karan Malhotra, Priyanka Chopra and Hrithik Roshan were spotted in a jovial mood.

Arbaaz Khan spotted in a new look. Arjun Rampal was seen entering the theatre. Actor Zayed Khan attended the screening with wife Malaika and son Zidaan. Chunky Pandey, Karisma Kapur dressed in style was also spotted outside the venue. Actor-director Amole Gupte were seen at the screening. Vinay Pathak outside the venue.  Hrithik poses with actor Dino Morea. director Punit Malhotra at the screening. Designer Nandita Mahtani and director Ayan Mukherjee arrives at the screening. Actress Sangeeta Bijlani was also spotted at the screening. Aditya Pancholi arrived with his wife Zarina Wahab.

Jewellery designer and wife of DJ Aqeel, Farah Khan Ali, outside the theatre. "I have no words to describe Agneepath. Congratulations @kjohar25 @iHrithik @duttsanjay @priyankachopra, rishi kapoor & karan malhotra. Kudos," she posted on Twitter after the screening.

Fashion designer Manish Mahotra also came to watch the screening.

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Genelia D'Souza is going to walk the aisle with her long time beau Riteish Deshmukh and the biggest question that arises ahead of her wedding is that whether she will continue acting after marriage. Genelia has a good fan following and she has charmed all and one with her acting in 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' and 'Force'. Down south, she has also created a niche and Genelia doesn't want to disspoint her audience by quitting films. She will take a short break after marriage but will resume work like Kajol whom she idolizes.

Genelia will follow her idol Kajol's footstep and would not stop acting after marriage. She says, "I will be the same after marriage like I am now." Genelia will follow Kajol and Aishwarya. They have taken a break from acting after marriage, and then return into mainstream and ruled the silver screen again.

Says Genelia, "I am inspired by Kajol, she is my favourite and I want to follow in her footsteps". Kajol is Genelia's choice for another reason. They share the same birthday.  

Genelia will be seen with Riteish in 'Tere Naal Pyar Ho Gaya' soon after their wedding.

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