Deepika Padukone is all set to light up Diwali this year.

Deepika Padukone Photo Gallery

Deepika Padukone, daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone, couldn’t have asked for a better debut than venturing into Bollywood world opposite none other than the king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan in the Farah Khan Film Om Shanti Om.

Deepika has been depicted as a 1970s superstar Shantipriya and later as Sandy in the movie Om Shanti Om.

Born on January 5, 1986 in Mangalore, Karnataka, Deepika has been modelling appearances in print and television advertising campaigns for Liril soap, Limca, Close Up toothpaste receiving many prestigious modelling offers, including brand ambassadorship of the Jewels of India, an annual jewellery exhibition.

Deepika went into the international scene when Maybelline made her the new international cover girl face.

At the fifth annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards, for Indian models and designers, Deepika was awarded the title of Model of the Year. Shortly after that, Deepika was chosen as one of the models for the Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar for 2006, thus cementing her reputation as a supermodel.

She also bagged two trophies at the Idea Zee Awards in 2006 - Female Model of the year (Commercial Assignments) and Fresh Face of the year.

Like many successful models before her, Deepika chose the Indian film industry as a career. She started by starring in the music video for Naam Hai Tera a song from the pop album Aap Ka Suroor, by Himesh Reshammiya .

Deepika recently made her cinematic debut in a Kannada film, ‘Aishwarya’, directed by Indrajit Lankesh co-starring Upendra . The film is a box-office success and Deepika has received rave reviews for her screen presence.

In Bollywood, Deepika has already signed Priyadarshan 's next ‘Pirate’, and ‘Made In China’ opposite Akshay Kumar .

‘Om Shanti Om’ is to be released on November 9, 2007.

- BollywoodGossips.NET

Glamorous Mat Kaho Na: Lara Dutta

It hasn't been a easy time for the luminous Lara.

If she's been missing from the line of hyper-action for the past year it's because, Lara Dutta has been looking after her ailing parents. "They were both in hospital. So I was either with them, or shooting in Dubai and London. My first priority was my parents. And I had no time or appetite for networking and socializing."

Apart from other problems at home her cell number has been quite an irritant.

"They gave me a new number that apparently belonged to Mahesh Manjrekar. I kept getting calls from him."

The cell faux pas came to such a head that Lara would first clarify that it was Mr Manjrekar's number before proceeding with conversations.

She laughs heartily at the Priyadarshan-like confusion. Laughter comes easily to her after the success of No Entry and Bhagam Bhag.

"No film in recent times did more for me than No Entry. I wanted to do lighter films. And No Entry gave me that leeway. I did Bhagam Bhag because I wanted to work with Priyan. Secondly after Andaz it was my first lead with Akshay.

At the end of the day it was a massive learning experience with Paresh, Govinda and Akshay. But yes, I wish my character was utilized better. But I guess in an ensemble cast I got a fair share of space."

Remind her of her brief walk-on appearance in Kunal Kohli's Fanaa and she defends herself. "I had earlier said no to Kunal to a part in Hum Tum. I couldn't do that again without sounding arrogant.

And let's face it, it was a kind of initiation for me into the country's biggest banner Yashraj. It also gave me chance to share screen -space with two of my most favourite actors Aamir and Kajol. So why not?"

"Also," she clears her throat. "I've the clearly disadvantageous reputation of being an intelligent actress. That I couldn't fit into the airheaded parts was a bit of a hurdle. Also, I come from the glamorous industry (modeling).

For some strange reason, a part of the films industry feels you can't do the girl-nextdoor or take-home-to-mama roles if you're glamorous. That way I do feel limited.

I'm constantly offered glamorous prop-like roles. But that's changing. In Partner I was working opposite Salman and I didn't have the glamorous role."

Lara definitely sees the glamour thing as an impediment. "But I'm ready to wait for the bright and right parts. I didn't come into the industry to be a No.1, 2, 3. All it takes is hard work and I'm at it. I don't want to take the short cut of coat-tailing some big heroes to success.

When I walk out of the industry I want to be remembered as a good actress like Nutan and Smita Patil, not someone who was good at net-working. If I said no to a role it went to Bipasha.

If she said no it came to me. I don't want to do the interchangeable glam roles. I've made a conscious decision to stay away from them."

Then she gets briefly wistful. " I wish good-looking actresses had better-fleshed roles to perform and those did not just go to the Plain Janes."

Can Lara match Aishwarya's Paro?

After Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, Lara Dutta and Soha Ali Khan have been chosen to play Paro and Chandramukhi in Sudhir Mishra's modern version of Devdas titled Aur Devdas.

While Soha is yet to sign on the dotted line, Lara has done the needful.

They will portray the two classic parts in Sudhir Mishra’s version of Devdas being produced by Pritish Nandy Communications. The film will be shot in September.

Mishra's Chandramukhi will not be a dancer. She'll be an investment banker. Paro evolves into a politician. The film will be a gritty political drama.

Says Lara, “I’m very excited. I’ve wanted to work with Sudhir Mishra for a long time. And now we’ve the perfect script.” Playing Paro after Aishwarya in Bhansali’s Devdas is just the challenge Lara was looking for.

Both Lara and Soha were not the first choices for their roles.

Earlier Rani Mukerji was approached to play Paro while for Chandramukhi's portrayal, the makers wanted Esha Deol. But she did not have the dates. Though she wanted to do this role and tried hard to adjust her dates, but could not work it out.

Miss Maxims India

Miss Maxims India

Miss Maxims India

Miss Maxim India

After months of checking out drool-worthy babes, we finally had to stop enjoying it and come up with a winner. So here she is... Donna from New Delhi, India!

Can you believe this is happening to you? We can’t believe it’s
happening... us talking to you, that is!
I can’t believe it myself but hey, maybe I did deserve it. I am hot!
Sure you are. Was the photoshoot fun?
Yeah, it was a ball. There were the usual problems like powercuts and the Delhi summer but that’s part of the game. And then we were doing this at a construction site. So it was funny scandalising the workers around the place. I guess they couldn’t believe their luck.
Neither can we. Must have been the perks of their job!
(Laughs) I guess I did make them happy. Well, even they deserve some form of entertainment at work.
We agree. Now tell us what you will be doing at the Dominican Republic?
Nothing much really. I’ll just be my sexy self. And have a whale of a time.
So does this mean you will forget us? Will you never talk to us again?
Aww... no, I still love ya all. I am not the type of chick who forgets people or names.
Hmm... let’s test you. Do you remember your first boyfriend?
Of course, I do. He was a sweetheart. But somehow things didn’t quite work out between us.
Any naughty things you remember?
Sure, lots of them. But I am not gonna tell you anything now.
Damn, and we thought you would fall for it?
Well, this one time, we were driving around in his car...
And?
And I can’t tell you more. You gotta leave something to the imagination.
Oh alright, let’s talk about something boring like the weather!
Delhi summer sucks. I like winters. You can go out and party longer, go on long drives with the windows rolled down.
Yeah, but look at the brighter side. You get to wear bikinis in summer.
Hmm... that’s right!
Now that you agree with us, tell us all your naughty secrets!
Sure, just wait till I get back from the Dominican Republic!

This Bikini babe is in demand

Despite her rash and rude attitude, things are surely looking up for Sherlyn Chopra. She has just fired her publicist, so one would think that she won't make much news till she gets another one.

Instead, her stunning pictures in bikinis are registering the maximum downloads, having surpassed Aishwarya and Kareena.

Bollywood ace photographer Rakesh Shrestha feels that her photographs deserve space in some international magazine. The actress's images also have the highest mobile downloads for a leading mobile service provider.

For Sherlyn, sexuality is "an effortless expression", and not a forced one. So, photo shoots make no sense to her if she is not in bikinis.

The actress is so taken up with bikinis that she now plans to invest in her own line of the two-pieces. Apparently, the "pathetic high-waist" ones available in India turn her off completely.

My lingerie brand is a secret: Neetu Chandra

She may have worn a ghargra choli in "Traffic Signal", but in real life, Neetu Chandra is a complete brand freak. She shares her style statement with us.

Q: What is your definition of fashion?
A: I think fashion is all about being comfortable, wearing clothes that suits your body. Fashion is about how you carry yourself. One should not follow style blindly.

Q: Where do you mostly shop from?
A: I have my designers who take care of that. Anita Dongre, Rajesh and Anirban are the people behind my style. They know exactly what I am comfortable wearing and what suits my body. They are classy and different from the rest.

Q: Do you prefer any specific brands?
A: Yes, I am an absolute brand baby and prefer different brands for different outfits.

Q: Your gym wear is. . .
A: T-shirts, tracks and Reebok shoes. Infact, the tracks and t-shirts I use while working out are also Reebok. At times, people have actually asked me if I am endorsing Reebok.

Q. Do you go for the formal look at times?
A: I don't like wearing formals much, I wear them only when needed. When I do, I prefer Zara, Chanel and Christian Dior.

Q. What's your casual look?
A: A nice fitting pair of blue jeans and a plain T-shirt. I don't like stripes. For me, jeans have to be Levis and I prefer Forever 21.

Q: What do you prefer for evening wear?
A: My casual look doubles as my evening wear.

Q: What about night wear?
A: I wear loose outfits at night. They are more comfortable. Satin pajamas, loose T- shirts and spaghettis. I even wear shorts.

Q: Do you adorn yourself with accessories?
A: I am not much of a necklace girl. I do wear small earrings, bracelets and neck-pieces as long as it goes with my dress.

Q: Which brand do you favour for footwear?
A: Chanel, Aldo, and many Indian brands. The same goes for my handbags.

Q: What are the cosmetics that you use?
A: My skin is sensitive so I mostly use Mac products. They are good. Even Loreal lip-glosses are good. I use Origin body lotions and Lan con make-up remover.

Q: Which is the latest perfume that you bought?
A: I don't remember, but my favourites are Happy by Clinique, Davidoff Cool Water and Issey Miyake's basic fragrance.

Q: Brands you prefer for lingerie?
A: Hmm, that's a secret and I don't want any one else to know about it.

Q: What colours do you think are musts in any wardrobe?
A: I am a colourful person. So I like mostly all colours, but black, lemon, white, pink, and beige are favourites.

Hot Shilpa Shetty

The Chaiyya Chaiyya Babe - Malaika Arora

Malaika Arora Khan poses during the launch of Freshizza, a new variety of pizza by Pizza Hut in Bombay, India

Bipasha Basu very upset by Randeep

Bipasha and John have been shooting non-stop for Vivek Agnihotri's Goal at Nitin Desai's studio in Karjat. And so has Randeep Hooda for Ketan Mehta's Rang Rasiya.

He almost collided with the couple earlier this week when he drove his car at top speed inside the studio compound.

Grumbles Bipasha, "And then they write that I was admiring the man's driving! Am I mad to admire such rash driving?

To begin with, I don't know Randeep at all. Someone drove rashly, scaring the hell out of me, John and our respective staff. At the time it happened we had no clue where that came from. We came to know later who it was.

At that time I was very angry with the person driving the car, not admiring him, as reported in a daily. I'm not too fond of drivers who use the roads like their personal kingdom. I don't think it's right to drive like crazy, specially in a crowded place where people are shooting a film. I think anyone does so, should apologize. "

Randeep isn't in the mood to oblige.

Keep writing Trash about me:Bipasha

Dusky beauty Bipasha Basu says she never wanted to be an actress and her stint in Bollywood came by chance.

Bipasha, whose acting in films like "Corporate", "Raaz" and "Omkara" has won her rave reviews, told: "I never wanted to become an actress. I was happily doing my modelling but then I got bored of it. Acting came to me just by chance.

"But yes, I'm thoroughly enjoying it now and don't think I will get bored of it, but still if I do, I'll find something else to do."

Looking gorgeous in a green dress, the Bengali beauty, who was here for an event, said she was looking forward to acting in one or two substantial projects a year that would give her satisfaction.

Bipasha, who has acted in 33 films in her six years in the industry, has four films on hand - "Goal", "Race", "Paankh" and "Mr. Fraud".

"Now that I have achieved something in Bollywood, I really don't want to work everyday of my life. Frankly speaking, I don't need to work for money or fame, " she said.

"I have made my bit. Whatever assignments I take up now will only be for myself. It should satisfy me.

"There are many films that our industry is making but very few interesting. If you look at the cream of Bollywood, they just do one or two films a year, and I feel that is the best thing to do because then you produce quality."

Bipasha, who is reported to have been roped in for Mira Nair's ambitious project "Shantaram", on the life story of a convict based on Gregory David Roberts' best selling novel of the same name, said she would always be associated with Bollywood in some way or the other, even if she gets bored with acting.

"I'm very interested in the process of filmmaking. If I opt out of acting, I think I will be involved in some aspect of making movies. Either I will take up writing or assist someone, but as of now I'm in love with our industry. It is a fantasy world."

The silver screen diva's personal life is under public scrutiny. From her lip lock with football sensation Christiano Ronaldo, her romantic link up with Saif Ali Khan to her speculated break-up with long time boyfriend and Bollywood hunk John Abraham, Bipasha has made some juicy headlines.

But the actress says the probing eyes and ears of the media never affect her.

"I understand that it is everyone's job to make a story. There is too much competition to break news or write something interesting, " she said. "I believe it is part of their job and I'm sure many have to do such things even though they might not feel like writing such things.

"But I'm not affected by all the speculations and scrutiny. I cannot stop it, so why bother about it. One has to be intelligent about such stories. I understand such news is being reported because it sells. For me, people around me matter, not what people are thinking about me or writing about me."