Priyanka goes from I-T department’s ambassador to suspect

Bollywood News: Bollywood beauty Priyanka Chopra whose premises were searched by the Income Tax department had only last year starred in a short promotional film aimed to spread the message of tax compliance.

Chopra along with Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar had featured in a 20-minute-long documentary by the I-T department which was unveiled by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on July 24 in New Delhi to mark the first ever ‘Income Tax Day’.

The actors in the film had appealed to the public to pay their taxes diligently and honestly.

In an interesting twist of fate, I-T sleuths swooped upon Chopra’s apartment in suburban Versova while the residence of her father, Ashok Chopra, in suburban Lokhandwala, was also raided besides the premises of the actor’s secretary Chand Mishra.

The searches were conducted yesterday morning as the department suspected tax evasion on brand endorsements, offshore assignments and private appearances by the actor who has starred in films like Dostana, Anjaana Ajaani, Kaminey.


I-T officers are now checking her income received from advertisements, foreign assignments and guest appearances.

“The I-T department had approached the actors including Chopra for the documentary as they are considered youth icons and Aamir (Khan) and Akshay (Kumar) were amongst the top tax payers in the film industry,” a senior I-T officer said.

But, when it comes to professional duties, the department will conduct inquiries against anyone and everyone, the officer added.

read more at bollywoodgossip

I'm not comfortable dancing at New Year's events

Will I dance this New Year's eve? Bollywood actresses answer...
Priyanka Chopra: "It's a matter of personal choice. I'm not comfortable dancing at the New Year's event. But then I don't want to be judgmental about those who do. I've always tried to be different in my choices.

This year I've said no. But if some other year I'm presented with an interesting option and a concept then why not? I did perform at the Nelly Furtado New Year's even concert two years ago.

Celina Jaitley: "Yes I'll go on stage on New Year's Eve in London at the City Pavilion.

The tickets, apparently are priced at a whopping 125 pounds per head. Is it proper to head to London for New Year's eve revelry when Mumbai is morning and most actresses have canceled their stage gig?

It's not the actresses who have canceled their performances. It's the luxury hotels in Mumbai which have done away with New Years eve shows. As for me I won't be performing in London. I'll just be making an appearance.

Although it'll be known as the Celina Jaitly night where Javed Ali (who has sung for A R Rahman in Jodha-Akbar and Yuvraaj) and Rishi Rich will perform. I'll just just go on stage."

"I wouldn't perform at the New Year's eve bash unless I'm sure about the hotel and the security. Having taken care of that, as long as it's a respectable event properly publicized and with a fat paycheck, I'd be tempted.

Malaika Arora: "I'll be performing for New Years eve in Singapore. Performing at a tacky event is a definite no-no. I can tell tacky from classy.

The show organizers who look after their artistes well are Cineyug, Wizcraft, G.S. Entertainment (Bunty Walia) and Sohail Khan.

I know for a fact that these guys would never be involved with anything tacky. This year I'm performing for Wizcraft. I know they'll look after every detail including the artiste's security.

If I'm uncomfortable with the milieu then the answer is no. I've performed at the Marriott and it was a wonderful experience and a lucrative deal.

Koena Mitra: "I'd be lying if I said that security at a New Year's eve performance is not a concern for me, after what happened to me last year (Koena was stalked and manhandled). Now as a rule I double check the security.

Having said that, like any artiste I love performing in front of a live audience. What better way to bring in the New Year?

Dia Mirza: "I've been getting offers to perform on New Years eve for years. But I've never been tempted. Honestly the remuneration offered for such performances can weaken your resolve. But I've stuck to my ground.

So the answer to the offer of dancing at these year-end affairs remains a firm no. Performing on the 31st of December is a personal choice. I'd prefer to bring in the new year with family and friends.

Sophie Chowdhary: "I hope to perform in Delhi this New Years eve.

Although the general mood is gloomy I truly feel that we should not allow fear to overpower us. Recession and then 26/11...we need to regain our strength and power. Of course we must not forget the lessons of 26/11.

At the same time we mustn't be afraid to live our normal lives. We need to begin 2009 on a happy and positive note."

Shilpa Shetty: "I'm not against dancing in a hotel for New Years. After all, what's the difference between dancing in an awards night or at a New Years' event? Please! I've danced on 31 December in the past. But this time, no thank you. I've got five different offers to dance this New Years. And at unheard-of prices.

The fee was tempting. But sorry I wasn't tempted. This year I'm going on a family holiday to Spain for the New Year. I'd any day sacrifice any kind of money for the family. …

Today being in a serious relationship and contemplating marriage I'm in a different mind space. I'd perhaps not be that enthusiastic about dancing at dos. But again, this is not a moral issue.

Please! I repeat, there's no difference between dancing at a mundan or a new year's eve function.

Priyanka Chopra in 'Notting Hill' remake

Suddenly, the reclusive younger scion of Yash Raj Films is busy playing a multitude of roles. Uday Chopra is ready for a new beginning in the Hindi film industry. But this time, Uday will not only act but also be actively involved in the filmmaking process. Bade bhaiyya Aditya and father Yash Chopra are planning to again launch Uday in a Yash Raj film, Pyar Impossible in which he stars opposite Priyanka Chopra. Uday has also written the film's screenplay.

'Pyar Impossible' is loosely based on the 1999 Hollywood film 'Notting Hill', which is based on a relationship between a star played by Julia Roberts and a bookshop owner played by Hugh Grant. Uday's good friend Jugal Hansraj will direct 'Pyar Impossible'.

We sent a text message to Uday Chopra to confirm the news. On behalf of Uday, his spokesperson said, "It's too early to talk about this." Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra is quite happy about this Yash Raj film. She said, "Lately, it is the only script that I really liked. I cannot tell you much about the film's plot nor can I reveal the title. Although I sat through several script narrations, I was not too sure about what to do after Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'What's Your Raashee'. When I heard the script for Uday's film, I was immediately excited. It is a beautiful subject. It's a dream role for any actress."

Commenting on her equation with Uday since 'Pyar Impossible' is Priyanka Chopra's first film with the Yash Raj banner, Priyanka said, "Uday and I have often bumped into each other socially. I know him but not well enough to call him a friend," said Priyanka.

Only time will tell if 'Pyar Impossible' will breathe new life into Uday Chopra's acting career but his jodi with Priyanka and the fact that it's based on a popular film like 'Notting Hill' should make for an interesting watch.

Priyanka Chopra in 'Notting Hill' remake

Suddenly, the reclusive younger scion of Yash Raj Films is busy playing a multitude of roles. Uday Chopra is ready for a new beginning in the Hindi film industry. But this time, Uday will not only act but also be actively involved in the filmmaking process. Bade bhaiyya Aditya and father Yash Chopra are planning to again launch Uday in a Yash Raj film, Pyar Impossible in which he stars opposite Priyanka Chopra. Uday has also written the film's screenplay.

'Pyar Impossible' is loosely based on the 1999 Hollywood film 'Notting Hill', which is based on a relationship between a star played by Julia Roberts and a bookshop owner played by Hugh Grant. Uday's good friend Jugal Hansraj will direct 'Pyar Impossible'.

We sent a text message to Uday Chopra to confirm the news. On behalf of Uday, his spokesperson said, "It's too early to talk about this." Meanwhile, Priyanka Chopra is quite happy about this Yash Raj film. She said, "Lately, it is the only script that I really liked. I cannot tell you much about the film's plot nor can I reveal the title. Although I sat through several script narrations, I was not too sure about what to do after Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'What's Your Raashee'. When I heard the script for Uday's film, I was immediately excited. It is a beautiful subject. It's a dream role for any actress."

Commenting on her equation with Uday since 'Pyar Impossible' is Priyanka Chopra's first film with the Yash Raj banner, Priyanka said, "Uday and I have often bumped into each other socially. I know him but not well enough to call him a friend," said Priyanka.

Only time will tell if 'Pyar Impossible' will breathe new life into Uday Chopra's acting career but his jodi with Priyanka and the fact that it's based on a popular film like 'Notting Hill' should make for an interesting watch