Knee tear no big deal for Bipasha

Bollywood star Bipasha Basu got a tear in the knee while rehearsing her dance steps in Bangkok, but the actress says it's no big deal. She even brought her physiotherapist to the sets in Mumbai so that she didn't have to inconvenience anyone with her problem.

"I didn't even know it was a tear. There was a lot of pain in Bangkok and I didn't know what it was. I thought it was a problem related to my flat feet. But after I returned to Mumbai and finished with John's (Abraham) brother's wedding reception I got an MRI done. It showed a tear.

"It's a very common occurrence in the legs of active people like dancers and athletes. That tear just stays. There's no cure for it. If you lead a routine life it doesn't bother you at all. Otherwise there's arthroscopy. But my orthopaedic surgeons have not advised it. I can walk, work out, dance, do everything."

In Mumbai, she brought her physiotherapist to the sets.

"I didn't want to inconvenience anyone during the shooting. So as a precautionary measure I kept a therapist around because during a dance movement there was some swelling. None of the dance steps changed. Dancing is a routine activity so the therapist was just a precautionary measure."

Bipasha said injuries were just part of her job and that the biggest actor had suffered some time or the other.

"It's part of our job. It's no big deal. You just have to understand your body and be careful. Four years back I ran with the wrong shoes. It caused a knee problem. I immediately corrected that. I believe in long-term health and when I work out I listen to my body. If any part of my body gives me any pain I stop immediately. And no trainer can push me," she quipped.

The actress was seen pushing co-star Saif Ali Khan off a building in Race and now she pushes Neil Nitin Mukesh off the ninth floor in Bangkok for a sequence in forthcoming film Freeze. So has she become an expert in pushing people off skyscrapers?

"Race was a hit. And if Freeze turns out a success they'll think my pushing heroes off buildings is lucky for a film. Everyone will start writing in a 'heroine-pushes-hero' scene into all my scripts. I'm becoming a hero-pusher," she chuckled.

Ranbir and I are friends: Bipasha

Bollywood's dusky beauty Bipasha Basu says that her favourite actors right now are both newcomers - her Bachna Ae Haseeno co-star Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan of Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na fame.

In fact, her new mobile phone ring tone is a song from Jaane Tu... and she can't stop praising Imran.

"I love that song and I adore Imran Khan. I think he's going to be a huge star. He and Ranbir are my current favourites. In fact, I told Ranbir how much I like Imran. He didn't mind it at all. Ranbir and I are friends after Bachna Ae Haseeno," said Bipasha.

Talking about making friends in the industry, Bipasha admitted that during the shooting of hit movie Race, Katrina Kaif and she were just about cordial with each other.

"Some people you gel with. Others you just do your job with. Katrina is one of those cases. We were just professionals on the sets. But there was no rivalry or anything," said Bipasha.

But she added that while they weren't too friendly with each other they weren't fighting either.

"We were both working for the same film, not at cross-purposes. We were both liked in Race. Though people would like to believe otherwise, there was no negativity or animosity between us. There was no dramatic tension on the sets. We're both too sensible for that. There was just no scope for one-to-one interaction."

Made by director duo Abbas-Mustan, the thriller also starred Akshaye Khanna, Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor and was declared the first big hit of the year.

Bipasha has an unfinished project with Abbas-Mustan - Mr Fraud.

"I'd love to complete the film. Right now I'm going through a phase when I'm searching for roles. I've no idea what I want. But, yes, I'd like to do an author-backed zany fun-filled film. At the same time I love multi-starrers. They're more fun on the sets.

"Lots of unfulfilled wishes before I give up acting. If I don't like what's being offered, I won't sign anything. For now my last film is Freeze with Neil Nitin Mukesh."

Bipasha had to miss boyfriend John Abraham's brother Allan's wedding in Romania in May as she was shooting in Bangkok.

But she attended the wedding reception in Mumbai where everyone commented on her bonding with her sister-in-law Anka.

"She's really sweet. John's brother and Anka were seeing each other for three years. Beyond that I wouldn't like to say anything about them. Let them lead their own lives."

John's ambitious film Aashayein is ready and though Bipasha loves the movie, she won't be helping to promote it.

"Beyond buying a ticket I'm doing nothing to promote the film. That's a very good way to pitch in," she said.

Bipasha enters television

In this present era, television is roping more and more Bollywood actress. It’s a treat for the TV buffs to see their favorite actress on small screen. In this way, both the show and the actress get benefited. Joining the bandwagon of judging reality show will be Bong bombshell, Bipasha Basu. Soon Bips will don the judge seat like Kajol, Urmila Matondkar and Raveena Tandon.

She will judge the dance-based show Chak De - Shehar Di Kudiyan Te Galli De Gunde. She will be joined by another judge Raveena Tandon. According to a reliable source, "Karishma Kapoor was initially approached for the show, but she declined due to reasons best known to her."

When the organizers of the show approached Bipasha, the concept lured her and she readily agreed to take part. The shooting will start as soon as Bips gives her dates. It will be a double bonanza for the TV lovers to see two Bollywood actresses judging one particular show.

Ranbir is a great friend: Bipasha

The dusky beauty of Bollywood is flying high. In her recent flick with Ranbir Kapoor, Bipasha Basu has set the screen on fire.
Says the actor, “It has been quite crazy. The process of making the film was effortless and enjoyable. Wherever I go, people have been appreciating my work, actors, directors, my fans, even people I meet at the gym. It is sweet to receive love from so many people.”

She laughs when we ask about the supposed ‘love triangle’ between Ranbir, Deepika Padukone and herself. “Let me say it right now, Ranbir is not a good friend, he is a great friend. I enjoyed working with him throughout the film. Though I didn’t work alongside Deepika, I spent a lot of time with her during the promotion. I gel well with her.” Talking about the couple, she says, “They are a fantastic couple, and individually they are excellent. I’m good friends with both of them.” Well, how was it working on the film? “It was an interesting part for me. A lot of girls called me saying how they identified with my character.”

Bipasha will be seen in a completely new avatar in her next film Pankh, in which she stars alongside Lilette Dubey and Mahesh Manjrekar. The story is about a young boy who is forced to act as a girl as a child actor. “It’s a very heart-wrenching film. I play a character that is created from the young boy’s imagination. It is a whacky character, and when I heard the script, I immediately said yes, much to director Sudipto’s surprise,” says she. Bipasha is also looking forward to a Bengali film, titled Sab Choritra Kalponik. Speaking about the film, she informs, “I play an NRI, who cannot identify with her poet husband. But, once he dies, she reads his work and falls in love with him through his literature. It is a very beautiful and interesting character for me to play.”

Finally, we cannot but help ask her about John Abraham. The beauty replies, “I am looking forward to travelling to Philadelphia and New York where John is shooting for his current film. Once we return, we both plan to go house shopping.”

Looks like Bipasha is having a roaring time, not only on the professional, but also on the personal front as well!

Bipasha Basu in 'Bachna ae Hseeno'

While most Bollywood stars do everything they can to appear cool, professional and squeaky-clean, diligently concealing all their nasty little secrets, Bipasha Basu appears wholly unconcerned by controversy.

Ever keen to talk about her breakdowns, her highs and lows, her fantasies and her boyfriend John Abraham, many would say she's built a career on titillating public confession. But she's also an increasingly fine and award-winning performer.

It's another story that she hasn't won many awards but she definitely has won rewards even for her special appearances for lighting a 'beedi' or being a part of 'phoonk de'. It all goes to show that when Bips is on screen, she is on fire.

So we wonder why bipasha basu is shying away from being what she is famously known for, according to latest reports Ms.Basu refused to shoot an initmate seduction scenes with Ranbir for their forthcoming 'Bachna ae Hseeno'.

Supposedly bipasha was not aware about the scene before she signed the dotted line.

Bollywood is male-dominated: Bipasha Basu

Bipasha Basu says Bollywood is a male-dominated industry and the actresses in it have to plan their career carefully and meticulously.

"It's a man's industry and it's never going to change. There is no use pointing out our stand verbally or through action," Bipasha said without mincing her words.

The bombshell further added that options get reduced for those actresses who are in a relationship, or are engaged.

"There is a limited choice for actresses who are already involved in a relationship," Bipasha is quoted as saying.

"Your personal life has an indirect impact on the offers that come your way. Once you are bonded into any relationship the choice is limited and one has to make right moves," she added.

Speaking about rivalry between her and some actresses (like Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif ) in the industry, Bipasha said: "It all depends on the kind of behaviour that the person in front of you shows. If someone acts friendly then I will behave in the same manner."

However, of her two foes, Bipasha recently made up with Kareena Kapoor at the birthday party of Saif Ali Khan . And now that Bipasha is friends with Bebo, she says there is no awkwardness between them.

"I never had a chance to understand her but now the awkwardness is gone," said the dusky actress who has been celebrating the success of her last release Bachna Ae Haseeno with Ranbir Kapoor , Deepika Padukone and Minissha Lamba .

I had fun with Deepika: Bipasha

Say Bipasha Basu, and the image that conjures up is of a sexy, glamour doll, who is too hot to handle. But, as she warms up to the conversation, it is her scintillating intelligence that gets you.

Putting aside all the diplomacy, she articulates on subjects good, bad and controversial. In a free wheeling chat, Bipasha speaks about women in Bollywood, the controversies surrounding her and a holiday with boyfriend John Abraham.

Experimen-ting with roles
"I don't think much while selecting a role. I do whatever makes me happy. But, fortunately for me my films are a nice mix of different characters. For every masala film I also have a Corporate, an Apaharan and the extremely arty Pankh to boast of. I have enjoyed doing the comedies too as they are fun and we also have a blast on the sets. I am happy with the roles that I have done."

Bollywood is male centric
"I am intelligent enough to realise that women are always secondary in this male dominated industry. Look at the way Shah Rukh Khan, Salman and Aamir are still going strong. But we actresses can never even dream of such an inning. The only actress in Bollywood who has been able to beat this system is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. You can call it her luck or just being at the right place at the right time, but the fact is that she has achieved this feat. In fact her fame goes beyond Bollywood as she is the only one who is recognised in Hollywood. This is something, which can't be said for even SRK or Big B."

Coping with controversies
"They are never of my making, but yes, there is one to my credit almost every day. I don't know how these rumours about me acting pricey and having differences with Deepika Padukone got started. I am not crazy to insist that I will sit next to Ranbir or will make an entry with him on the sets of a television programme. I know that the two of them are together. In fact I gel very well with Deepika. In fact she is the only actress with whom I don't mind sharing a vehicle. This is something I would never do with any other female star.

Then there was this big fuss about my having refused to shoot with Shahid and Vidya Balan for the finale of a music reality show recently. The fact is that the channel and the title sponsorer for whose product I'm the brand ambassador had some differences. I was asked not to go for the shoot. Then they asked me to do so the next day and I went."

Home sweet home
"My new home is taking up a lot of my time. All I want is a comfortable bed, a nice kitchen were tasty food can be prepared and a luxurious bath. I think we guys deserve at least this much after a long and tiring day. I'm working on this and will be ready to enjoy it by early next year."

Holiday with John
"It was just that I arrived at Capri for a film's shoot and fell in love with the place. So I called up John to share my joy with him. The next thing that I read was that John and myself are planning a holiday at Capri. Please, I would never go there for a holiday as it would be too tiring."

Shah Rukh Khan and Bipasha Basu: Brown is Beautiful!

Last week’s furore over the L’Oreal ad featuring a lighter skinned Beyonce is reflective of a worrying trend in India and Bollywood to equate fair skin with beauty. “It’s bizarre this obsession with fair skin. It reflects a lack of intelligence; something is wrong with their heads,” Bipasha Basu, heroine of this week’s release Bachna Ae Haseeno (‘Beware you beauties’), told me when I asked her why some Indians prefer light skinned beauties.

Basu, a leading Bollywood actress, is often described as ‘dusky’ due to her less than ‘wheatish’ complexion so typical of most Bollywood leading ladies. In fact, Basu had a spat with the anorexic looking green-eyed Kareena Kapoor some years ago when they worked together in ‘Ajnabee’. Kareena had allegedly called Bipasha a ‘kaali-billi’ (black cat).

Bollywood stars also endorse skin-lightening creams which are very popular products in India. These creams are not only aimed at women. Shah Rukh Khan advertises ‘Fair and Handsome’ for men and I asked him directly why he was doing this. The ‘King Khan’s’ reply was defensive and not entirely convincing: “I don’t think like that and I am not perpetuating this. I like tanned complexion in men and women to be honest. I am not fair myself. The whole idea is to say to men in India that they need to look after their skin.” Whatever became of dark and handsome?

Bipasha Basu to take John on a holiday

Bipasha Basu has fallen in love all over again. And this time it’s for keeps. On a recent shooting spell in Italy she was captivated by the idyllic town of Capri and decided to revisit the place for a holiday with beau John Abraham. “It’s so restful and lovely. It’s not a place to work. It’s a place to holiday. And I’m taking John,” Bipasha, whose shot recently released “Bachna Ae Haseeno” in Italy, told IANS.

Bipasha feels the hotel she stayed in at Capri was one of the best experiences of her life.

“It’s called JK Place. The biggest celebrities of the world visit there. I had the best room overlooking the ocean. It was the most gorgeous suite I had ever stayed in. I didn’t want to work. I wanted to call my boyfriend over for a holiday.”

Otherwise Italy was great fun.

“We finished work very fast everyday and went sightseeing in a big group to Rome. Capri was very cute and small. We were shooting in a villa. We were all together all the time. I remember we couldn’t get any chicken in Italy. There was other kind of meat that I don’t eat. When I finally got chicken, I was so happy. Me, who’s almost a diehard vegetarian!”

Bipasha is now getting her house renovated and will plan this holiday as soon as John returns from Philadelphia were he’s shooting for Kabeer Khan’s “New York”.

“I’ve rented a place close to where I live. I’ll shift to that place while my house is being renovated. It took me a while to find the rented place. At the moment, the rented place is being done up, so I can move into it while renovation starts in my house.

“I’m waiting for the other place to be ready. But in the meanwhile I’m staying in my own place without a bed in a makeshift corner while the workers get busy hammers and tongs. So you see, I’m not in a very happy state of mind. A good time to take a holiday.”