Asin is Sabse Tez Sitara of 2009

Asin Thottumkal made her debut in Bollywood, with Ghajini, the remake of its Tamil namesake, subsequently winning the Filmfare Best Female Debut Award. Ever since then Asin has gone on an award winning spree. The recent being, Lux–Sabse Tez Sitara for an upcoming and promising star in the film industry.

Reveals a source, “Asin has big brands behind her name. She made her debut with Aamir Khan and the next film saw her with Salman Khan. She is a classic beauty and has a long way to go in the industry. The ‘Sabse Tez Sitar Award’ is well deserved.”

Asin recently also received the Kalaimamani Award from the governor of Chennai for her contribution to arts and cinema and the Anandalok Award (The biggest award ceremony in Kolkata) for the best actress for Ghajini.

“The Kalaimamani award is given for one’s excellence in the field of art and literature. Down south Asin has already bagged 2 Filmfare Awards making her the recipient of a total 3 Filmfares at such a tender age,” adds the source. Advertisement

Asin found a copycat in Poorna!

Seems like Asin has found a big fan down South in actress Poorna, who is over the moon ever since the moment actor Vijay commented on her saying, ‘she looks like Asin’.

May be Poorna does faintly resembles Asin, when it comes to her looks, but then the actress seems to be imitating Asin a lot in her mannerisms too.

Recently, Poorna was spotted with almost same-patterned dresses that are usually worn by Asin. Be it her way of addressing the media channels or the walking style: Poorna has been fervently copying Asin’s mannerisms.

Poorna, who made her debut in Kollywood with ‘Muniyandi Moondram Vizhangiyal’ has acted in various Kannada films. As of now, the actress is curiously awaiting the release of ‘Kandha Kottai’ starring opposite Nakul.

Let’s hope for her sake, this copycatting proves fruitful to her and lands her a role in Bollywood! Advertisement

Asin leaves sour taste in Salman’s mouth

While Asin claims to be having a cordial relationship with Salman Khan, the media is abuzz with the news of their friendship turning sour. During the shooting of London Dreams, the chemistry that the on-screen couple shared had become the talk of the town.But recently Salman has been spotted ignoring the actress, so much so, that the eternal bad-boy of Bollywood even refused to acknowledge her presence at a press conference held for the promotion of their flick. Avoiding the actress, Salman walked away from the interview leaving Asin all alone to face the media.

The reason for Salman ignoring Asin, both pictured, is because their friendship was under the constant scrutiny of the media, leading to rumours of a link-up, which was affecting his relationship with Katrina Kaif.According to a source: “Asin reached the studio at 1pm as scheduled. Salman was unwell as the previous day he had been to Kolkata where he contracted an allergy. His face was swollen and he had a runny nose. Hence, he was not very comfortable doing the interviews and requested the media guys to reschedule it, but continued to chat with them.”Asin was aware that the joint interviews would not happen, but she refused to move.

It was evident that she wanted to meet Salman. She came over from Studio number five to studio number six to sit beside Salman. “To everyone’s surprise, Salman did not even greet her. In fact, he completely ignored her. She sat there for some time but he simply refused to speak to her. Then he got up and left. Asin had no option but to leave after that. She was left wondering what went wrong between the two ‘friends’.” The news has been denied by Asin who said they were travelling together and attending the premiere in the same limo.

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Asin leaves sour taste in Salman’s mouth

While Asin claims to be having a cordial relationship with Salman Khan, the media is abuzz with the news of their friendship turning sour. During the shooting of London Dreams, the chemistry that the on-screen couple shared had become the talk of the town.But recently Salman has been spotted ignoring the actress, so much so, that the eternal bad-boy of Bollywood even refused to acknowledge her presence at a press conference held for the promotion of their flick. Avoiding the actress, Salman walked away from the interview leaving Asin all alone to face the media.

The reason for Salman ignoring Asin, both pictured, is because their friendship was under the constant scrutiny of the media, leading to rumours of a link-up, which was affecting his relationship with Katrina Kaif.According to a source: “Asin reached the studio at 1pm as scheduled. Salman was unwell as the previous day he had been to Kolkata where he contracted an allergy. His face was swollen and he had a runny nose. Hence, he was not very comfortable doing the interviews and requested the media guys to reschedule it, but continued to chat with them.”Asin was aware that the joint interviews would not happen, but she refused to move.

It was evident that she wanted to meet Salman. She came over from Studio number five to studio number six to sit beside Salman. “To everyone’s surprise, Salman did not even greet her. In fact, he completely ignored her. She sat there for some time but he simply refused to speak to her. Then he got up and left. Asin had no option but to leave after that. She was left wondering what went wrong between the two ‘friends’.” The news has been denied by Asin who said they were travelling together and attending the premiere in the same limo.

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Asin at the Tata Sky Call Centre ..Latest Photoshoot

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Deepika steps in Asin’s shoes

After Asin suddenly backed out of Ashutosh Gowarikar’s next anticipated period film, buzz is that Deepika Padukone has replaced her. The film titled Khelen Hum Jee Jaan Se starring Abhishek Bachchan is based on the Chittagong Uprising of 1930. Abhishek essays the role of Surjya Sen, and Ashu, after the dud Whats Your Rashee?, is putting his heart and soul into the movie. He wants it to be bigger than his earlier epic love story Jodhaa Akbar and was very keen on signing on Asin in the female lead. He was amazed by her work in Ghajini and wanted the same type of expressiveness to shine in his film as well.

However, Asin backed out at the last minute, citing date issues, leaving Ashu in a tizzy. A source close to the director revealed, “Ashutosh, who was busy working on the pre-production work of the film, was left surprised when Asin backed out of the film. He was back to searching his lead, and after Genelia D’souza and Sonam Kapoor, he finally zeroed in on Deepika Padukone, who readily accepted the role. Deepika had wanted to do a period film for a while now, and she knows that Ashu holds expertise in that area. She’s also excited to work with Ashutosh and Abhishek Bachchan for the first time. What more could an upcoming actress ask for so early in her Bollywood career?”

But why didn’t Asin feel the same? Explains her friend, wishing to stay anonymous, “Asin is tired of being sidelined in films. If she was praised for her performance in Ghajini, everybody knows who hogged most of the limelight. If she would have been promoted well during her first film, she wouldn’t have been taken for granted by other directors. The other being Vipul Shah, who didn’t utilise Asin in London Dreams as well, he made sure Salman and Ajay were the stars of the film and made Asin look a mere extra in the film. She didn’t even have a song for herself in the movie.” While Ashu is staying mum about bringing on Deepika on board, his wife Sunita confirmed the news, saying, ‘Yes. Deepika is on. We are really looking forward to working with her’

It is reported that Sikander Kher has also been offered a role in the film. After Niketan Dheer, who was cast in Jodhaa Akbar, here’s yet another star-son to get a break with Ashutosh.

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Asin on the cover of FHM November 2009

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Salman Khan plays Asin’s protector

Toodley too doo hoo my dimsums! A jasoos from Dubai just called to tell me about Salman Khan’s protective ways with Asin. Yeah, the two sitaras had taken off to the Gulf for the first night-out of their musical London Dreams, while co-star Ajay Devgan and producer-director Vipul Shah opted to promote it on desi shores.Point to be noted is that initially, the two stars were to reach the venue in separate Limousines.

But apparently, Sallu suggested that instead of going alag alag and akele akele, Asin and he should travel saath saath, in the same Limo.Of course, Asin couldn’t refuse… Specially since he’s a senior star and they had become good friends during the shoot of the musical. But there was another problem — she was wearing a gown and the way it flowed, it kind of swept the floor.

So Sallu ensured that her outfit didn’t get dirty and played the chivalrous hero to the hilt, apart from playing mentor and protecting her when the crowd tried pushing closer to the stars at the theatre.Now now, before you get any ideas, my jasoos reiterates that Sallu and Asin are just very good friends. Yeah, but of course. Who said anything else?

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Salman-Asin resorting to cheap publicity?

Somebody might have opened the Pandora’s box as the release date of London Dreams drew near. All sorts of gossips varying from Salman Khan’s close relationship with his co-star Asin Thottumkal to their big fight filled the newspaper entertainment columns and websites.Do you think the lead pair is resorting to cheap publicity? Who knows, because they neither complained nor cared to clarify the gossips.

Yes, they say ‘no publicity is bad publicity.’ Asin, being relatively a novice in Bollywood though a big name down South, seemed to be disturbed by all the gossips. But Salman handles it differently. He keeps mum on all the issues – be it his relationship with Asin or the alleged ‘fight’. He knows it would create more hype around the film and thus pave the way for a good opening.

Well, the much-hyped film London Dreams, starring Ajay Devgn besides Salman and Asin, releases today. Let’s wait and watch whether it’s worth the hype!

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Salman Khan snubs Asin in public

Another B’wood fallout! I just love these tinsel townies. Their emotions fluctuate so much, there’s always scope for a turnaround in any relationship. The latest to join the list is the Salman Khan-Asin friendship.A little birdie told me that the actors who shared a loving relationship during the making of their film London Dreams, have fallen out just before the film is all set to hit the theatres. And for no apparent reason.So let me tell you what exactly happened. In a recent press conference, Salman ignored (and I mean IGNORED) his co-star Asin completely. He pretended not to see her and simply refused to acknowledge the Ghajini girl’s presence when she was sitting right beside him.

Now, that’s taking shortsightedness to a new level, wotsay?Ok, so this is how it went. There was a press conference. Interviews were scheduled in two adjacent studios. Asin started with her interviews at 1 pm. Salman Khan was unwell after his Kolkata trip and wanted his interviews rescheduled but however, continued chatting with the media. Asin, obviously wanting to meet her superstar co-actor came from studio 5 (where her interview was being held) to studio 6 (where Khan was speaking to the media) completely aware that there was not going to be any joint interviews. Salman did not even greet her! OUCH!

But persistence thy name is Asin! The girl stuck around, sitting right next to Khan and getting ignored. Finally Sallu got up and left. Asin had to follow.Now, one cannot help but wonder what had gone wrong between the co-stars who had got along famously so far. So Juicy Mausi just had to do some snoopin’ around. According to this little birdie, Salman andAsin were so close, it was apparently creating problems in his relationship with Katrina Kaif. And that’s exactly why Khan decided to distance himself from the lady. Hmmm… Is he just trying to be the example and tell Katrina to do the same with Ranbir? Who knows?

However, Asin refuses to give in to such rumours and apparently has claimed that the duo had come and left the interview together. They are even going to attend the premiere ofthe film in the same limo! Good for them!

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Asin Thottumkal is game for a bikini

It is difficult to survive in Bollywood without glamour. Even established actresses have been forced to go glamorous due to cut-throat competition. Rani Mukherjee exposed like never before in her recent release Dil Bole Hadippa while Kareena Kapoor and Lara Dutta stunned the audience by appearing in bikini in their recent releases.

So, is our Ghajini actress Asin Thottumkal game for two-piece attire? The answer is ‘Yes’.Asin recently said that she is not averse to wearing a bikini. She thinks it is very subjective and depends largely on how comfortable she feels with the team. She doesn’t rule out donning it in the future if the script really demands it.

Well, Asin’s second Bollywood film London Dreams is releasing tomorrow, October 30. She acts with Salman Khan and Ajay Devgn.

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Who gets Asin in London Dreams?

Vipul Shah’s London Dreams is making all the buzz this weekend with both Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan vying for Asin’s attention in the film. Asin couldn’t believe her stars when Vipul Shah approached her for the role of music enthusiast and dancer Priya in the film opposite Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. “ I love Vipul’s cinema, he showcases emotions really well and his films always have strong music. So it was actually a no-brainer that I wanted to be a part of this project immediately on hearing its script.” Asin is a part of Ajay Devgn’s rock band London Dreams also consisting of Aditya Roy Kapoor and Rannvijay.

Ajay who secretly loves Priya is shocked when his close friend Salman who he invites to be a part of his band starts developing feelings for her.Asin felt at home while essaying the role of Priya, “I play a South Indian girl, who is emotional but strong willed and ambitious at the same time.And she has two radically different sides to her. At home she’s a traditional girl clad in Indian outfits but the minute she’s out with friends, she’s a fire brand, and that shows in the way she dresses. And she’s also partly responsible for the conflict between Salman and Ajay’s characters.” The conflict leading Ajay on a path of jealousy and pride when he sabotages his best friend Salman’s musical future only to realize the extent of his mistakes later. Asin described her co-stars saying, “Salman has a ‘bad boy’ image.

Many told me that he was very temperamental and erratic! Having worked with him I dispelled all those myths. I got to see a sensitive actor who had an absolute ball on the sets and went out of his way to make everyone comfortable.Both Ajay & Salman are also great offscreen friends and that shows on celluloid.”Vipul Shah was convinced on choosing Asin for his highly anticipated release after the success of Ghajini, ‘I had seen Asin’s work in several south Indian films and felt she was perfect for Priya’s part. After the success of Ghajini, I was convinced that I made the right decision. She’s only been a joy to work with and has excelled more than my expectations from her in the film.” He spoke of his leading lady.

When quizzed whether Asin goes with Salman in the movie, Vipul adds, ‘That would give away the climax of the film entirely which is bound to blow the audience away.” Early reports suggest may the best man win!

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Salman Khan-Asin jam with US fans

Salman Khan and Asin Thottumkal engaged with the US and Canadian fans and media in real-time to promote London Dreams, with the help of MTV VJ Rannvijay Singh. People from around the world were able to login from www.studio18india.com and view the hour-long conference live, organised by Studio 18, and held at the Network 18 office in Mumbai on October 22, 2009. London Dreams releases October 30. Check out the event in pics. Advertisement

B'day special: rare childhodd photos of Actress Asin

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Asin on her relationship with Salman

After keeping silent for a while, South Indian beauty Asin Thottumkal has surfaced again with her second Hindi film London Dreams getting ready for release on 30th October. This time, she speaks on her relationship with actor Salman Khan. Asin said that she shares a professional relationship with Salman.

She clarified that it’s a very friendly professional relationship and not a robotic one. She went on to say that they are very comfortable with each other and would promote for the film together. But what about her alleged affair with him?

She said that it’s a complete rumours. She added that the news of her tiff with him is also not true.

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Asin shoot Big Bazaar commercial with Dhoni

The latest actress to shoot with the Indian cricket captain is South sensation, Asin. The actress shot for the Big Bazaar commercial with Mahendra Singh Dhoni at a studio in Film City.

Actresses teaming up with cricketers have proven to be an exciting combination for advertisers. MSD has shot with Bipasha Basu for the Reebok commercial in Hong Kong and this is the second time that the cricket captain has been roped in to lure customers for a product with another actress.

Asin signed the clothing company sometime in April and had earlier shot a print campaign for them. But this is the first television commercial for the actress with this brand. Asin shot with Dhoni for the entire day, which included several dress changes. The mood of the shoot was full of fun as the duo kept playing games with each other and at the end of it, Asin said, "MSD was great fun. I had a ball shooting with him."

With Asin's shooting schedule for her Indo-Japanese film still in the pipeline and Dhoni, taking a welcome cricket from international cricket till September, the clothing company got the two celebrities together for the ad campaign which will hit television screens by mid August. Advertisement