Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood’s Globe is Golden

It may be an American award show, but it is hard to keep the Golden Globe Awards strictly domestic, not with the use of a word like “globe” in the very title.

Fittingly, this weekend’s award show at the Beverly Hilton will include some of India’s biggest stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, A.R. Rahman, and Karan Johar.

One of India’s top composers, Rahman, is up for Best Original Score for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, which has already won 55 awards since its American release about two months ago.

For the first time in the award show’s history, an Indian actor will present an award. A heavy-hitter in Indian cinema, Khan will be asked to announce a winner, though details about the specific category are uncertain.

Also invited to the award ceremony is Johar, who is currently in Los Angeles filming his current project, My Name is Khan, reuniting Shah Rukh Khan with famed actress Kajol.

Another Magazine Cover for Bollywood Buxom

Apparently, the new fad in the magazine industry is to dip into Bollywood to find its next cover girl.

The latest Bollywood buxom targeted by a magazine is Neetu Chandra, who was selected to grace the cover of Maxim. Chandra, who recently starred in the Hindi film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, reportedly bares her backside in the risqué men’s magazine.

Neetu Chandra

An up-and-coming actress in Bollywood, Chandra really did not need Maxim to boost her acting career, which was already off to a hot start after she debuted alongside Akshay Kumar and John Abraham in Garam Masala.

Convicted Stars Turn to Politics in India Too!

What is it about politics that draws entertainers, drug users, and criminals into its ranks?

Renowned Bollywood tough guy actor Sunjay Dutt has reportedly announced his intentions to run for office in the upcoming Indian general elections.

According to the socialist Samajwadi Party, Dutt, 49, will seek to represent India’s most populous state, Uttar Pradesh (UP), despite currently serving a criminal conviction. Of the 545 members of parliament, 80 represent UP.

One of Bollywood’s most popular and bankable stars, Dutt was sentenced to six years in jail after he was found guilty in 2007 of possessing illegal weapons he allegedly purchased from men accused of plotting a series of blasts in Mumbai in 1993. The blasts killed more than 250 people.

Dutt, who was also a heavy drug user, was granted bail for his appeal on the 2007 conviction.

Previously, two other Dutts served in Indian politics, including Sanjay’s father (Sunil) and sister (Priya).

In India, convicted felons are not barred from standing for office. An Indian watchdog reported in nearly one-quarter of the 542 federally-elected officials in 2004 faced criminal charges, including murder and rape.