Bitchy Bee

For all those who want to read intellectually stimulating pieces of literature and serious world-changing journalism, please read The Hindu, not my blog. The fact that you are reading this means you want to know about some itty bitty, gossipy, juicy tidbit of information on celebrities. Then, when you can't digest it, lash out at me. Why? Turn the page then. I am committed to sharing news and views that you may not get to know about anywhere else so you better have the stomach to stand the stew or call for another menu!

Having substantially chided you on your naughty behaviour with me, I am in the mood to forgive, like Priyanka (Gandhi-Vadra). Talking of the Gandhis and Congress, it brings to mind this piece of information I received the other day. Krishna Shah, the very successful Indian producer in Hollywood, who's now back to living in India permanently, and who only about a month ago sold off his brilliant film script on the Taj Mahal to Sir Ben Kingsley for a cool Rs 2 crores, has been in talks with top brass of the Congress for making a film on Indira Gandhi. However, I have been given to believe that the top brass is not really keen to have a bio-pic made on the former Prime Minister. Not until he agrees to some of the demands made by the top brass… No, the demands have nothing to do with changes in the script. They are more, well, in the nature of him looking after the well-being of the party, so to speak… But these things do not stop the gutsy Shah, I am informed. We'll have to watch this space for further developments. And in case you don't know who Krishna Shah is, I suggest you do a Google search on him or get out of town, pronto!

One person who just might have to check out of town, long term, is Perizaad Zorabian. The lady is going to be hosting some luxe lifestyle show on NDTV soon but clearly she don't know the first thing about luxe brands in India. Or at least her team is clueless. On one of the promos of the show I happened to see recently, Sheetal Mafatlal was clearly seen and heard talking about Valentino's service motto in India. Dear Peri, Sheets has been shown the door by Valentino eons ago. It's Mumbai-based theatre man Anish Trivedi's wife Vineeta who is now peddling wares for Valentino in India. If the fashionistas get wind of this boo boo, and they will, Peri's not going to be able to show face, in public or private. They'll claw her.

Poised with her claws sharpened right now is Maureen Wadia, who's been going around society telling people how pissed off she is with the Times Group for constantly stealing the beauties she's discovered over the years (apparently, Lara Dutta, Diana Hayden types). This comes after the recent Miss India fiasco with one of the winners, Harshita having to give up her crown, surely you've read all about it (don't expect me to give you the lowdown here). Of course, she'll never say this to the media…

Meanwhile, her to-be daughter-in-law, Preity (Zinta) just finished shooting for the July cover of Vogue India with Farrokh Chotia. Strange that Vogue is putting her on the cover again, after they put her on it just last year for their launch edition. And she's not even really in the reckoning anymore, so the trade pundits whisper. Guess that's the result of the ego clashes and chaos that's been ruling Vogue India since its launch. Hope I'm invited for the funeral.

Okay, I've had enough entertaining you, but just a few parting shots before I sign off. While the media's gushing about Priyanka Chopra and boyfriend Harman Baweja's film, something called Love Story 2050, let me tell you most of the film industry is giggling and sniggering. Hope it does well.

Shobhaa De changed her number a month ago but it's already leaking out faster than gossip. Which means if you want it, just ask yours truly. The funniest part is that she's avoiding calls, feigning recognition and refusing to admit that it's her who's picked up the phone! Like as if anyone's dying to call her!