Kareena plays truant

Kareena Kapoor's tantrums are not restricted to the small producers. She is now playing hard to get with Subhash Ghai.

Ghai had finalised her for his next production, to be directed by Satish Kaushik. After stalling for time, Kareena suddenly developed a date problem and walked out of the project.

A few rumours say that the actress did not want to star opposite lead actor, Arjun Rampal.

But the real reason appears to be the moolah. Ghai, as he usually does, is said to have signed the Kapoor girl for two films for a nominal price, when he offered her Yaadein. Now with the success she has seen, Kareena has hiked her price.

And with Boney Kapoor offering her a crore plus, she has no reason to oblige Ghai.

Kareena's loss turned out to be Preity Zinta's gain, as she has been signed up for the role.

Problem child

And while we're on Kareena, in case you've heard that the actress is going gaga over Vashu Bhagnani's Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein don't wonder why. It's only too obvious.

The girl had been offered Ashu Trikha's Deewaanapan and had opted out at the eleventh hour, making Bhagnani very angry. Now in making amends, Kareena is not just buttering up the producer but also passing the subtle message.

The process only has her rubbing Arjun Rampal the wrong way. And with this, begins a battle of words between the Kapoor and Rampal.

Television beckons Mohnish Behl

Joining the ranks of the famous stars who have moved over to the small screen is apna villain Mohnish Behl.

The actor is either fed up of the film roles that are coming his way or the money offered to him is tempting.

But the fact remains that Mohnish is doing a serial for Cinevista, heavily inspired by the television serial, Chicago Hope. A serial based on the medical profession, even has a Dil Toh Pagal Hai angle with the young doctors and their relationships.

Mohnish Behl is said to be thrilled with the offer, for not only is the remuneration substantial but after a long time, he has got a chance to perform.

Celina woos the Khans

Former Miss India, Celina Jaitley has finally revolted.

She had been signed up by producer Mukesh Bhatt for a Vikram Bhatt film and was placed under an exclusive contract. But the film showed no signs of even taking off.

An impatient Celina did not get any good answers from Mukesh. So she negotiated on the sly and signed up Feroz Khan's new film opposite Fardeen Khan.

Though Mukesh Bhatt protested, Celina was firm. Now the lady will take a bow opposite Fardeen Khan.

Dial S for Shetty

Calls made to Shilpa Shetty’s house to invite her as a guest of honour are met with a standard reply: "Shilpa is too busy with her shooting commitments and it is difficult for her to cancel them and attend the function."

But the conversation does not end here.

The ambitious Shetty mom turns on her charm, making it obvious that she would really like to help. Then she spills the beans.

Younger daughter Shamita Shetty's services may be offered, with a lot of hype about how the girl is so popular with the masses and how her role in Mohabbatein was so widely appreciated.

But so far, none of the charm has worked and Shamita stays put at home.

The Insider