Bollywood’s most controversial actor Aamir Khan continues to makes news. The leading star has agreed to be part of the Olympic Torch Relay Indian team when the relay arrives in New Delhi on April 17.

The Tibetan community had asked the Oscar-nominated ‘Laagan’ star to refuse to participate in the procession as a mark of protest against China’s rule over Tibet. Khan refused. “I have the highest regard and respect for the struggle that the people of Tibet are going through,” Khan stated. “The Olympic Games do not belong to China. When I do run with the torch, it is not in support of China. It will be with a prayer in my heart for the people of Tibet and indeed for all people across the world who are victims of human rights violations.”

This is not the first time the intelligent actor has spoken out against injustice. In 2006, Khan angered the Gujarat authorities when he criticised the construction of the Narmada dam. His films ‘Rang de Basanti’ and ‘Fanaa’ were subsequently banned for a period in that state. Khan is also no fan of Bollywood film award functions. As he told me: “Indian award functions lack credibility.”

Read more of Khan’s musings and why he will not boycott the Olympic Torch event on his blog: www.aamirkhan.com

No comparison’s please

“I would not like to compare myself to anybody,” Ajay Devgan stated when I asked him if he was following in the footsteps of Aamir Khan who directed this year’s critical and commercial hit, ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

Devgan’s directorial debut, ‘U Me aur Hum’ is next week’s big release. It clashes with the Rakesh Roshan’s ‘Krazzy 4’ which is stuffed with at least three dance ‘item’ numbers featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan and the surgically enhanced now reduced bombshell Rakhi Sawant.

Occupational hazard

Is all well in the Preity Zinta-Ness Wadia relationship? The bubbly actress and co-owner of the Mohali cricket team in the Indian Premier League, was seen sporting a black eye and dark sunglasses earlier this week in Mumbai. Zinta reveals that her injury was simply due to an accident sustained at a packed press conference: “An elbow came and hit me straight in the eye. I guess it is bound to happen when one is in such situations.”

The Hottie and Marty

Who is Sherlyn Chopra? The little known starlet of C grade films like ‘Naughty Boy’, ‘Red’, and ‘Game’ allegedly had surgery recently in order to have a rounded Jennifer Lopez-style derriere. Chopra has now expressed an interest in acting in a porn film but only if Martin Scorsese directs. “I will go to any extent for him,” she gushes.

Dining with Dino

Bollywood B-lister Dino Morea may not have many films in development but he is in hot demand on the personal appearances by a Bollywood star international party circuit. The Indo-Italian hunk, last seen in last month’s ‘Bhram’ - which failed to get an international release - will be attending a dinner as the chief guest in west London on Saturday, April 12 12th April.

Meet the triplets

Contrary to rumours, Farah Khan has not named her triplets Karen, Leela and Rahul. The director of the most successful Bollywood film ever, ‘Om Shanti Om’, finally revealed her two girls names this week as Diva and Anya. Her son remains unnamed. “We keep changing his name every week. This week it is Zar.”

Shilpa’s only vice

“Chocolate is my only vice,” Shilpa Shetty revealed on Sunday. Whilst her former Big Brother housemates were in the UK press last week for alleged misbehaviour in nightclubs, Shetty keeps a lower, non-controversial profile. She spoke to a UK newspaper about her daily diet. “I have Honey Nut Loops for breakfast, brown rice and a dhal for lunch and a salad with beetroot and bean sprouts for dinner. Can she cook? “I do a vegetable pilau, and a very good chicken curry.”

Khan answers

Well done readers for your answers to my mini-Khan quiz in last week’s column. Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have indeed featured together in two films: ‘Pehla Nasha’ and ‘Swades’.

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