Saif and I are smouldering hot: Kareena at 8:32 PM

Now that Kareena Kapoor is finally going to be part of Saif Ali Khan's production plans, no stone is being left unturned to ensure her presence is justified in the Khan-produced venture.

Apparently, in the beginning, the leading lady's role in Agent Vinod was relatively less substantial than Saif's.

Says a source, "In fact Kareena wasn't sure she wanted to do Agent Vinod because the title clearly indicated whom the film belonged to. But Saif convinced Kareena that her role would be on a par with his. Then he convinced Sriram with whom Saif has a deep rapport since they did Ek Hasina Thi together, to make sure Kareena's presence in the film is justified."

Quiz Kareena about this, and she laughs, "Do you think I'd agree to be part of the film if my role was not as exciting as Saif's? I mean, can you imagine what would happen? Saif and I will be smoldering-hot in Agent Vinod. Even the posters will be designed to highlight us as the coolest hot pair."

Clearly, after Rensil D'Silva's terrorist drama in which Saif and Kareena look and act very real, the pair is in no mood to get into the authentic space once again.

But here's where the problem sets in. While Kareena and Saif are looking to do a high-gloss big-budget espionage thriller, director Sriram Raghavan is looking at making a gritty life-like spy drama.

Says Raghavan, "I grew up watching those really filmy spy films like Farz, Aankhen, Yakeen and of course the Rajshris' Agent Vinod. I've been fascinated by the genre. However, times have changed and so have definitions of espionage. My film will occupy a more real space."

He admits his spy drama will be more in the mood of Mani Shankar's recent Mukhbir than the old Agent Vinod. At the same time Raghavan admits the high budget of the new-age Agent Vinod forbids any over experimentation, "I've never worked on this kind of a budget before. And I can't afford to be experimental. The market has to be kept in mind. So there will be music and songs. But no lip sync songs."

With Saif wanting to be Tom Cruise and Kareena looking as hot as Nicole Kidman in his arms, Sriram Raghavan could be heading for more excitement than he bargained for when he starts shooting in July.

Kajol joins size zero league at 8:31 PM

Unlike her usual chubby image, Bollywood actress Kajol was seen in a whole new avatar in the recent press event organised for Shiksha - a campaign to educate the girl child.

Though Kajol had a fairly voluptuous figure right from the beginning, it was after her wedding and the birth of her daughter, Nysa that the actress had put on extra pounds.

Now the actress is back to her slender self in the upcoming film, My Name Is Khan.

According to a source close to the actress, "For My Name is Khan, she (Kajol) has reduced weight which was very difficult for her to do. It's good to see her in that new thin look."

In My Name is Khan. Kajol will be seen playing the role of an NRI woman.

Kangana sacrifices for Priyanka at 8:30 PM

Kangana Ranaut is all set to perform at the grand finale of Femina Miss India but when she got to know that Priyanka Chopra would also be dancing, she decided to let her groove to the songs of Fashion.

For the show, Kangana will now perform to Madhuri Dixit and Aishwarya Rai's hit numbers. "When I got to know that Priyanka is performing I asked her about her songs. When she said she was doing the Fashionsongs, I happily decided to do the tribute to Aishwarya and Madhuri," said Kangana.

"I'll be dancing to songs like Madhuri's 'Mera piya ghar aaya' and Aishwarya's 'Nimbooda'. This gives me a chance to try out my Kathak which I've been learning for three years," she added.

So much for the belief that two actresses can never get along together. "I think girl bonding is very cool. I can't say Priyanka and I are best friends. I think two actresses fighting is very unfashionable. After 'Fashion' there's a comfort level. And if we can share a platform without getting in one another's way then isn't that just great," Kangana said.

Kangana has been rehearsing non-stop for two back-to-back shows and says it has taken its toll on her legs. "On Thursday, I kept rehearsing non-stop for two shows for six hours. I never realised what I was putting myself through until the next morning when I woke up with swollen legs," she said.