Robert Downey Jr is not everyone’s superhero

Howard claims Downey Jr didn’t come to his rescue when he needed it most. PHOTO: FILE

While Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark may “build neat stuff, [have] a great girl and occasionally save the world, why can’t [he] sleep?” Could it be because of the looming guilt of forcing former co-star and friend Terrence Howard out of the billion-dollarIron Man series?

Howard, who was replaced by Don Cheadle as James Rhodes in Iron Man 2, explained in a recent interview why he was unable to reprise his role, reports dailymail.co.uk. “It turns out that the person that I helped become Iron Man… when it was time to re-up for the second one, took the money that was supposed to go to me and pushed me out,” Howard claimed.

This is not the first time that the actor has talked about his surprising dismissal from the Marvel franchise. Earlier this year, he referred to his replacement in Iron Man 2 as a move that is “killing [his] career”, according to hollywoodreporter.com.

Howard was one of the highest paid cast members in the original Iron Man movie, but was hastily cut from the two sequels despite contractual obligations. “They came to me with the second and said, ‘Look, we will pay you one eighth of what we contractually had for you because we think the second one will be successful with or without you,” said Howard. “I called ‘my friend’ that I helped get the first job, and he didn’t call me back for three months.”

When asked how things are now between him and Downey Jr, he balefully replied, “Oh I love him, God is going to bless him.”

It appears God already has, as earlier this year Downey Jr signed a two-picture agreement to reprise his role as Tony Stark in both The Avengers 2 and The Avengers 3.

Katrina Kaif finds competition fruitful

Katrina Kaif finds competition fruitfulPHOTO: EPA

MUMBAI: With three back-to-back hits Deepika Padukone has set high standards for her contemporaries, but Katrina Kaif believes that competitive environment is advantageous as it motivates people to do better.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Ram-leela – all three were big box office successes and Deepika played the female lead in all of them.

When asked whether Deepika’s hits put pressure on her, Katrina said: “I feel I am blessed in my career so far. God has given me more than what I have asked for. I have never been sad or complained about anything.”

“It’s good to improve yourself with each film. Competition is a good thing. It pushes you to do good work. Any competition is good,” the actress told reporters Tuesday at an event here.

Yash Raj Films has joined hands with Mattel to create limited-edition “Barbie Collector Dolls” based on characters of Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif in Dhoom 3.

Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, Dhoom 3, also featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra, will come out Dec 20.

Did you know?: Gosling and McAdams may have rekindled their romance

the pair has been seeing more of each other since Gosling unofficially split with girlfriend Eva Mendez.

The Notebook had every girl sobbing into her pillow while watching McAdams’ and Gosling’s romance blossom on screen. When the on-screen couple became a reality in 2005, fans everywhere were ecstatic (well, as excited as they could be while knowing Gosling was off the market). Hollywood’s darling couple called it quits after two years and broke millions of fans’ hearts all over the world. Six years later, it seems that, much like their The Notebook counterparts, they may have found their way back into each other’s lives. It looks like this fairytale romance may be back on.

Post-The Notebook, Gosling went on to become one of Hollywood’s hottest stars, leaving women swooning over his every move. McAdams solidified her presence as a leading lady as well, with high profile roles in movies such as The Vow and The Time Traveller’s Wife.

While details of their supposed patch-up are scarce, OK! Magazine reports that the pair has been seeing more of each other since Gosling unofficially split with girlfriend Eva Mendez. McAdams is currently single and it looks like the stars have finally aligned for the pair; there couldn’t be a better time for a reunion. While it’s a shame the world had to wait six years for a chance to see it happen again, it’s better late than never. To quote Gosling’s The Notebookcharacter Noah, “It wasn’t over, it still isn’t over

Saif Ali Khan always wanted to play a gangster

Saif’s latest role is the realisation of a long-standing wish. PHOTO: FILE

MUMBAI: Bollywood’s resident nawab Saif Ali Khan, who plays a gangster named Raja Mishra in the forthcoming film Bullett Raja, says he always wanted to play such a character. “After many years, I got the chance to play a character which is very different from me. I always wanted to play a gangster,” the 43 year old said at a promotional event of the film.

Saif says the Tigmanshu Dhulia directorial, premised on a fictional mafia gang based in Uttar Pradesh, is neither vulgar nor violent, but is completely entertaining. “Tishu ji (Tigmanshu) has tried to make each scene an item. There is action in the film but no violence; there is comedy but no vulgarity. So it is a good action drama set against the background of Uttar Pradesh. I’m very glad I could be part of it,” he said.

Producer Rahul Mittra and the crew made arrangements for an action sequence in the film that has Saif’s character chasing down another character on the main road. Reportedly, Saif was so excited about the sequence that he decided to do it himself. The scene features bold and daring action sequences, which involved hopping atop cars to a fast chase in heavy traffic.

Onlookers whistled and claped for the stunts that Saif pulled off in front of a rapt audience of 10,000 people. Saif’s daring actions whipped the crowd into a frenzied effort to get a hold of him, requiring nearly 500 security guards and cops to manage them. Eventually, Saif had to stop the shoot to request the crowd to calm down.

Set in Lucknow, Bullett Raja also stars Jimmy Shergill and Sonakshi Sinha. It is slated to hit theatres on November 29.

Did you know?: Dimple’s saris for promotions go missing

Dimple, who has worn very peculiar saris in the movie, was excited to don her character’s clothes for her promo. PHOTO: FILE

Veteran Bollywood actor Dimple Kapadia was fully geared to promote her movie, dressed just as her character in the movie in saris, but the star and the costume department were in a fix when her outfits went missing. Dimple will launch the trailer of What The Fish in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Dimple, who has worn very peculiar saris in the movie, was excited to don her character’s clothes for her promo appearance, but the missing costumes threw a wrench into her plans. Director Gurmeet Singh wasn’t keen to go ahead with the promo launch of the movie without Dimple in the same look as her character from the film. The stylist was then flown down to the south specially to source authentic traditional saris for the duration of the promotion, said a source.

Confirming the same, Singh said in a statement: “Dimple ji is ecstatic to promote the movie and hence, has been very particular about her look during these upcoming appearances.”

The story of What The Fish revolves around a protagonist who has to leave town and needs someone to take care of her money plant and fish. She then decides to leave the house in the care of her niece. The narrative is about the comedic turn of events which take place in her absence.

Get the look: Fusion chic

Kareena Kapoor. PHOTO: FILE

Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor looked ravishing in an East-meets-West outfit, during the promotion of her upcoming film Gori Tere Pyaar Mein in New Delhi. Here is a breakdown of her look:

Hair

Braids are totally en vogue this season, and with winter frizz slowly settling in, hair is even more difficult to manage. Braids are best (and easiest) way to look great. Kareena flaunted this side-swept romantic braided do, which we are totally in love with..

Outfit

The actor wore a dress from the Verb Collection by Indian designer Pallavi Singhee. We love how the black bodice complements the tasteful tie-dye skirt. This dress is one piece, however, if you want to wear a similar look you can always pair a black shirt (Crossroads — Rs2,000) with a tie-dye skirt from Zainab Market, which will cost you under Rs1,000. Just make sure that the colours are muted so that you look elegant and not like a homeless hippie.

Make-up

Some people are blessed enough to get away with a make-up-free face and Kareena is one of them. Given the flawless skin the actor is gifted with, she does not have to cake layers of make-up onto her face. We love her signature kohl-rimmed eyes, contoured cheeks and her glossy pout. Go for Maybelline’s Colossal Kajal (Rs375) to line your eyes. Next, apply The Body Shop’s All-In-One Blusher in Ginger (Rs1,800) on the apples of your cheeks and smooth some Mac’s Crème in your Coffee (Rs2,200) on to your lips to get a pout like hers.

Accessories and Shoes

We like how she has added a traditional touch to this dress with her accessories. We love her ethnic hoop earrings and drool-worthy diamond rings. You can score similar accessories from Sentiments for under Rs1,500.

Top 10: Ultimate Big Match Performers

10. Philipp Lahm

The 30-year-old also proved to be a large part of Bayern's historic treble-winning campaign last season, providing far more than just an assured presence on the right flank.

9. Andrea Pirlo

At the age of 34 Andrea Pirlo remains one of European football's standout performers, combining grace and poise with penetrative purpose in midfield for the better part of two decades.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Paris Saint-Germain supporters won't need convincing of their forward talisman's big-match credentials, with his time in France including vital strikes against Barcelona and arch rivals Marseille on the way to the club's first Ligue 1 crown in 19 years.

7. Steven Gerrard

An elusive Premier League title may have deserted Steven Gerrard during 15 seasons with Liverpool, but he remains a reliable performer with a proven track record of delivering when the big occasions come.

6. Andres Iniesta

No list compiled concerning performers under pressure would be complete without calling upon the man who scored the biggest goal in the history of Spanish history.

Andres Iniesta smashes home the goal which made sure Spain's golden generation tasted World Cup success in 2010, while also being picked as the star performer in that match.

5. Robin Van Persie

Dutch master Robin van Persie may not be able to rival some of his top 10 contemporaries for silverware, but his ability to deliver for club and country has become almost chilling in its consistency in recent seasons.

4. Samuel Eto'o

Cameroon strike king Samuel Eto'o has the credentials to back up his lofty position in the search for an ultimate big-game player, scoring in three Champions League finals to prove his reputation as an elite performer.

3. Lionel Messi

Barcelona's talisman Lionel Messi is running short of adjectives to describe his excellence, but just falls shy of a place in our Ultimate top two.

2. Didier Drogba

Ivory Coast powerhouse Didier Drogba steals second spot from Messi thanks to continually coming up with the goods during eight years of excellence at Stamford Bridge.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
A trek round the galaxy has failed find a player more reliable that Cristiano Ronaldo, who has a sense of occasion and prestige few players on the planet can even come close to matching.

A Ballon d'Or debate may rage but Ronaldo's big-match temperament is unquestionable, operating at the peak of his powers heading into the business end of a massive year for club and country.