She's bad? She's good?

All those who thought that Urmila Matondkar would add some colour to her acting career may now think again.

The actress was supposed to essay a negative role for Vashu Bhagnani's film, to be directed by Anupam Kher.

She is said to have been fascinated when she first heard a narration of the script that she said yes to the role immediately.

Second thoughts struck. She changed her mind and displayed great apprehension about accepting the role.

Either she felt she deserved it or it was a means to keep the producer at bay... but Urmila is said to have demanded an astronomical amount, which had the producer literally jump from his seat.

Now the filmmaker is looking for an alternative.

Incidentally, Urmila consulted her mentor Ramgopal Varma before she arrived at the decision. And now, Varma is commencing one more film with her...

Salman, the generous

Whatever heard/said about Salman Khan, one quality cannot be disputed: He is an extremely caring and generous person with those who matter to him.

Whether relatives, family, friends, acquaintances or even the man on the street, stories about his large-heartedness are legion. Only they don't get spoken or written about because Salman does not believe in making a publicity gimmick about it.

Salman is a regular donor to various orphanages and institutions, even pays regular visits to them.

The inmates of these institutions refuse to even consider that Salman is capable of lifting his hand, let alone strike anyone.

Ajay's moment of truth

The fate of Raju Chacha and Dil Kya Kare along with Hindustan Ki Kasam should have wisened Ajay Devgan some.

And made him realise that filmmaking is a different ballgame altogether.

His senior, Rishi Kapoor, had told him once, "We actors are narcissists and have no sense of script. All these years of experience, we always listen to a subject from one angle: Our individual interests and our role.

"Actors lack the subjectivity to analyse a subject."

What does one say, but truer words were never spoken!

Neetu Singh -- still in demand!

One actress who still gets offers galore is Neetu Singh.

Quite another matter that filmmakers are ver hesitant to approach her, fearing husband Rishi Kapoor's wrath!

In fact, after a special trial show of Rahul Rawail's Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi most invitees ended up walking to Neetu, saying, "You should have done this role."

This was not to say that Rati Agnihotri hasn't done well or that her comeback has not been appreciated. Just that the audiences would love to see the Ek main aur ek tu pair together.

In fact, a leading software company had approached Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh to star in the desi version of the Home Improvement series, quoting a very tempting figure.

But... Neetu said no. She's apparently content with looking after her home and chatting with her children on ICQ, and e-mailing them -- Ranbir and Riddhima are studying in the US and London respectively.