Zeenat’s pat for Diya
Yesteryear heart-throb, Zeenat Aman was among those who called on the new Ms Asia-Pacific, Diya Mirza at her hotel room in Mumbai. Zeenat, a former Ms Asia herself, was delighted to see that Diya had collected snapshots of hers from the time she was crowned Ms Asia in 1970.

Lata’s 30-crore hospital
Lata Mangeshkar has undertaken a mega hospital project in the memory of her father. The Lata Mangeshkar Medical Foundation is raising a Rs 30-crore 650-bed hospital in Pune, a project that is almost complete. The 71-year-old melody queen is planning a live concert in Pune to help raise further funds for the project.

US honour for Kaifi Azmi
Kaifi Azmi is among 11 Mumbai authors who have been invited by the US Library of Congress to read out their works. The recordings of the readings will take place from December 20, and will be housed in the US Library of Congress in Washington and a copy of the tapes will also be given to the Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.

French guide to Indicinema
The Cinemas of India: 1896-2000, that’s the title of a French cinebuff’s guide to Indian cinema. Yves Thoraval’s book, released in India by Macmillan India on November 28 is the translation of his original work in French, Les Cinemas de L’Inde, which was released in 1998.

Amitabh bachchan inaugurates clinic
Amitabh Bachchan inaugurated the new Arthroscopy and Sports Injury clinic at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital.

The 9-time Khiladi
Akshay Kumar who has just completed his eighth film in the Khiladi series, Khiladi 420, has been signed for yet another. To be titled Khiladi Vs Khiladi, the film is to be directed by Keshu.

Akshay, Twinkle engaged
Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna got engaged following the exchange of rings at Hotel Samudra Mahal, Mumbai, last week. The venue was done up in style, in drapes and candles by designers Abu-Sandeep. The engagement party was well-attended by the who’s who of Mumbai filmdom.

Shweta’s son named
Shweta (daughter of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan) and her husband Nikhil have named their new-born son Agastya.