Shah Rukh, Aamir in contention for prestigious National Awards

According to the latest B-town news, two of the biggest Bollywood superstars, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, are in contention for National Awards in the ‘Best Actor’ category. While SRK has been nominated for his role as hockey coach Kabir Khan in ‘Chak De India’, Aamir Khan is in the running for his performance as Art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh in the critically acclaimed flick ‘Taare Zameen Par’.

Not just that, being the director and producer of ‘Taare Zameen Par’, Aamir Khan’s film has also been nominated in the ‘Best Film’ category for the same. Grapevine has it that Darsheel Safari is being considered for the Best child actor award for his performance as the dyslexic Ishaan Awasthi in ‘TZP’.

On the other hand, Shah Rukh`s home production, ‘Om Shanti Om’ has been nominated for a National Award for ‘Best Feature Film’ in the entertainment category. Reports reveal that this award was previously won by Aamir for ‘Lagaan’, in 2001.

I&B Minister Ambika Soni is likely to announce the National Awards next week and President Pratibha Patil is scheduled to give away the awards in Delhi in October this year.

Salman doesn’t like to see Katrina wearing sexy short clothes

In a latest revelation, Salman Khan confessed his possessiveness for girlfriend Katrina Kaif! The actor revealed that he has not been watching Katrina`s for a long time, because he doesn’t like to see her wearing sexy and small clothes in films.Salman says, "Once I saw she was wearing a really small skirt in a movie and I didn`t like it. It`s better to stay away from those films. I never interfere in her work anymore, as she`s grown up and has good scene of choice. I just watch the promos of Katrina`s films and get the idea of what the film is about."

Although Salman’s possessiveness for his girls has always been quite evident, but such a statement coming from him shows his mindset.

Now, if he has a problem with Kat’s short-skirts, he would certainly be at the edge whenever Katrina romanced rival co-stars.

Shiney Ahuja`s case transferred to fast track court

A Mumbai court Thursday transferred the case against Bollywood actor Shiney Ahuja, accused of raping his teenaged domestic help, to a fast track court.

The development comes almost 10 weeks after Shiney was arrested June 14 and nearly two months after Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan said the case would be moved to a fast track court to ensure speedy justice to the victim.

"Presently, his (Shiney`s) bail application is pending before a Sessions court and will come up for hearing tomorrow (Friday). Thereafter, it will be known when this trial will be taken up before the fast track court (in Sewri)," Chief Public Prosecutor RV Keni said.

Keni said he expected that the trial will start in the fast track court by September-end and would be completed within two weeks.

"There are some two dozen witnesses lined up but we (the prosecution) may not (need) to examine them all," he said.

The hearings in the fast track court would be conducted on a day-to-day basis, Keni added.

The judicial custody of Shiney was Aug 13 extended till Aug 27. His lawyer, Shrikant Shivade, filed a bail application that will come up for hearing Friday.

Keni said the sessions court will decide whether the bail application too shall be heard by the fast track court.

The actor, who continues to remain at the Arthur Road Jail, was arrested after his teenaged domestic help complained to the police that she was raped by him.

Shiney faces a minimum seven-year jail sentence if the charges against him are proved in court.

MJ`s waxwork to be unveiled at Tussauds

King of Pop Michael Jackson`s waxwork is to be unveiled at Hollywood`s new Madame Tussauds.

The figure was made in London to mark the debut of his comeback concert "This Is It" and features the pop star wearing clothes identical to what he was planning to wear on stage for the shows, reported contactmusic.com.

The USD 300,000 waxwork was put on ice following Jackson`s death so that it could be unveiled in Los Angeles in time for the singer`s 51st birthday Saturday.

Jackson died at his Los Angeles residence June 25.

Shilpa race row was nail in coffin for `BB`

`Big Brother`, the British reality TV show which turned Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty into an internationally recognised face has been scrapped, with reports suggesting that the racism row involving Jade Goody and Shetty proved the death knell for the programme.Channel 4 decided to pull the plug on the show after it managed an average of just two million viewers in it`s tenth year, which is a massive drop from the 10 million who

tuned in during the `Celebrity` edition starring Shetty two years ago, reported Daily Mail.

An announcement that the programme, which first aired in 2000, will be axed after next year is reportedly due from Channel 4 as early as this Friday.

Big Brother made stars of former contestants, including Shetty who went on to be granted a meeting with the Queen, but in more recent years former contestants quickly faded from public view and the programme became mired in controversy.

It has never fully recovered from the fiasco of the `Celebrity Big Brother` race row over the treatment of the Indian actress who was taunted as `Shilpa Poppadom` by fellow

house mates Jade Goody and Danielle Lloyd.

The broadcaster was forced to air a humiliating apology after the show sparked 55,000 complaints and derailed Gordon Brown`s visit to India, said the newspaper.

"The reality is people are bored with it. Even at Channel 4 the vibe among staff is that if you like Big Brother you`re not cool. If the people commissioning the show don`t

think it`s cool, what hope is there?" said a source in the channel.

The show has struggled to win over the `Facebook generation` with the source adding, "The truth is nobody`s talking about Big Brother any more."

MJ’s another ‘lovechild’ claims he’s not motivated by money

A lawyer for the 24-year-old man who claims to be Michael Jackson’s lovechild has said his client is not interested in the singer’s money.

The man named Prince Michael Malachi Jet Jackson has filed a claim in Los Angeles, and maintains that the late Jackson was his father.

He has even submitted a birth certificate naming Michael Joseph Jackson and Zerline LaVette Dixon as his parents.

Malachi Jet Jackson’s lawyer LeRue Grim said the boy’s grandmother brought him up after his mother became a drug addict.

The boy’s mother, Dixon was allegedly a fashion designer in the 1980s working for a clothing line under the company name of Michael Jackson.

Lawyer Grim believes Malachi Jet Jackson is not after MJ’s money but simply wants the recognition of his parentage.

Contactmusic quoted Grim as telling RadarOnline.com, "Malachi has been told his entire life that he is Michael Jackson`s son. His primary goal is to have closure on whether or not Michael was his father, and he wants a DNA test to prove it. Malachi`s primary motivation isn`t money.

"Malachi looks exactly like Michael Jackson. I`m seeking a DNA test and I`m very concerned that it be reliable and that no one slips in DNA from a stranger. Malachi never met Michael, from what I understand Michael was very private about his personal life."

According to court documents in TMZ.com’s possession, Malachi Jet Jackson was pressurised by MJ’s family to hide his real identity, thus he has come out in the open only after the pop icon’s death.

No Catwoman for Megan Fox

Hollywood siren Megan Fox is not donning the iconic leather cat suit of Catwoman in the next Batman flick.

The `Transformers` star, voted the `Sexiest Woman in the World` was earlier reported to have been chosen for the role of the catty vamp in the film to be produced by Warner Brothers, People reported.

"It`s rumor. It`s not true, there is no script. There is no project to be cast in," a studio representative told the magazine.

A British tabloid had earlier reported that Fox, who will next bee seen in the horror movie `Jennifer`s Body`, will be following in the footsteps of actresses Michelle Pfeiffer and Halle Berry as Catwoman in the next superhero flick by director Christopher Nolan.

Rani terrific, Priyanka incredible: Toronto festival chief

Bollywood is set to steal the limelight at the Toronto International Film Festival starting here September 10.

For the first time, the world`s premier film event will premiere two Bollywood films - `What`s Your Raashee?` and `Dil Bole Hadippa`.

"You know, last year our audiences launched `Slumdog Millionaire` that went on to win everything (at the Oscars). And this year, we are thrilled to have two Bollywood movies under big banners making their world premiere," Cameron Bailey, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) co-director, told IANS in an exclusive interview.

He said, "It is the first time that two Bollywood films are making their world premiere here. We had major Bollywood films in the past, but not for world premiere. We had their special presentation and galas with the stars. Those films had opened just before the Toronto festival and we had their presentation."

Bailey, who personally selected the two films during his visit to Mumbai in July, said: "These films were in the final stages when I was in Mumbai. These are highly anticipated films and we will be thrilled to see their stars like Rani Mukerji, Priyanka Chopra and Hurman Baweja in town."

An avid fan of Rani, Bailey said: "Rani is terrific. She can go the whole range - from serious dramatic roles to light comedy. Here (in `Dil Bole Hadippa`) she is in the role of a woman who loves cricket but cannot get on the team because she is a woman. It has that Shakespearean conceit when she dresses as a man to get on the team."

Rating Priyanka one of the most versatile actors today, he said: "Priyanka is incredible. In this film (`What`s Your Raashee?`), she does 12 roles transforming herself into 12 completely different women. Now that is incredible."

He said the film festival will also be privileged to host Ashutosh Gowariker whom he described as one of the best directors in India.

"We had Ashutosh here previously as director of `Lagaan`. He is a great maker of period films with such an attention to detail.

"But what is different about him this time - and people would love to see it - is that he has done a contemporary film (`What`s Your Raashee?`), and it is a love story. Wow, he has not done that before. I am sure he will prove himself to be a master again."

Bailey, who gave a big break to Bollywood at the festival three years ago by organizing a gala presentation for the film "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna" in the presence of Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar, said he is determined to raise Bollywood`s profile here for two reasons.

"One, we have an avid audience which comes (only) to see Bollywood films and their stars in town. Two, we want to introduce Bollywood to our audiences that do not know this kind of cinema."

In fact, he didn`t rule the future possibility of live musical performances by Bollywood stars at the festival.

"We would love to showcase the musical part of Bollywood, and it is something we may consider down the line," he said.

"Many may not see it that way, but Bollywood is already a mainstream global player. Stars from Bollywood are globally recognised. People who make and finance Bollyood films are global players. See what Reliance is doing in Hollywood as a major player," he added.

The 34th film festival, which runs from Sep 10 to 19, will feature more than 300 films, including 100 brand-new, from 64 countries.

Russell Brand ‘wants to seduce’ Britney – via telepathy!

A new promo for the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) features Russell Brand attempting to have sex with Britney Spears.

The video shows the British comic star attempting to bed Britney via telepathy.

Contactmusic quoted Brand as saying in the video: "Britney, this is the voice of your mind... go to Russell`s hotel room and abandon yourself. Give yourself to him, Britney. Sleep with Russell!"

The promo starts with the ‘Womanizer’ singer standing by a swimming pool in a skimpy white bikini and black hat.

Thoughts are rushing through the pop star’s mind and viewers can hear what she’s thinking.

She says, "I wonder if he``ll invite me. I mean, I can obviously get an invite, but it would be nice for Russell to invite me personally now that we``re friends and all."

Meanwhile Brand is all nervous about the upcoming show with Britney.

Brand says, "I hope I didn`t balls it up with her last time. Some of those things I said could have been construed as offensive. I hope she don`t think ill of me."

The promo links up to Britney again, who is chewing on her nail and thinking, "Should I have played it up more when he was flirting with me last year? I have to admit there is something sexy about his dangerous ways."

All of a sudden Brand realises he can hear Britney and now he wonders if she was also listening to his thoughts.

He finally decides to give it a try and calls Britney to her room.

This is not the first time the pair has teamed up for a promo for the music awards’ presentation.

The duo had also appeared in a short clip for last year’s presentation, which had been hosted by Brand.

The VMAs are scheduled for September 13 in New York.

Shah Rukh is the most insecure actor: Salman Khan

It’s been over a year since Bollywood titans, Salman and Shah Rukh, clashed over mysterious reasons at Kat’s birthday, but the bad blood and the bitterness between the two czars seems to be deepening with each passing day. And even as we await reconciliation with ardent interest, their cheeky potshots and witty comments confirm that this Khan war is far from over.

Unwilling to let go, it’s Sallu, who with his outlandish comments, has again opened fire at King Khan dubbing him as the ‘most insecure actor’.

Speaking on a TV show, Salman said, “What Shah Rukh does or says is not of the least interest to me but he is one of the most insecure actors. If he could get rid of that he would actually be a nice fellow. When we were all starting out in our careers, and were in the Rs 4 to 5 lakh bracket, we were friends. As we became more and more famous, he grew more insecure.”

At constant loggerheads of the media, the actor also blamed the tabloids for the quick turnover of girlfriends some actors have. “Two people may have just begun dating, they need time to know one another, to understand one another and you people start writing that they are in a relationship. That puts an awful amount of pressure on them and they are almost forced to get into a relationship,” he ranted.

Then he added, “When they find they are not terribly compatible and don’t want to take the relationship further, you people say, he is changing girlfriends all the time.”

Well he does have a point, but don’t we all wish to see this eternal bachelor settle down for good. As for Shah Rukh, it’s time Salman let’s bygone be bygones.

Salman Khan and Shahid Kapur kiss and make up!

Celebrated for his quirky ways, volatile temper and incessant ‘Khan’ wars with arch-nemesis Shah Rukh Khan, Bollywood’s brat Salman seems to have made peace with a much younger rival Shahid Kapur!

It is believed that the two actors have finally resolved their differences after three years of cold war. Well, overshadowed by the massive SRK-Salman row, the lesser known Salman-Shahid spat took place way back in the year 2006 when both the actors were part of Rockstar concert. It so happened that Bollywood brat Salman was unable to get his dance steps right and Shahid came forward to his help. Nevertheless, Salman was literally miffed by the audacity of a young actor and simply asked Shahid not to interfere.

Till recently, Salman was in no mood to forgive and forget and as a result, the hunk of an actor opted out of a cameo in ‘Milenge Milenge’- a Satish Kaushik directed flick starring Shahid Kapur.

Finally, with both the stars patching up, Shahid has readily agreed to be a part of ‘10 Ka Dum’ where the actor will be seen alongside his ‘Dil Bole Hadippa’ co-actor Rani Mukerji.

Well, it seems it was Rani Mukerji who played the perfect pacifist between Salman and Shahid!

Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush back together?

Kim Kardashian and ex-boyfriend Reggie Bush have reunited, claim American reports.

The couple had broken up in July this year after rumours of both cheating were doing the rounds.

However, it is believed the pair came to an understanding after meeting up in New Orleans - where Bush plays for The New Orleans Saints - earlier this month.

It is reported Kardashian and Bush went out for dinner in the city, where Kardashian also gifted a pup to the footballer.

Contactmusic quoted a source as telling the National Enquirer: "Reggie initiated the reconciliation - he’s been trying to get back with Kim since the second week of the breakup. And when he asked to see her while she was in New Orleans, Kim seized the moment."

The insider also said Kardashian was now staying with Bush in New Orleans.

"They say they love each other and want to give it another try," the source added.

Kirsten Dunst’s ‘one-night stand’ with toyboy

Actress Kirsten Dunst recently had a one-night stand with a 22-year-old guy, sources say.

“Kirsten met a cute, young, 22 year-old guy at a bar in Oxford, Mississippi and they partied together and had a hot little hookup," a news channel quoted a source as saying.

However, the ‘Spider Man‘ star, 27, is apparently in no mood to follow it up.

The insider added, "She invited him back to her hotel and even took him out for breakfast in the morning. She was having a good time, and she likes younger guys. But the two have no plans to see each other again."

Dunst also threw a party recently for her brother, Christian, at Hollywood hotspot Madame Royale, where a plenty of his young male friends had gathered.

The source said, “She came alone without a date and Christian brought several of his buddies. Kirsten and Christan are very close, and they get along with each other`s friends.

“Everyone was drinking vodka and partying at their table. Kirsten looked like she was having a great night, laughing and dancing with all the young dudes."

Also, she reportedly went on a tour to Memphis, Tennessee and Mississippi, where "she managed to squeeze in a little party time with some college kids on her travels."

Tarantino to receive Douglas Excellence honour

Quentin Tarantino is set to be honoured with the 2009 Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film for his contribution to cinema.

The ‘Kill Bill’ director will receive the honour at a pre-event for the 2010 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, that will run from 4-14 February, 2010 in California.

"We are beyond excited to be able to honour a man who has turned filmmaking on its ear,” Contactmusic quoted festival executive director Roger Durling as saying.

“He has forever changed the direction of American cinema,” Durling added.

Douglas will present the award to the ‘Inglourious Basterds’ filmmaker at a gala dinner on October 22.

Kate Winslet to narrate documentary on autism

Brit actress Kate Winslet is all set to narrate a new documentary about an Icelandic mother trying to come to terms with her son’s autism.

Winslet, 33, was compelled to agree to do the narration for director Fridrik Thor Fridriksson’s ‘The Sunshine Boy’ after she watched footage that he had sent her.

The film chronicles film producer Margret Dagmar Ericsdottir as she struggles to understand her severely autistic son Keli.

“I am delighted and honoured that Kate agreed to do the narration,” Contactmusic quoted her as saying.

“Her contribution plays an instrumental role in increasing awareness for autism, which many claim is the world``s fastest-growing epidemic,” she added.

‘The Sunshine Boy’ is expected to receive rave reviews when it debuts as part of the Real to Reel section of the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12.

The flick will feature musical contributions from Icelandic stars Bjork and Sigur Ros.

After cocaine bust, Kerry Katona gets involved in assault case

Kerry Katona had yet another brush with the law when office staff called up the cops after she hurled a cup of tea over her accountant, it has emerged.

Accountant David McHugh has a criminal record as he had been jailed for fraud in 2004.

The bankrupt star is believed to have yelled at McHugh: "You``ve ruined my life."

The Sun quoted an insider as saying: "She had been through her accounts and was raging. She went to his office to speak to him and was screaming and kicking off. Then she punched him in the face.

"David started yelling back so she grabbed a cup of tea and threw it in his face - and punched him in the chops again for good measure."

It is reported that a fuming Katona drove away from McHugh``s office in Warrington, Cheshire, after the alleged attack.

McHugh immediately called up the cops informing them of the assault.

Four police officers soon arrived at Katona’s Wilmslow home and took her to the police station for questioning. She was released after nearly eight hours.

The source aid: "Kerry`s sick of people taking the mickey out of her, but she is supposed to be cleaning up her image - not getting banged up for beating people up."

Interestingly it was only 48 hours earlier that the former Atomic Kitten had been cautioned by the police for possessing cocaine.

Another close aide said: "Kerry``s whole world is imploding.

"She was in pieces after the police grilled her for almost two hours on Monday and this is the last thing she needs.

"For the sake of her sanity and her children, she really needs to seek help. Her whole life is spiralling out of control."

Katona was released on bail but she will have to appear before the cops once again for further questioning.

Madonna not taking part in 2010`s Marathon des Sables

Madonna has denied reports that claim the pop diva will run in Marathon des Sables next year.

Tabloid reports had earlier suggested that the 51-year-old hitmaker was under a strict training schedule for the six-day rigorous run across the Sahara Desert.

However, Madonna’s aide Liz Rosenberg has rubbished the rumours.

Contactmusic music quoted her saying: "It`s not true."

Dubbed as the toughest race on the planet, the 156 miles long trek is organized every spring and is the equivalent of six marathons.

Peter Andre ‘gets legal advice to deal with Jordan’s lover’

Singer Peter Andre is concerned about his children’s association with estranged wife Katie Price’s new lover Alex Reid and so he’s taking legal advice to deal with him, sources say.

The ‘Mysterious Girl’ hitmaker is apparently unhappy that the two kids- Junior, four, and Princess, two, are spending time with the cagefighter.

“As great as Alex may be with the children, he is not their father and never will be. As far as Peter is concerned, he is not an ideal father figure and shouldn’t be responsible for another man’s children – it’s not fair on anyone,” the Mirror quoted a source as saying.

The insider added: “The kids are going through a hard enough time as it is, trying to get to grips with why mummy and daddy no longer live under one roof. Peter simply wanted to make sure his lawyers were fully briefed on the situation, and are looking out solely for the children.”

There are also rumors that Reid is starring in a new porn film, which he insists is just a gangster flick.

The source said: “Pete’s number one concern is the welfare of his kids. He has nothing against Alex, but Peter has been rocked by the ongoing sordid revelations about Alex’s private life, and now his career.

“But the crux of the matter is that he and Kate only split up three months ago and she’s been dating Alex for a matter of weeks.”

While Peter arranged an emergency meeting with his legal team, Alex was busy playing happy families in Brighton with Peter’s four-year-old son, Junior.

'I don’t like endorsing brands which are anywhere and everywhere'

Post marriage; it is a trend that female actors are often written off but in the case of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, news has it that the light eyed beauty is one of the busiest female stars in Bollywood. With ‘Endhiran’, ‘Ravana’, ‘Action Replay’ and ‘Guzaarish’, the Bachchan bahu has quite a few acting assignments.

Apart from acting in big banners, the actress is associated with popular brands. Talking to a news daily, when the actress was enquired about her brand endorsements, Aishwarya said, “I’ve always been very selective about the brands I endorse. There’s no rat race. Every endorsement has a story behind it. The bottomline is, I don’t like endorsing brands which are anywhere and everywhere.”

Of late, there is a buzz that a popular jewellery brand has dropped Aishwarya in lieu of Katrina Kaif. When enquired about the same, the actress replied, “I would like to say this loud and clear; I chose not to renew my contract with the jewellery brand. I had a contract with another brand under which that particular jewellers came. Once they parted ways, I decided not to endorse them anymore.”

Clearing the air on her brand endorsements, the actress maintained, “No one every dropped me. I chose not to renew certain contracts. Like the one with the cola brand. Post marriage I decided not to endorse them anymore as Pa and Abhishek were endorsing the rival cola brand. I didn’t want any confusion in the consumer’s mind.”

In Bollywood, it is usually found that actress come with a shelf life, when enquired about her marriage status and B-town innings, the actress said, “Earlier, it was tough for a heroine to get work after marriage. Their so-called brand value would depreciate. That didn’t happen with me, as I`ve always aspired to push the envelope.”

The actress confesses, “I have a secret pride, you know. I’ve always wanted to work after marriage and I couldn’t see why that should change after I tied the knot. Don’t misunderstand me. I’m not a hardcore feminist. I’m a humanist.”

Well, that’s Bachchan bahu talking loud and clear!

Jolie has ‘sentenced’ Brad to sleep on the couch

An angry Angelina Jolie has ‘sentenced’ Brad Pitt to sleep on the couch after learning that he still smokes pot, sources say.

The glamorous couple apparently had a heated row over the issue and blamed her partner’s ex Jennifer Aniston for his addiction to marijuana.

“Ange says it`s Jen`s fault Brad is still smoking pot, since the bulk of his drug-taking days were when he was with her,” the Daily Telegraph quoted a source as telling National Enquirer.

The insider added: "She`s angry and looking for someone to blame, so Jen is always going to be a prime target."

Seemingly, the ‘Original Sin’ actress feels that she has been lied to about many things.

The source revealed: "Angie, feeling she`s been totally lied to, is piecing together all the other things Brad`s not been truthful to her about and come up with a fairly long list."

However, both have jetted to France this week to work on their relationship, according to OK! Weekly.

LAPD looking for 3 suspects in Lohan burglary

Police are looking for three suspects in the burglary of Lindsay Lohan`s home.The Los Angeles Police Department has released surveillance camera footage of the Sunday break-in at the "Mean Girls" star`s house. The footage shows three people, whose faces are covered with scarves, walking through a gate at Lohan`s Hollywood Hills home and entering a courtyard at around 1:10 a.m.

LAPD detectives believe the suspects — one male and two females, all 18 to 25 years old — entered the house through an unlocked door, then ransacked it and took property.

Lohan`s spokeswoman, Leslie Sloane-Zelnik, said the break-in happened Sunday while the actress and her younger sister were away. Sloane-Zelnik said many of Lohan`s "personal belongings were taken without remorse."

Lohan posted on Twitter she didn`t think it was a robbery because "things that a certain old friend knew meant a lot to me" were taken.

Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie at loggerheads

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has sparked a bitter feud with her partner Brad Pitt`s ex-wife Jennifer Aniston.

Director Quentin Tarantino had discussed Pitt`s enjoyment of smoking of cannabis now and again which has fumed Jolie.

The actress has reportedly linked the revelation to Pitt`s estranged relationship with ex-wife Aniston, Heat magazine reported.

The `Gia` actress is outraged over the fact that she doesn`t know every little detail about Pitt`s likes and dislikes, especially since he lied to her about quitting the drug for good and is thought to be convinced that he`s reminiscing about the old days.

"Ange says it`s Jen`s fault Brad is still smoking pot, since the bulk of his drug-taking days were when he was with her. She`s angry and looking for someone to blame, so Jen is always going to be a prime target," a source said.

Schwarzenegger drops in on Twitter

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger paid a call at Twitter on Wednesday, praising the microblogging sensation as a way to stay in tune with what voters are thinking.

Schwarzenegger`s chat with Twitter co-founders Biz Stone and Evan Williams in the Internet firm`s San Francisco offices was streamed online in a "tweetcast" and ranged from bodybuilding to the state`s budget woes.

"Social networking, I think, is something you have brought to the ultimate level," Schwarzenegger told Stone and Williams. "It is brilliant what you came up with, staggering."

Schwarzenegger voiced certainty that the pair weren`t thinking about a role in an Iranian revolution when they created the microblogging service.

"It was low on the list," Williams quipped as Stone emphatically shook his head to indicate "No."

In July, Twitter became a key communications tool for Iranians protesting the controversial re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Twitter users outside Iran changed time and location settings to make it appear they were messaging from Tehran to make it harder for authorities to find those really tweeting from that country.

Schwarzenegger, whose office is well-wired into Internet technologies, described Twitter as an effective way for politicians to get real-time feedback from voters.

"You always try to reach out and touch the people; you need to know always what they are feeling and it changes so quickly," the governor said. "We see it with health care reform."

Talk inevitably touched on exercise, with Stone telling the bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-governor that Twitter workers are more into running than weightlifting.

Some Twitter workers slip out of the office for midnight marathon runs along San Francisco streets, said Stone. Twitter also invites workers from local technology firms to join in a weekly run along the Embarcadero.

"Now I realize we need a weight room," Stone noted after Schwarzenegger commented that workout centers have flourished in the aftermath of his days as Mr. Universe.

Schwarzenegger was nicknamed "The Austrian Oak" during a bodybuilding career that included winning a series of Mr. Olympia crowns. He parlayed his bodybuilding glory into a film career.

Schwarzenegger said he has turned to Twitter users for ideas about how to fix California`s daunting budget deficit.

Suggestions he is using include having a "garage sale" to raise money from bicycles, cars and other property the state doesn`t need.

Fittingly, Stone scanned Twitter for questions to ask Schwarzenegger, coming up with "Why can`t other states have a governor this awesome."

"That`s why I`m the one and only," Schwarzenegger quickly retorted.

After the governor left Twitter, Stone fired off a tweet thanking him for stopping by for a chat.