Bollywood-Stop

Bigg Boss 7: Meet The Possible Contestants!

2013-08-21T01:35:00.001+05:00

As the buzz around the latest season of the reality show gets stronger, here are some celeb names doing the rounds as likely housemates

Hazel Keech: An actress and model from Britain, Keech had a small but significant role in 'Bodyguard' (2011), before becoming famous with the item number 'Aa Ante Amlapuram' in 'Maximum' (2012).

Reality check: Hasn't done any reality shows yet.

Pratyusha Banerjee: The popular telly actress gained fame by playing Anandi in 'Balika Vadhu' before quitting the show.

Reality check: She had taken part in the food reality show 'Kitchen Champion 4' and was also a contestant on 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5'
Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta: The popular love birds from telly world, Ravi and Sargun starred together in '12/24 Karol Bagh'. Ravi went on to feature in the show 'Saas Bina Sasural' was Sargun was seen in 'Kya Huaa Tera Vaada'.

Reality check: The couple were seen as a pair in 'Nach Baliye 5', during which Ravi famously proposed Sargun
Kamya Punjabi: She is noted for playing the vamp is shows like 'Reth' (Nethra), 'Astitva. . . Ek Prem Kahani' (Kiran), Banoo Mein Teri Dulhann (Sindoora Singh), 'Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki' (Kamya) and 'Amber Dhara' (Deepika).

Reality check: So far, she has been seen only in comedy reality shows like 'Comedy Circus' and 'Nautanki the Comedy theatre'
Kushal Tondon: The model-turned actor has gained fame playing Virat Singh Vadhera in 'Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai'.

Reality check: Was a participant on 'Nach Baliye 5'
Harbhajan Singh: The out of favour Indian off-spinner seems to be seriously shifting focus to showbiz.

Reality check: He won the dance reality show 'Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena' in which Mona Singh was his partner. Singh also promoted 'Ring Ka King', a professional wrestling show
Shaan: One of the most versatile singers of Hindi films, Shaan also seems intent on looking for work beyond playback singing.

Reality check: Currently a contestant on 'Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 6', Shaan had earlier hosted singing shows like 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' and 'Voice of India'
Vastal Sheth: The youngster, who made a name for himself playing Jai in the youth-centric TV show 'Just Mohabbat' in the late 90s, Sheth has gone on to have an unsuccessful Bollywood career.

Reality check: Yet to take part in any reality series
Armaan Kohli: The son of filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli, Armaan acted in a handful of films from the 90s to the early 2000s, including the disastrous 'Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani' (2002) directed by his father. His career never took off.

Reality check: Hasn't done any reality show yet
Gurdeep Kohli: The telly actress, who gained fame playing Dr. Juhi Singh in 'Sanjivani', was last seen in the film 'Rowdy Rathore' where she played a cop. Gurdeep is married to actor Arjun Punj and has a three-year-old daughter, Meher.

Reality check: She took part in 'Nach Baliye 2' with hubby Arjun.

There is no need to be cheap

2013-08-21T01:21:00.003+05:00

Raveena Tandon is in no hurry to announce her comeback to Hindi films yet. Instead, she is busy managing her home and kids, doing movies down South and being a philanthropist. B-S caught up with her

Regional cinema
Presently, I am working with South actor Mohan Babu and his sons for a Telegu movie. This is not my first movie, as I have already done films like Aalavandhan, Bangaru Bullodu, Akasa Veedhilo. My last film Laboratory was in Bengali.

It is based on a short story by Rabindranath Tagore. I did the dubbing for it myself, I found it easier than Telegu. I appreciate the love, positive vibes and respect that I get from them.

Their cinema still revolves around villagers, traditions and middle class values, thus they connect with the masses. As for the Hindi film industry, I welcome its corporatisation which has led to bound scripts, proper contracts, payments on time and organised schedules.

However, the flip side is that the content is modern and western. There are exceptions of course like Bhaag Milka Bhaag, Barfi, Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur to name a few which are adding a new dimension to cinema.
The mast mast girl
Admittedly, item songs add glitz and glamour to a movie. But there is no need to be cheap. A fun number with foot-tapping music can be a chart-buster too.

Being mommy
I am a very hands-on mother. I often tell my family and friends that 'movies will come and go, but the childhood of my kids will come only once and I don't want to miss it for anything'.

That's one of the reasons I take on lesser work. I read about two-three scripts on an average but only take on one movie at a time and roles that really excite me. In the next few months I will start work on a Hindi film.
Giving back to society
As an actor, I believe we should be able to contribute for the welfare of the society. Previously I have partnered with UNICEF. My latest project was to house 30 orphan children who were homeless and were staying with me in my bungalow for over one and a half years.

With the help of family and friends who helped me gather funds, we built a home for them in Vasai. I was completely involved in the project from the flooring to the colouring of the walls. Recently, when the kids moved to this place, they made cards which said that the house we built for them is better than the Taj Mahal (smiles).

Spotted: When a fly disturbed Ash

2013-08-21T01:19:00.000+05:00

The insect kept hovering around Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and she had to keep waving it away at a launch event

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan unveiled a real estate project at an event held yesterday at a Worli hotel. A fly kept hovering around her and she had to keep waving it away

Hope it was not the proverbial fly on the wall. Ash also continously held on to the sides of the chair and kept adjusting her gown. Blame it on the design?

Critics, go fly a kite: In a day or two Chennai Express will touch Rs. 200 Crores

2013-08-21T01:14:00.001+05:00

It's Advantage Khan, at least for now. Akshay Kumar's much-vaunted Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara (OUATIMD) has under-performed at the boxoffice, leaving trade experts shell-shocked, and the Chennai Express (CE) producers laughing all the way to the bank.

And the next bank holiday.

Shah Rukh, we hear, plans a big celebration bash. We don't know yet if the OUATIMD producer Ekta Kapoor would be invited. But if reports that she refused to let Shah Rukh screen her film at his residence Mannat are true, then I doubt she would be in a mood to celebrate. Invite or no.

The boxoffice figures for Chennai Express are indeed staggering even in the second week. On its second Friday it collected 6. 50 crore rupees, Saturday's collections were 8. 51 crores, Sunday was 10. 22 crores.

The total over the second weekend was 25. 23 crore rupees. This, when added to the 1st week's collections of Rs 156. 70 cores totalled Rs 181. 93 crores collection for the first ten days.

In a day or two Chennai Express will touch Rs. 200 crores.

Understandably there is much self-congratulation in the UTV camp.

Says Gaurav Verma, Director India Theatrical Distribution Studios, Disney UTV Two powerhouses of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan and Rohit Shetty came together for the first time. That was enough reason to create a huge excitement.

Plus the magic of Deepika Padukone re-teaming with Shah Rukh after six years, backed by the aggressive marketing which created a huge buzz, all this did the trick.

Gaurav also feels the release timing was perfect. With Eid on Friday followed by Independence Day during the same week, the film got an opportunity to go really wide in Week 1. Our gambit paid off. Audiences came to cinemas in huge numbers and made Chennai Express an unprecedented office success. It continues to break many records every day.

Gaurav gloats over the second week's collections. It is expected to dominate the box office the next week as well. So we'll continue to retain maximum screens in the weeks to come.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh endorses the film's whopping success. `The boxoffice business is phenomenal. SRK plus Deepika plus Rohit Shetty plus Eid plus masala have proved yet again that entertainment rules. The masses love Chennai Express. ` Critics can go fly a kite.

Sakshi undergoes drastic sex worker makeover!

2013-08-21T01:06:00.001+05:00

From the perfect homemaker in 'Bade Acche Lagte Hain', Sakshi Tanwar to play a commercial sex worker in a film

After playing the traditional housewife on television for years, Sakshi Tanwar had an image transformation of sorts on her daily soap opposite Ram Kapoor.

But this time, looks like the actress is all set to go another step forward with sources saying she could be cast as a commercial sex worker in an upcoming film, helmed by Ankush Bhatt.

Producer Irshad Khan confirms, Yes, Sakshi will play the second lead in the movie. We will be signing her shortly.

The project is said to portray the brothels on Mumbai. For the lead role apparently Konkona Sen Sharma was approached. But with that not working out, the makers are looking out for another actress.

A couple of years back, Sakshi also shot for a film titled Mohalla Assi opposite Sunny Deol but the project got shelved.

Work keeps Sushant Singh Rajput busy on Raksha Bandhan

2013-08-21T01:01:00.002+05:00

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput has four elder sisters. But he says he won't be able to spend time with them for the festival Tuesday as he is busy promoting his forthcoming film "Shuddh Desi Romance".

"There are a lot of emotions that come attached with Raksha Bandhan. Like all, even I have my own share of memories. But it's unfortunate that this time I will not be able to spend time with my sisters," Sushant told.

"I'm busy promoting my film 'Shuddh Desi Romance'. I know their blessing are always with me," he added.

One of Sushant's sisters stays in the US, two in Delhi and one in Chandigarh.

He said: "I will call them and take their blessings."

The 27-year-old, who made his big screen debut with "Kai Po Che!", features with Parineeti Chopra and Vaani Kapoor in "Shuddh Desi Romance", directed by Maneesh. The Yash Raj Films' project is slated to release Sep 6.

Ekta and I make a strong brother-sister jodi

2013-08-21T00:47:00.001+05:00

On the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan Tuesday, actor Tusshar Kapoor says he makes a strong brother-sister pair with his elder sibling Ekta, a successful producer of films and TV shows.

"It's been 36 years that I am getting a rakhi tied by Ekta. Every year we do the same thing. Since our childhood, even if we are not together on Raksha Bandhan, we celebrate the festival. She sends a rakhi to me wherever I am, and we talk over the phone," the actor told reporters here.

"I think our brother-sister jodi in the industry is very strong," he added.

Ekta and Tusshar are children of veteran actor Jeetendra and producer Shobha Kapoor. Ekta has produced films like "Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai", "Kyaa Kool Hai Hum", "Shor In The City" and "The Dirty Picture", which starred her younger brother.

Coaxed by daughters, Anil Kapoor joins Twitter

2013-08-21T00:44:00.001+05:00

Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor is on Twitter. He says his daughters - actress Sonam and filmmaker Rhea - pushed him into joining the microblogging site.

"So after all that coaxing by my digitally savvy daughters, I am finally on Twitter. Let's connect," Anil posted in his first tweet Tuesday.

Both Sonam and Rhea are active on social networking sites.

The actor, who has featured in films like "Race 2" and "Shootout at Wadala" this year, is busy gearing up for his debut TV production - the Indian adaptation of hit international TV series "24" for the Colors channel.

In the desi version, Anil features in the lead role of Counter Terrorist Unit agent Jack Bauer, which was originally essayed by actor Kiefer Sutherland.

The TV show, which also features veteran actress Shabana Azmi, is directed by Abhinay Deo. The date of its telecast is yet to be revealed.

Priyamani is a very quick learner

2013-08-21T00:41:00.000+05:00

Actress Priyamani learnt sword-fighting, archery and even acrobatics for her upcoming Telugu social period drama "Chandi", and its director V. Samudra can't stop lauding her dedication towards mastering the action skills.

"She (Priyamani) was expected to learn archery and sword-fighting for her role. I was stunned to know that she is a very quick learner.

All that it took her to shoot arrows was two hours of training with a professional," Samudra told.

"It's not just dancing and romancing for actresses, but sometimes it's more than that. At times, it means to wield the sword or even doing a back flip for an action sequence. Priyamani's role is a mixture of all that and audiences will love her for that," he added.

Priyamani is playing an avenging angel in the film, which also features R. Sarath Kumar, Nagendra Babu, Ashish Vidyarthi, Posani Krishna Murali and M.S. Narayana.

"We are busy wrapping up the talkie portion. If all goes well, then we are likely to release it by September-end," he added.

The film also features veteran actor Krishnam Raju in an important role.

"He plays the role of a king. It will be a powerful role along the lines of roles that he did in films such as 'Bobbli Brahmanna' and 'Thandra Paparayudu'," said Samudra.

Finally Deepika Padukone takes a break

2013-08-21T00:28:00.000+05:00

Deepika Padukone, who is riding high on success and constantly racing on the top takes time out to pamper herself and spend some time with her family. She leaves on a holiday for 15 days with her parents and sister to Europe.

The actress gets to spend quality time with her family after almost 2 long years.

In the last 2 years, Deepika has been working very hard and shooting for films back to back.

Starting with Cocktail, getting into Race 2, then Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani, to Chennai Express and now Ram Leela. The actress has delivered 4 consecutive hits and played versatile roles each time that are not easy to forget.

She completed all her shooting schedules and left no work pending before taking this holiday so she could enjoy her time with her parents and sister without having to delay her commitments to her work

Oops! OUATIMD rakes in only Rs 38 crore in its opening weekend

2013-08-21T00:17:00.000+05:00

With a dismal performance, Akshay Kumar's latest release is no match for SRK's 'Chennai Express' which is racing towards Rs 200 crore mark

Ever since its release, Shah Rukh Khan's Chennai Express has bulldozed its way into record books. And looks like Akshay Kumar's latest release Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara has borne the brunt of Rohit Shetty's box office smasher. The SRK-Deepika Padukone starrer became the fastest film to reach Rs 100 crore.

Releasing across limited screens since Chennai Express was still thundering on its way forward on Independence Day (last Thursday), Milan Luthria's film failed to capitalise on the situation once SRK's film finished its first week run.

It collected approximately Rs 11 crore on the opening day but saw a downfall soon after except on Sunday, which saw a slight rise, raking in only Rs 38 crore till Sunday night. SRK's film on the other hand is racing full steam ahead towards the Rs 200 crore mark.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra says, OUATIMD has failed at the box office. August 15 saw limited shows, which affected the collections. Though the shows increased on Friday, the collections didn't. Saturday was just about okay while Sunday was somewhat better. The film has failed to cross the Rs 50 crore mark over its four days.

According to distributor Sunny Khanna, Shah Rukh has set a new benchmark of sorts. He explains, `Chennai Express has grossed approximately Rs 147 crore in the first week, adding Rs 23 crore in its second weekend, taking the total BO collection to Rs 170 crore in 11 days.

The film is gearing up to touch Rs 200 crore in terms of all-India theatrical revenues. Even if it doesn't cross the figure of Rs 200 crore, the producer's share will be higher than all the movies released in the past including Aamir Khan's 3 Idiots. Based on their profit sharing basis, the distributors will have earned better.
Regarding OUATIMD, Khanna points out that the weekend numbers were way below expectations. On Friday, the film raked in Rs 9 crore, Rs 8 crore on Saturday and Rs 10 crore on Sunday.

According to distributor and box office expert, Suniel Wadhwa, Akshay's film could do nothing to stop the fast pace of SRK's film.

He says, The film performed very poorly and considering the cost of production as well as print and advertisement cost, Thursday fared better than the rest. With very weak word-of-mouth, the film will be difficult to sustain in the long run.

My childhood dream was to become a singer: Kapil Sharma

2013-08-21T00:06:00.002+05:00

The Amritsar-born comedian Kapil Sharma calls his profession crazy and shares much more in a freewheeling chat

After all, wit ought to be Kapil Sharma's middle name. The Amritsar-born comedian calls his profession crazy and shares much more in a freewheeling chat with B-S.

Creating a niche
My childhood dream was to become a singer. Since I come from a family that had its share of financial problems, I understood at an early age that there has to be a pragmatic approach towards your dreams in life. Over the years, I've worn so many hats. At one point, I was singing for an album and at another, I was doing comedy on television.

A humour being
I don't really know how I manage to come up with impromptu jokes. But as long as people are laughing, I believe my job is done.

As a comedian, I focus on weaknesses -- be it in myself or in others on whom a joke is targeted at -- because our shortcomings are the best fodder for humour. After all, a comedian can't cheat. A singer can sing his predecessors' songs while a dancer can borrow moves but a comedian has to come up with original material every single time.
The filmi touch
In my ongoing comedy show, I get to play different characters in a theatrical setup. The reason why I wanted a stage to perform various skits is because of my background on stage. I used to work in plays -- earning virtually nothing -- in my younger days.

However, it was an enriching experience. Today, thanks to my exposure, I'm getting offers from films asking for roles I essay in the show like that of a policeman or a doctor. Expecting them to be a bit more imaginative won't be too much to ask for, right? (smiles)
Inspired by life
The other day, Shah Rukh Khan visited our show and one can notice how effortlessly funny he is. What people don't realise is that this thing called 'sense of humour' is a by product of our daily struggles.

He's a superstar today but he used to perform at a Ramlila in Delhi during his early days. Being artistes, our hard work inspires us. As is the case with most other professions, there's no short cut for success.
Mumbai meri jaan
This city is very special to me for a lot of reasons. Whoever first called it the city of dreams was absolutely right. It allows you to grow at your own pace and achieve what you aim for. I bought my first house here.

People don't interfere much in your life and the weather is tolerable here as compared to the north. Of course, I have my issues with it too. The traffic is horrible and the roads are terrible. Crowd isn't as big an issue as littering is though. We can be cleaner.

Zanjeer music average, could have been better

2013-08-21T00:00:00.000+05:00

Composer: Chirantan Bhatt

Singers: Mika Singh, Talia Bentson, Mamta Sharma, Meet Bros Anjjan, Wajhi, Palak Muchhal, Sukhwinder Singh, Shabab Sabri, Shweta Pandit, and Shreya Ghoshal

Ratings: * * *

Director Apoorva Lakhia's movie "Zanjeer", a remake of the 1973 movie of the same name, has seven tracks. While retaining the original flavour of the plot, composer Chirantan Bhatt has given it a contemporary twist.

The album begins with stylish Mika Singh number "Mumabi ke hero". This can become the anthem of Mumbai Police as it portrays them in a most heroic way. Amitabh Bachchan's dialogues from the original add nostalgia. Singer Talia Bentson kicks in with a rap and a British accent but does not really impress. It can be summed up as a cool track.

When will singer Mamta Sharma stop singing item numbers? This is the first thought that comes to mind when the song "Pinky" starts, but nonetheless, it is a full entertainer like all her other numbers. The song with a Marathi flavour scores well in the genre.

Wajhi sings "Lamha tera mera". He is joined by Palak Muchchal, whose voice is beautiful. It gradually slows down but the moment you start enjoying it, the beats become faster. It's an excellent track gone awry.

The qawali has its own charm and "Kochey pathan" reveals that perfectly. Singer Sukhwinder Singh's voice is apt for the song. It reminds you of an authentic qawali session. The singers' voice easily reflect the passion of friends. It might not be on a par with "Yaari hai imaan" from the original, but it entertains.
The next track, "Kaatilana", is interesting. Shweta Pandits's voice is sensuous and beautiful. Surprisingly, this is a melodious and energetic number.

"Shakila banoo" is a character-driven track. Shreya Goshal croons the song, but there is nothing to write home about.

The soundtrack of "Zanjeer" is okay, but it could have been grand. "Kochey pathan" stands out.

First Look: The Coffin Maker

2013-08-20T23:53:00.002+05:00

The Coffin Maker is a life changing film. It represents cinema that inspires! Set against the authentic and seductive spirit of a Goan Village, Coffin Maker is a poignant tale about a reluctant Coffin Maker who learns about life from a very unusual and mysterious sour. The film is produced by Bharat & Ambika Vijan's Shree Narayan Studio Pvt. Ltd. and directed by Veena Bakshi.

The Coffin Maker exemplifies the genius and the exceptional talent of Naseeruddin Shah yet again.

Randeep Hooda looking very dapper and handsome,more like a charming Hollywood hero, in the best performance of his life with his real life mentor Nasseruddin Shah. It's a constant battle of wits between the two protagonists in a mental game that transports the inspirational film to a very different level.

Ratna Pathak Shah plays Naseeruddin's catholic wife Isabella that will surely charm the audience yet again.

Says Producer Bharat Vijan, Shree Narayan Studio I am just so overwhelmed to have Nasser saab in my debut film as a producer in Bollywood and such a brilliant cast of Randeep, Ratna,Benjamin, Amit,Mahabanoo. Coffin Maker is captivating and elevating cinema with the beauty of hope, love and the human spirit set against the Goan background.

It is a part of Entertaining cinema that inspires, and I genuinely hope that all Indians will watch it and get inspired.

It will make Indian cinema proud in the world stage. Even the music of Bapi-Tutul and songs by Hema Sardesai captures the essence and the sunshine spirit of Goa. Coffin Maker represents the blueprint of dealing with life in an entertaining way. Watch it!

The Post-Production of the film was recently completed and the movie is about to hit cinemas soon.

Twitter will become as uncool as Orkut: Ayushmann

2013-08-20T23:40:00.000+05:00

Seems like actor Ayushmann Khurrana is not happy with the growing trend of social networking sites as he belives that such platforms are transient.

One day Twitter will become uncool like orkut, it will cease to exist like Soviet Union and the value of followers will be like Rubles of the 1990s, tweeted the 28-year-old.

Stop celebrating follower count milestones. Social networking websites are like artistes. New replaces the old order. It's just so transient, he further tweeted.

Ayushman, who became popular name after his debut film `Vicky Donor`, has 574, 950 followers on Twitter.

Shahid Kapoor had fun doing mawali dance

2013-08-20T23:29:00.001+05:00

He is a fantastic dancer. He loves to dance. In `Rambo Rajkumar` he will be seen dancing with gay abandon.

The actor, who is shooting with Sonakshi Sinha for the Prabhudheva's directorial venture, is pretty excited about the song.

Shooting for song three 'Rambo Rajkumar' in a single screen theatre in Wai with Prabhudheva and Sonakshi Sinha. . . Doing mawali steps in front of the screen and throwing popcorn. Too much fun, tweeted the 32- year-old

Shahid will also be seen in director Rajkumar Santoshi's "Phata Poster Nikla Hero" with Ileana D'Cruz, which is slated for an Aug 23 release.

I admit I failed in my first year: Randeep Hooda

2013-08-20T23:24:00.000+05:00

Actor Randeep Hooda admits to being not so studious during his college days and he believes that to succeed in life one needs to follow one's passion.

"I hardly studied in college and I got through because I think most of the courses in college are courses in common sense. What you learn in college is outside the class," the 37-year-old told reporters at the St. Xavier's college where he was promoting his film "John Day".

"In college, I used to worry about my future. But ultimately if you do something you are interested in, you will become a champion in it and it has got nothing to do with education," added the actor who carved a niche for himself in the field of modelling and acting.

Randeep says what helps him in his career today is his time spent with friends.

"I failed in my first year but ultimately I got my degree. But that degree is of no use to me when I stand on stage today. My interpersonal skills and the time spent with my friends is what is helping me. So don't be disheartened and follow your dreams," he said.

Seen in films "Monsoon Wedding", "Cocktai" and "Murder", Randeep's next is "John Day".

Directed by Ashishor Solomon, "John Day" is a thriller and stars Naseeruddin Shah in the title role, while Randeep plays a police officer.

It will hit theatres Sep 13.

Now, Vaiko seeks ban on Madras Cafe

2013-08-20T23:06:00.000+05:00

After Naam Tamizhar, Vaiko's MDMK has sought a ban on John Abraham-starrer political-thriller "Madras Cafe", alleging that it portrays LTTE in a bad light.

"I request the centre to ban the film. The film should not be allowed to release and if screened, human rights organisations should protest against it in cities like Mumbai, " Vaiko said in a statement.

"I also urge the Tamil Nadu government to ban the film in the state, " he added.

"Madras Cafe", directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a fictional story based on real events that took place during Sri Lankan civil war.

When the film's trailer was release in July, the Tamil activist group Naam Tamizhar lead by filmmaker Seeman sought a ban on the film on the grounds of portraying LTTE cadres as terrorist.

On Sunday, a special screening of the dubbed version of "Madras Cafe" was organized for the group, but they are sticking to their guns.

Seeman said: "The film tries to portray late LTTE chief Prabhakaran as a terrorist. We don't appreciate it and request the distributors not to screen the film in the state. The sentiment of the film is anti-Tamil and we don't agree with it".

The film also features Nargis Fakhri, Rashi Khanna and Leena Maria is ready for Friday release.

Nawazuddin a fascinating actor

2013-08-20T19:40:00.001+05:00

Director Ketan Mehta, who roped in versatile actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play the title role in "Manjhi - The Mountain Man", praises the actor saying he is "committed and very fascinating".

Set in 1960, "Manjhi - The Mountain Man" is based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi, who for over 22 years worked on carving out a path through a mountain using just a hammer and a chisel. He dug a roadway out of a mountain that separated his village in Bihar from the nearest hospital.

In the film, Nawazuddin plays Manjhi.

"Nawaz is a very good actor. I enjoyed working with him. He is a very committed and very fascinating actor. He has done a brilliant job in the film," Mehta said here during a press conference about the film.

Talking about how he signed the National Award-winning actor for the project, Mehta said: "I had seen some of his roles. Besides, his physical type also matched a lot with the character (of Dashrath Manjhi)."

"Nawaz read the script and he loved it a lot and he immediately gave his nod," he added.

"Manjhi - The Mountain Man" features Radhika Apte as Nawaz's wife. Besides, it also features filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia and actor Prashant Narayanan in key roles.

Rang Rasiya to release by year end

2013-08-20T19:37:00.004+05:00

Ketan Mehta's much delayed "Rang Rasiya", which has been ready since 2008, is expected to come out by the end of the year.

"It was stuck for three years in some kind of a dispute. . . but now it will come out by the end of the year, " Mehta, who has just completed "Majhi - The Mountain Man", told.

He denied reprots that the film, a tribute to 19th century painter Raja Ravi Varma, was delayed due to the bold scenes picturised on the lead pair - Randeep Hooda and Nandana Sen.

"It was not because of the bold scenes. The film was passed by the censor board some three years ago. There were legal disputes, which were holding it back. Those have been lifted, " he said.

Things are not easy when a film's release is halted for so long, he said.

"It is very tough. A lot of people have put their time, energy and passion into the film. But now 'Rang Rasiya' will see the light of the day, " he said.

Meanwhile, the director is looking forward to the release of "Manjhi - The Mountain Man", which stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte.

First Look: Hrithik and Sunaina bond this Raksha Bandhan

2013-08-20T19:33:00.002+05:00

Hrithik being two years younger, Sunaina feels he behaves as if he is elder, also with a new person entering their lives post marriage, everything is still the same.

Hrithik says, "Any equation of love will never change. There may be refreshing ways to connect with each other... Any two people growing up together have to find new ways to connect with one another.

They may not talk to each other everyday but when needed they are always there for each other leaving everything else aside.

Being a superstar himself Hrithik finds Sunaina a greater superhero` than him. She has been the one who has fought with cancer and other issues in her life.

Wherin sunaina finds him a super brother, as she finds herself much closer to him than her father and looks upto him for advice.

Feeling that Sunanina has contributed alot to his career hrithik says " There are so many times when I think of her when I'm facing the camera. I think of my sister because she is the greatest love of all.

I know she is the one person who will be by my side no matter what. And at the same time, she will never be afraid to tell me that I am wrong. She has integrity as well as the power to love`

Hrithik would spend time with his sister by taking her out for lunch this raksha bandhan.

My Brother, My Jaan: B-Town Divas Celebrate Raksha Bandhan

2013-08-20T19:32:00.000+05:00

Parineeti Chopra: My brothers Sahaj and Shivang are my buddies ever since they grew up. I am the eldest. So I am going to be pampering and spoiling them this Raksha Bandhan.

Minissha Lamba: My brother is the closest person I have in Mumbai. And just to have him around is gift enough on raksha bandhan.
Celina Jaitley: My brother Vikrant is a major in the Indian army. Considering the crisis at the LOC he may soon be deployed, as he is on the special forces. The only Raksha Bandhan wish I have for him is to be safe. And to have a lil baby of his own soon as he's newly married.
Shabana Azmi: My brother Baba is most precious to me. He is my son, my friend and guide. Raksha Bandhan is a festival I get mos sentimental about. This year I am at my native village Mijwan for Raksha Bandhan.

I feel really sorry that I can't be personally present to tie him the raakhee. I make sure I am with Baba on this day. I think I missed being with my brother for raksha bandhan only 4-5 times in my entire life.

Sadly this is one of those years of absence. Baba is my most precious gift. I don't need anything from him. He doesn't allow anyone else to tie a raakhi on him. No mooh-boli bahens for my brother! I wouldn't tolerate them.
Manisha Koirala: I have the most precious gift in the world. My brother Siddhartha. I always wish him happiness and success, and not just for Raksha B

andhan but every single day. I consider myself the luckiest sister in the world. More power to my adorable bhaiya.
Pooja Bhatt: I am older to my brother Rahul. So tradition be damned. I'll be gifting him this Raksha Bandhan, not the other way around.
Bela Sehgal: I am very lucky to have a wonderful brother like Sanjay (Leela Bhansali). He is thoughtful caring and loving, understanding and always concerned about my well-being. For Raksha Bandhan I pray for his good health and the super-duper success of Ram Leela. The only gift that I want from him is that he should always continue to love me.
Divya Dutta: My brother Dr Rahul Dutta is more a friend than an elder brother. And he knows exactly what I want. The other day I liked a piece of jewellery while window-shopping. Before I knew it, it became my Rakhi gift. He is traveling but will be back in time for me tie the rakhi.
Lata Mangeshkar: More than a brother, Hridaynath is the son that I never had. When I sing for my brother I feel a mixture of elation and fear. He's such a perfectionist. To work with him is taxing but ultimately very satisfying. When I sing for other composers I'm always unsure about whether I've done my best. Hridayanath doesn't hesitate in ticking me off if I go wrong.

Even if I go wrong with one word he doesn't let me off the hook. He makes me sing it a hundred times over no matter how tired I get. At the most he'll let me off until the next day. But he must have the flawless recording.

I agree with him when he says, 'Right now only the recordist and I can hear you. But tomorrow the entire world will hear you. How would you feel if listeners pinpoint the errors in your singing? ' He's a very knowledgeable human being and not just in the field of music.

Hridayanath is very particular about the way I sing. And I like that. He makes me sing until I achieve the quality he desires. Hridayanath always says, 'In a recording room there're only ten people to hear you.

Once the song is recorded 10 crore people will hear it. So who loses face? People will say Lata doesn't sing the way she used to. ' He's as particular with any singer, whether it's my sister Asha or Usha.
Happily Hridayanath has the knowledge to achieve a high quality in the recording. He not only has a sound base in classical music but also listens to the old songs of my father (Pandit Dinanath Mangeshkar) and uses them as a foundation for some of his compositions.

I'm always on tenterhooks singing for him. He's a very learned musician. His knowledge of Marathi literature and poetry is so vast. He's familiar with both modern and non-contemporary poets. By God's grace all my albums with my brother have been perennially popular.

My first non-film album with Hridayanath was Mogra Phulela 35 years ago. And that's still selling...

It wasn't a conscious decision to not work together for so long. Nothing materialized for one reason or another. . . . My brother Hridaynath Mangeshkar's album of Meera bhajans Chala Vahi Des is an all-time favourite. It's fallacy that I refused to sing Meera bhajans for anyone except my brother.

I sang Jaidev's Main janoon nahin piya ko Milan kaise howe ri in Chand Grahan and Jo tum todo piya for Shiv-Hari in Silsila. I refused to give playback to the film on Meerabai when Gulzar made it. Meera is very close to my heart. I couldn't bear the thought of any actress sing her songs while playing Meerabai.

Laxmikant-Pyarelal, then R. D. Burman left the project. Then Gulzar Saab brought in Pandit Ravi Shankar. I also love what my brother made me do in Maya Memsaab and Lekin. In the CD of Lekin there's a Ghazal Dil mein lekar which didn't feature in the film. I love that as well.
Pooja Bedi: I deeply miss my brother Siddharth who died 15 years ago. And I'm grateful for my brother Adam who is 12 years younger to me. Being so much older I don't look at him in the traditional role of the protective brother. On the contrary I feel I need to protect him and take care of him. All I expect from him is some time to spend together and oodles of love.

Daisy Shah goes under the knife, Salman Khan foots Rs 1.5 lakh bill

2013-08-20T01:08:00.000+05:00

Known for his generous presents, Santa Salman now has apparently gifted a cosmetic surgery package to co-star Daisy Shah

From gifting free flats to his romantic interests and special friends to showering money on the needy, we have all heard of Salman Khan's benevolent ways. But this one seems to take the cake when it comes to the star's generosity. Salman has apparently paid a whopping amount for a surgery to trim off excess flab for his co-star Daisy Shah.

The newbie actress is starring opposite the actor in Sohail Khan's upcoming production. Apparently last week, Daisy checked into a hospital in Shivaji Park. She remained at the medical facility for two days after going under the knife.

A hospital insider says, `She ran up a bill of around Rs 1.5 lakh and Salman paid for it.`

Salman and Daisy's friendship also grabbed headlines when the two were spotted bicycling around the hills of Lavasa during the shoot of their film. Daisy remained unavailable for comment.
In the meanwhile...

With Salman's dates for Sajid Nadiadwala's upcoming film going haywire, it looks like brother Sohail has come out smiling from the situation.

Sajid's crew had been patiently awaiting Salman's arrival in UK, but owing to his visa woes, the star was unable to leave the Indian shores. Sources say the entire crew has now flown back from Glasgow to India.
Interestingly, instead of trying to sort out the issue within, Salman has apparently gone ahead and allotted his dates for Sajid's next for Sohail's film.

A source says, Sohail was initially supposed to wait for Salman to wrap up Sajid's London schedule. But with Sajid now gearing up for a recce for his next location, Sohail will have two months to take his film forward.

No Forgiveness: Salman, Shah Rukh ditch Sridevi's Party

2013-08-20T00:56:00.001+05:00

While most of Sridevi's leading men from Vinod Khanna to Anil Kapoor showed up at the celebratory party thrown at the lounge Alibi in Colaba (Mumbai) by politician Amar Singh and Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan who were supposed to most certainly be there did a no-show.

And the reason was not their mutual hostility (yes, the Iftar hug notwithstanding they still don't talk). Their reason for not turning up for Sridevi's golden hour was quite different.

According to a very reliable source, Salman and Shah Rukh were both aware of each other's invitation at the party. They didn't mind coming face to face. They didn't show up for entirely different reasons. Salman was all dressed and ready to leave for the party when he heard that the party had been organized by his one-time friend Bunty Walia. He immediately changed his mind.

For those who came in late, Salman and Bunty used to be the thickest of friends. But then they had a massive fall-out. As everyone knows Salman's former friends are never forgiven. Any sign of the 'B' (for Bunty) word and Salman baulks.

Shah Rukh was apparently all dressed and ready to arrive at the venue at 12 midnight. For reasons best known to him he changed his mind.
These Khan superstars' no-show apart Sridevi's party was a grand success. All her female colleagues like Hema Malini, Juhi Chawla, Sushmita Sen, Shilpa Shetty and her co-stars Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor to Vinod Khanna to Anil Kapoor (with wife Sunita) had turned up. Tennis champ Mahesh Bhupati with wife Lara Dutta rubbed shoulders with media baron Subhash Chandra. The political brigade was represented by such heavyeights as Praful Patel and Salman Khurshid.

It was gratifying for the guests to see Boney Kapoor's daughter Anshula from his first marriage present at the party.
Says a prominent guest, Boney's son Arjun was also supposed to be at the part. But Arjun's shooting in Chennai for 2 States got delayed because of rains and he couldn't make it. Boney's sister (whose son is being launched by Akshay Kumar) couldn't make it at the last minute because of a medical emergency in the family. However Sanjay Kapoor and his wife Mahip were present.

The party was a resounding success.

Says a VIP invitee, It went on until 3. 30 am. I'd say the highlight was the 7-minute show-reel on Sridevi that Amar Singh had gotten made. It traced Sridevi's career from a child artiste to the most recent cover-shoot for Vogue magazine.

SRK's Special Rakhi Gift: Buy 2 Tickets of Chennai Express, Get 1 free

2013-08-20T00:50:00.000+05:00

Buy two, get one free -- is the Rakhi offer that superstar Shah Rukh Khan is making for everyone across the country keen to see his latest entertainment extravaganza "Chennai Express" which is blazing records at the box-office.

So if you love him for making you laugh in Chennai Express, you will love Shah Rukh all the more for his latest gesture.

A source close to the superstar said this is SRK's brainchild. The offer is valid on Aug 20 across the country because the 47-year-old wants to celebrate with everyone.

The source added: We have celebrated Eid and Independence Day with the entire country and this is his way of celebrating Rakhi as well. This is his small way of giving back the huge amount of love and support he has got from the people.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, Chennai Express is a runaway hit at the box office. Released Aug 9, it minted Rs.181.93 crore by Aug 18.

If viewers enjoyed SRK's new avatar in the romantic comedy, they also found Deepika Padukone's Tamil girl act thoroughly entertaining. The film was liked so much that it created a record by recording the fastest Rs.100 crore earning at the box office. The Rs.75 crore project achieved that in the first weekend itself.

"It has been an amazing journey for 'Chennai Express' so far. The audience has loved and supported the film, helping it to achieve unprecedented success at the box office. We wanted to find a way to thank our audiences, especially families, for their love and support for the film.

We thought the occasion of Raksha Bandhan would be an ideal opportunity to do so, said Gaurav Verma, Director - India Theatrical Distribution, Studios, Disney-UTV, in a statement.

We are inviting everyone to celebrate the festival with 'Chennai Express' and are pleased to offer a third ticket free on the purchase of every two tickets, as a token of our appreciation," added Verma.