After winning Screen Awards, Amitabh Bachchan joyous

After winning Screen Awards, Amitabh Bachchan joyous

Amitabh Bachchan voiced "joy and gratefulness" after he and his son Abhishek won awards at the 19th Annual Screen Awards.

While Abhishek got a trophy for the best comic role in Bol Bachchan, Big B received a special award for being an iconic legend.

"Father son win awards at Screen... Abhishek best comedy role and yours truly for outcome of a poll an all India for iconic legend," Amitabh tweeted on Sunday.

"There is pride, joy and gratefulness... How much effort is put in to reward talent and creativity," the 70-year-old posted.

The award ceremony took place Saturday night.

The evening saw off beat films Paan Singh Tomar and Barfi! winning top honours.

While both films shared the best movie award, Irrfan and Ranbir Kapoor, lead actors in the two films respectively, shared the best actor trophy.

Late filmmaker Yash Chopra, who died in October 2012, was conferred the lifetime achievement award at the gala.

The event was hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, Karan Johar and Ayushmann Khurrana, who bagged the best newcomer (male) award for his performance in Vicky Donor.

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songs to be released on Makar Sankranti

Kai Po Che! songs to be released on Makar Sankranti
The first song of Abhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che!, which has been shot mostly in Gujarat, will be released in Ahmedabad on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on January 14.

"The entire team of Kai Po Che! is travelling to Ahmedabad on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and we are releasing our first song titled Manjha there," said Shikha Kapur, executive director (Marketing), Studios, DisneyUTV.

Only the song's audio will be released for now. There is a reason why this location and festival were chosen for the song's launch.

"Makar Sankranti sees the entire Gujarat state celebrate and bond over kite flying and the songManjha just goes with the occasion of bonding, celebration and undying friendship," said Kapur.

The film, based on Chetan Bhagat's bestselling novel 'The Three Mistakes Of My Life', features Sushant Singh Rajput, Amit Sadh and Rajkumar Yadav.

Director Abhishek Kapoor of Rock On!! fame is "excited".

"It is for the first time that we are doing this in Gujarat and we are super excited. The film is set in Gujarat, was shot entirely in Gujarat and we are starting our promotions from Gujarat on such an auspicious day like Makar Sankranti. It is like coming full circle for the entire Kai Po Che! team. We are all very nostalgic," he said.

The film will release on February 22.

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Neil Nitin Mukesh in Dussehra

Neil Nitin Mukesh in Dussehra

Neil Nitin Mukesh will be seen in Manish Vatsalya's next directorial venture Dussehra, a politics-based movie. 

"I am in Dussehra," Neil told IANS. The actor seems to be having a busy 2013 with five films in his kitty. 

These include Shortcut Romeo, which will see him opposite Puja Gupta and Ameesha Patel; 3G, which has Sonal Chauhan; Ishqeria, which has Richa Chadda; David, which features Monica Dogra, and Dussehra.

"I have Shortcut Romeo and 3G which are ready for release. 3G releases in March and Shortcut Romeo might be around that time too, though we still have to lock the release date. Then of course, there is Dussehra," he said. 

Talking about Ishqeria, the actor said the movie should be completed in the next few days. 

"Ishqeria is 80 per cent complete. It should be completed in the next 25 days," he said. 

He admits juggling work between five projects isn't easy. Nevertheless, he manages to catch up on some sleep in between. 

"I am juggling five films... I am sleeping between all this," he said, adding that he wants to ensure all his impending films release this year. 

"I want to make sure that at least four to five films release in this year. So it will be a busy year," he said.

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I'll be back this year: Sushmita Sen

I'll be back this year: Sushmita Sen

Actress Sushmita Sen will make a comeback on the big screen this year and promises the film will feature her in her trademark style.

"You will see me back in films this year. It has been a nice break, so it should be good to be back," the 37-year-old said here on Friday at the Enigma launch party.

Without divulging anything more, she said: "If I tell you everything now what will you watch?"

"It will be a Sushmita Sen film, I promise you that," added the former Miss Universe-turned-actress, who was seen in films like Biwi No.1 and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?. Sushmita was last seen in the 2010 movie No Problem.

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Women have strength

Women have strength but don't know how to use it: Shilpa Shetty

Actress Shilpa Shetty has called on women to strengthen themselves physically and mentally to become their own saviours in times of crisis.

"It is high time that we women understand our worth and that it it very important to be confident in any kind of adversity," the 37-year-old said here on Friday at the launch of a self-defense campaign "Enough is Enough."

"Generally, it has been seen that we get scared when we are harassed, even mentally. But I think this is the time for change. It is time we let women understand their strength. We have strength and we are aware of it, but we don't know how to use it," she added.

Shilpa also advocates teaching kids respect for women in schools to prevent crimes against women in future.

"I think now it is important, especially in schools, that respect for women is inculcated in children. I think that is where the mindset will change," Shilpa said.

"Women cannot be looked at as just sex objects. I think that is where we, kind of, lack in this country," she added.

The campaign has been organised by Shilpa's husband Raj Kundra's Super Fight League, an organisation to promote martial arts.

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Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola collects Rs.7.02 crore

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola collects Rs.7.02 crore, biggest for Vishal Bhardwaj

Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola, a political satire targetting land scam, which has earned rave reviews especially for Pankaj Kapur's performance, collected Rs.7.02 crore on its opening day, making it the highest ever opening for the director.

Co-produced by Mr Bhardwaj, the film has been made at a budget of about Rs.33 crore and its opening is said to be much higher than Mr Bhardwaj's Kaminey.

Set in the rustic surroundings of a village in Haryana, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is about Harry Mandola (Pankaj), an industrialist, who loves his drink, daughter Bijlee (Anushka) and the unusual bond he shares with his Man Friday Matru (Imran).

Many felt that political satire as such has not been a well explored subject in cinema and hence this one is a bold step pushing the envelope where no one else has dared to venture.

In fact, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan too praised the film.

He tweeted: "A land issue much like Singur, rich and poor divide, communism of takes, anti alcohol, love triangle (DDLJ style [Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge]), politics - all portrayed in a manner not unknown to us, yet unknown... a composite satire, if ever satires could be composite."

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Akshay Kumar will woo Katrina Kaif on-screen for the seventh time

Akshay Kumar will woo Katrina Kaif on-screen for the seventh time

Bollywood's original Khiladi, Akshay Kumar is ready to romance Katrina Kaif in a new film after having worked together in six films earlier.

The film, a remake of South film Ramana, will be co-produced by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Shabina Khan. Southern film director M Raja is slated to helm the Hindi version.

Akshay and Katrina were last seen on screen in 2010 movie Tees Maar Khan that turned out to be a total box office disaster.

"Akshay and Katrina have been probably the most popular hit pair in recent times with blockbusters like Singh is Kinng, Namaste London and Welcome, amongst others. Interestingly, in spite of them doing back-to-back films, they were hardly linked with each other romantically," said a source.

However, after the lukewarm response to De Dana Dhan and Tees Maar Khan, they decided to take a break. Akshay moved on with Sonakshi Sinha as his new lucky mascot.

The source added: "The initial talks are already done and the project is expected to go on floors by the end of the year. Shabina and Akshay were keen that the film should have Katrina once again as their fans would love to see them getting back together on the big screen."

Katrina and Shabina remained unavailable for comment. Directed by AR Murugadoss, Ramana is a 2002 Tamil action film. The blockbuster featured Vijaykanth and Simran. It was later remade in Telugu as Tagore with Chiranjeevi in the lead and then also in Kannada as Vishnu Sena with Vishnuvardhan in the lead role.

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Sonam Kapoor, Punit Malhotra call it quits

Sonam Kapoor, Punit Malhotra call it quits

Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor has ended her relationship with rumoured beau and I Hate Luv Storys director Punit Malhotra split. Though Anil Kapoor's daughter and Manish Malhotra's nephew have refrained from talking about it, there are rumours that it was Sonam's decision to call it quits.

The actress apparently felt that she has grown out of the relationship and there was no point mending fences when there was nothing left in it.

"It was Sonam who decided to call it off. There had been constant reports that the two had parted ways on and off. But this time it is for real and they have broken off," said a source.

"Tongues started wagging at producer Ronnie Screwvala's bash for newly-weds Vidya Balan and Siddharth Roy Kapur. Sonam who was present for the party avoided Punit like the plague. Both of them preferred to be in separate corners throughout the evening, the source added.

Reports also suggest that Sonam's mother Sunita was apparently not too keen about the relationship. Though Punit had made his debut as director in a Karan Johar production, he was keen to become an actor.

Sonam's busy shoot schedules and other commitments too aided in the couple drifting apart.

Speculations about the two began ever since they bonded well on the sets of their 2010 film I Hate Luv Storys that was Punit's directorial debut. Sonam was in the film along with Imran Khan. Love blossomed during the shoot schedule in New Zealand.

The couple never admitted to the relationship and there was always constant reports that they had separated. But every now and then Sonam and Punit were spotted cruising around Juhu's bylanes or at a multiplex catching up on the latest Hollywood release putting to rest all such talk. However off late they were having a lot of differences resulting in the relationship going kaput.

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Tabu, Suraj Sharma attend Golden Globes 2013

Tabu, Suraj Sharma attend Golden Globes 2013
Indian actors Tabu and Suraj Sharma walked the red carpet of the 70th annual Golden Globe awards with Oscar-winning director Ang Lee. Their film Life of Pi was nominated in three categories, but won just one award.

Tabu, known for her offbeat and intense performances, opted to stay desi at the international gala, wearing a bright red designer sari teamed with a heavily embroidered golden blouse. Debutant Suraj, 19, exuded confidence in a white shirt and formal black suit with a matching bow-tie.

Suraj plays the lead in the movie, which is based on Canadian author Yann Martel's award-winning eponymous novel. It is about the journey of an Indian boy who survives a storm and is left on a life-boat with a tiger.

Life of Pi won the best original score motion picture award for Mychael Danna, who pipped Alexandre Desplat (Argo), Dario Marianelli (Anna Karenina), Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil (Cloud Atlas) and John Williams (Lincoln) to walk away with the prestigious trophy.

It was also nominated for the best motion picture (drama) as well as for best director (motion picture).

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Amitabh Bachchan excited about working

Amitabh Bachchan excited about working with Anurag Kashyap

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who says he is looking forward to working with filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, regrets that he's not young enough to be a part of "this most interesting period in the life of our film world", which is riding high on the "drive" and "confidence" of the young generation.

"I work with Anurag Kashyap tomorrow for a short film that he makes, as part of a compilation of short stories being put together as an experiment," the 70-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com. However, he didn't reveal the title of the project.

"And later in the year to start a complete film, which he has narrated to me, and which sounds innovative and exciting. The young generation that has found its place in the industry is most commendable. I just love their enthusiasm and drive, their thought process, the confidence that they exude and their absolute faith in the medium which they are associated with," he posted.

Amitabh Bachchan says that the film industry moves "rapidly with long strides" into the future and "I can safely say that this period in the history of cinema in India, shall pave the way for a kind of recognition that may never have been witnessed before."

Amitabh Bachhan, who has been working with the industry for over 40 years, regrets not being able to be part of this change.

"And as I sit with jaw wide open in adulation and surprise, I regret the fact of not having been young enough to take on and be a part of this most interesting period in the life of our film world. I wish and want to be with all, in all their thinking and endeavour, in their desires and accomplishments ... but I do feel that that time has long since passed," he said.

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Sonam Kapoor wants fans

Sonam Kapoor wants fans to use glass-freemanja for kite flying

Actress Sonam Kapoor wants her fans to use regular thread while flying kites on Makar Sankranti instead of glass coated manja.

Sonam, 27, who is a fan of kite flying, said, "I am all for celebrating the festival just feel we should use regular manja so that we don't hurt birds."

The manja, which has a glass coating, is very effective during the kite flying but it is not good for birds who get slashed, wounded and killed when they become entangled in it.

"We should fly kites with good old regular manja that has no glass coating. This would help minimize the damage that is caused to birds," she added.

Sonam is currently gearing up for the release of Milkha Singh's biopic Bhag Milkha Bhag, where she will be seen playing the love interest of the Flying Sikh, played by Farhan Akhtar.

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Amitabh Bachchan's new gadget

Amitabh Bachchan's new gadget leaves him stumped
Amitabh Bachchan has bought a Samsung Galaxy Note II and says that the handset's functions are so mindblowing that he has no clue about how to work it.

"I changed my mobile again to the more advanced version of the Samsung... from Samsung Galaxy S II to the Samsung Galaxy Note II... and it is mind blowing... so mind blowing that I have just no clue of how to work it," Amitabh wrote on his blog. 

"It is white in colour and does everything for you... at times even when you do not wish it to... most of the time when you do not wish it to," he added.

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Award for best award shows-Amitabh Bachchan

Award for best award shows, urges Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, winner of several national and international awards, suggests that an award should be instituted to honour the best award show.

"Methinks there should be an award for the best award show put up... and the judges - those that have won awards through the years," Amitabh tweeted Sunday.

The 70-year-old enjoys attending award ceremonies as they are "great fun".

"Award ceremonies are great fun, the anticipation of the announcement, the build up to the name being disclosed, the applause when it does, the walk up to the podium... The greetings for the one giving it... The speech after... The walk down and back... The change of direction to the room of 'bites'. TV and still photographs... Some pleasantries for other colleagues," Big B posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

But with all the enjoyment and fun, the award functions also bring some fear.

"Great fear though of attending such shows... The uncertainty of which expression of yours they shall cut and paste for which moment for TV," he posted.

Amitabh received a special award at the Screen Awards on Saturday night. He was selected as Iconic Legend through an all-India poll.

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Shilpa Shetty to introduce son Viaan during IPL

Shilpa Shetty to introduce son Viaan during IPL
Actress Shilpa Shetty gave birth to her son Viaan in May last year but the only glimpse one saw of the little one was when Shilpa and Raj were leaving the hospital post delivery. Now sources say that the proud mom plans to bring Viaan to the upcoming IPL torunament so that people can finally see what he looks like.

The source said: "Like other Bollywood star parents, Shilpa and Raj made sure no photos of their son Viaan was leaked to the press. So, be it taking him home from the hospital or during their recent Jodhpur trip to attend a wedding, the actress made sure Viaan was not seen in public."

However, this year in April when the IPL season begins, the couple has decided to finally reveal their son's face to the world. 

The source added: "Shilpa thought this would be the right time as Viaan would nearly be one-year-old then. He is now used to seeing lot of people around him."

Shilpa has left with her family to visit the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on Monday (January 14).

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Excited to work with Siddharth

Excited to work with Siddharth Malhotra: Parineeti Chopra

The year 2013 has started with a bang for Parineeti Chopra who has bagged a Karan Johar film. And she will be romancing hot newcomer Siddharth Malhotra.

"I am very kicked about the project. It's going to be a crazy love story full of romance, masala and music. As of now, I can't speak about my role or divulge details but you will hear more exciting news soon," said Parineeti.

Just two-film old Parineeti says that it is fun to work with newcomers in the industry.

"Even I am one, relatively (laughs)! I am very kicked about working with Siddharth. He was great inStudent of the Year, and had all the girls swooning over him. I am sure that working together will be fun."

Seems like the actress has hit the New Year on the right note. She said: "I love working. The days when I am away from the sets, I feel low and depressed. Once acting happened, I understood that it was the thing that made and kept me truly happy."

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Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola collects Rs.22.4 crore in first weekend

Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola collects Rs.22.4 crore in first weekend

ishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola made Rs.22.4 crore during its opening weekend. The filmmaker is content with the response to his new project, which is satirical in nature.

"Our country is going through a massive transition. I wanted to make a film about the social and political scene in the country, but wanted to do it in a humorous tone. The response from the public and especially the young adults, has made me realise that Indian audiences are open to satire that does not always state the obvious," Vishal Bhardwaj said in a statement.

The movie collected Rs.7.02 crore on its opening day when it released January 11. The opening day and the weekend collections are the highest ever for Bhardwaj, who has directed films Maqbool, Kaminey and Omkara.

Co-produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and Fox Star Studios, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola was made at a budget of about Rs.33 crore.

Set in the rustic surroundings of a village in Haryana, Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is about Harry Mandola (Pankaj Kapur), an industrialist, who loves his drink, daughter Bijlee (Anushka Sharma) and the unusual bond he shares with his Man Friday Matru (Imran Khan).

With Monday being a holiday due to the festival of Makar Sankranti and Pongal, the movie was expected to get more footfalls.

Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, feels Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is the new age Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.

"Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola is a very special film. It has the audacity to take on real issues in our society, but present them with such wicked wit manner. It is funny, intelligent and cool. It is the new age Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. The film is being appreciated by multiplex audiences across north-India, Bangalore and Hyderabad," said Singh.

Praising the film, industry experts Anurag Kashyap and Pritish Nandy shared their views on micro-blogging site Twitter.

"It is the most kick***, funny film. Intelligent and relevant film of our times," tweeted Kashyap, known for his distinct style and offbeat cinema.

Pritish Nandy wrote: "Wicked wit. Pankaj Kapur proving again his peerless acting prowess."

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Abhishek Bachchan thanks Bol Bachchan team

Abhishek Bachchan thanks Bol Bachchan team after award

Throughout 2012 Abhishek Bachchan kept a low profile, but he is under the spotlight after bagging the Best Actor in a Comic Role Award at the Screen Awards for Bol Bachchan. He cannot stop thanking the film's team and dedicating it to them.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, the Bol Bachchan cast includes Ajay Devgn, Asin Thottumkal and Prachi Desai.

"Thank you all for the wishes for winning the Screen Award for best actor in a comic role. Thank you Rohit and Ajay Devgn, Prachi Desai and Asin," Abhishek tweeted.

"And the entire team who worked on the film. I dedicate this award to all of you who worked so hard on the film," he added.

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Barfi! leads Filmfare nominations, Jab Tak Hai Jaan close behind

Barfi! leads Filmfare nominations, Jab Tak Hai Jaan close behind

Anurag Basu's Barfi! has won maximum nominations, including for best film, best actor, best actress and best director, for the 58th Idea Filmfare Awards 2012. Yash Chopra's last directorialJab Tak Hai Jaan follows close behind.

Barfi!, a heart-warming love story of a deaf-and-mute man, essayed by Ranbir Kapoor, with an autistic girl (Priyanka Chopra) has received nine nods. Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jab Tak Hai Jaanstands a chance to win across seven categories.

Apart from Ranbir and Shah Rukh, those vying in the "best actor in a leading role" (male) are Hrithik Roshan (Agneepath), Irrfan (Paan Singh Tomar), Manoj Bajpayee (Gangs Of Wasseypur) and Salman Khan (Dabangg 2). Priyanka apart, those nominated in the "best actor in a leading role" (female) category are Deepika Padukone (Cocktail), Kareena Kapoor (Heroine), Parineeti Chopra (Ishqazaade), Sridevi (English Vinglish) and Vidya Balan (Kahaani).

In the best director section come Anurag Kashyap (Gangs Of Wasseypur), Gauri Shinde (English Vinglish), Shoojit Sircar (Vicky Donor) and Sujoy Ghosh (Kahaani) along with Anurag Basu's (Barfi!). For the best film trophy, the nominations are: Barfi!, English Vinglish, Gangs Of Wasseypur, Kahaani and Vicky Donor.

Crime thriller Gangs of Wasseypur has clinched a total of six nominations, Karan Johar's action-packed Agneepath remake has five nods, and Vicky Donor, about sperm donation, has secured four. English Vinglish, Kahaani and Talaash have been nominated across three categories each.

A Monday night party here to announce the nominations was attended by Priyanka, Deepika, Anushka Sharma, Imran Khan, Sridevi, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt and Huma Qureshi. This year Filmfare has created a special trophy with a gold base to commemorate 100 years of Indian cinema. These will be given out to winners Jan 20 at the YRF Studios here.

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Stars of Race 2 to launch movie in Dubai

Stars of Race 2 to launch movie in Dubai

Actors Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Ameesha Patel and Jacqueline Fernandez are set to launch their movie Race 2 in Dubai.

Producers Jaykumar Parsram and Varsha Ramesh as well as directors Gulam Abbas Alibhoy and Mustansir Alibhoy will share the stage with the stars and interact with the audience.

Race 2 is an action adventure joyride that begins with Ranvir (Saif Ali Khan) brooding over his fiancee Sonia's (Bipasha Basu) death.

Looking for revenge, the businessman is hot on the trail to nab the killers and heads to Turkey. He seeks the help of Armaan Mallick (John Abraham), a dreaded mafia don who runs an underworld outfit along with his partner Ileena (Deepika Padukone), while his fiancee Omisha (Jacqueline Fernandez) is unaware of his shady dealings.

Inspector KD (Anil Kapoor) too is back in action after 'Race', with his attractive assistant played by Ameesha Patel.

The backdrop for all the action is Turkey. Race 2 is scheduled to be released on January 25 in Dubai.

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Arjun Rampal's wife all praises

Arjun Rampal's wife all praises for his role inInkaar

Model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal is getting accolades for his role in the upcoming movie Inkaar - even if they are coming from his wife and ex-supermodel Mehr Rampal.

After a special screening here of the movie, directed by the veteran Sudhir Mishra, Mehr was effusive in her praise.

"I am very, very proud of Arjun. I loved the film. It is very different. What Sudhir has done is very different, especially coming out in a Hindi film, it's quite bold," said the former Miss India.

The film takes up the issue of sexual harassment at the workplace and is also a love story involving the two protagonists, Arjun and Chitrangada Singh, a Sudhir Mishra favourite. It is the latest offering from a director known for bold and offbeat themes.

Mishra is best known for his 2005 film Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi about three impressionable youngsters in the years of the Emergency rule of 1975-77. More recently, he made critically appreciated films like the 2007 movie Khoya Khoya Chand and 2011's Yeh Saali Zindagi.

Both Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Yeh Saali Zindagi featured Chitrangada. Inkaar, which has received a U/A certificate, is slated for a Jan 18 release.

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Asha Bhosle is a surprise package in Mai

Asha Bhosle is a surprise package in Mai: Padmini Kolhapure

Actress Padmini Kolhapure, who has teamed up with singer Asha Bhosle for a movie titled Mai, says the legendary singer's dedication and energy in the film moved her.

The film, directed by debutant Mahesh Kodiyal, tells the story of a woman abandoned by her only son and who then goes to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

"I think Ashaji is a surprise package in the film. Looking at her energy and enthusiasm at this age, we all were surprised. We were moved and became more energetic. Her love and dedication for cinema is commendable," Padmini Kolhapure said.

"She is a great singer and actress. I am sure everyone will like her. I feel if I would not have worked in this film, then I would have lost out an important opportunity," she said.

Asha Bhosle will essay the role of a mother while Padmini Kolhapure is her daughter in the film.

"For me she is like a mother. I am happy she has lent her voice and even got to act with her. It was a great feeling to work with her. She is brilliant," she said.

The film is set to release on February 1.

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Bipasha Basu is Abhishek Bachchan's fitness inspiration

Bipasha Basu is Abhishek Bachchan's fitness inspiration

Bipasha Basu is known to be a fitness freak. And Bips' former co-star Abhishek Bachchan feels that it is she who inspires him to work harder in the gym.

A source says, "Bipasha makes sure she doesn't miss even a single day of workout, even while she is on the sets. Abhishek is impressed with her dedication. She is the one who inspired him to push himself harder."

Abhishek says, "When you are going on the sets and Bipasha is around, she will arrive in the gym before you and leave after you. It makes you rethink your work-out habits."

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Salman Khan rules social media

Salman Khan rules social media

If superstar Salman Khan is ruling the box office, he is equally popular on the social-networking websites too and this has helped him win a special honour at this year's Zee Cine Awards.

The channel roped in experts at Asterii Analytics to find out, which star has the biggest fan following on mediums like Facebook and Twitter.

The research showed that Salman had 7,408,859 fans on Facebook, 3,188,226 followers on Twitter, 60,567 videos on YouTube.

Apart from that his Twitter fan clubs have 577,919 followers and Facebook fan clubs have 757,057, while Google recorded 2,774.

"We used sophisticated web analysis tools to scan millions of pages on Facebook, Twitter, Google, YouTube, Blogs and online forums to quantify the total volume of buzz and conversations on our cine stars. A specially designed four phase methodology was used," said a source from Asterii Analytics.

The process threw top three candidates Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. "And the winner was Salman Khan with a consistently high score on each of the mediums that was scanned," added he source.

The awards will be aired Jan 20 on Zee TV.

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Service tax is taking a toll on the industry

Service tax is taking a toll on the industry: Akshay Kumar

The government's decision to levy 12.36 percent service tax on film and television actors is taking a toll on the industry, says Bollywood star Akshay Kumar who adds that it has forced independent producers to stop making movies.

"A lot of films are closing because of this (service tax)... and due to this many (independent) producers have locked their door from making films. Now there are only big producers and corporate producers who are making films," he said in a group interview.

The actor feels that the industry already pays a lot of tax.

Most likely, the filmmakers will go on a strike to protest against the service tax. Akshay, the man behind two production houses - Hari Om Productions and Grazing Goat Pictures - feels "our industry pays a lot of tax...this should not happen."

"I am sure the government knows the best. But this (strike) will tell the government that whatever is happening is not right. We should try and remove this, this will help to make more movies," added the 45-year-old.

He urges media to take up the issue, saying: "Media should talk and write about the service tax as it is not right, especially for the producers."

After giving mega hits like Housefull2, Rowdy Rathore and Oh My God! last year, he is gearing up for the release of Special Chabbis, his first outing of 2013. Coming out in February, the Neeraj Pandey directed heist drama also stars Anupam Kher and Manoj Bajpayee.

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This Friday, sexual harassment, dance bars, crime and politics at box office

This Friday, sexual harassment, dance bars, crime and politics at box office

A film on sexual harassment at the workplace, another on corrupt dance bar owners and a story of the nexus between crime and politics - this week is dedicated to crime sagas and thrillers withInkaar, Mumbai Mirror and Bandook releasing on Friday.

Sudhir Mishra wielded the megaphone to narrate the story of sexual harassment through his filmInkaar, about an ambitious copywriter Maya, played by actress Chitrangada Singh, who works in one of the leading ad agencies and files a sexual harassment complaint against Rahul, CEO of the company, played by Arjun Rampal.

A committee is set up by the agency to investigate the case. Will the committee really be able to uncover the truth? Co-produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures and Tipping Point Films, Inkaar is coming out with U/A certificate. Gaurav Dwivedi, Sandeep Sanchdev, Deepti Naval and Vipin Sharma form the rest of the cast of drama that has used "sex" 262 times.

Mishra, however, claims he has made the film for youth.

"I have made the film for young people. I address this film to the young people, they will come out and they will confront this - 'how to deal with women now?', and 'how to deal with a woman boss?'. A young boy has to understand that..." he said.

On the same day box office will present the cop drama Mumbai Mirror that revolves around the rise and fall of police officer Abhijeet Patil (Sachiin Joshi). The drama heightens when Abhijeet messes up with a very powerful man Shetty, played by Prakash Raj, who runs illegal dance bars and is involved in drug mafia too.

Shetty pulls a few strings and makes sure that Abhijeet gets terminated. But as the movie progresses, Abhijeet learn to play his cards wisely and thus changes the game. Directed by Ankush Bhatt, the film also sees Prashant Narayanan as a police inspector along with Aditya Pancholi and Mahesh Manjrekar.

Raina S Joshi has produced it. Next up is political-thriller Bandook. Featuring producer-director Aditya Om, along with Manisha Kelkar and Arshad Khan, it highlights the nexus between crime and politics and how the gun has become an umbilical chord between the two. It traces the journey of Bhola (Aditya), a boatman's son who becomes a prominent name in the corridors of power. He feels that his ability to pull a trigger helped him climb the success ladder and attain power.

Going by the reports, the film does not glorify or condemn anything but strives to remain an unbiased observer.

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Chitrangada refused to perform kissing scene

Chitrangada refused to perform kissing scene inInkaar

Although Sudhir Mishra's Inkaar talks about sexual harrasement at the workplace and word 'sex' has been used 262 times in it, but reportedly the director has not used any explicit scenes to narrate his story.

The film is releasing Friday with U-A certificate, and the real content will revealed only then.

But if sources are to be believed, there was a kiss and few lovemaking scenes between the film's lead pair - Arjun Rampal and Chitrangada Singh - in the script, however, owing to Chitrangada's hesitation, changes were made in the script.

Chitrangada was apparently adamant about not doing any revealing or sexual scene in the film and Mishra made adequate changes to appease the lady. An insider confirmed, "Yes, the kissing scene was removed from the script."

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Akshay Kumar dedicates Special Chabbis song to wife

Akshay Kumar dedicates Special Chabbis song to wife Twinkle Khanna

ctor-producer Akshay Kumar has added one more feather to his cap by singing a song in his next film Special Chabbis and says he wants to dedicate the song to his wife Twinkle Khanna.

"I would want to dedicate this song to my wife Twinkle Khanna and tomorrow (Thursday), it's also our wedding anniversary and Valentine's Day is also coming," Akshay told reporters at the film's music launch.

"I rehearsed for three hours before recording. However, the song will not be used in the film. I did it just as a passion," he said.

M.M. Kreem has composed the music for Special Chabbis.

Akshay sung the song, Mujme tu..., at the launch. When asked about his film, Akshay said: "I can't reveal much. There are lots of twists and turns so if I talk much, you will miss the fun."

The film had an unusual music launch at Regal Cinema-- a prime spot for film premieres in the 1980s.

Actor Anupam Kher, who was also present, said: "I'm glad the music launch happened at Regal. In the 1980s, we used to have all our premieres here."

Akshay said he reinvented himself for the film, directed by Neeraj Pandey.

Special Chabbis will release on February 8.

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Here's why Amitabh Bachchan launched

Here's why Amitabh Bachchan launched Arshad Warsi's film Jolly LLB

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is known to be very choosy when it comes to attending public events. At an event where the first look of Arshad Warsi's next film Jolly LLB was revealed, all eyebrows were raised when Big B made an appearance. According to reports, the veteran actor has a special connection with Arshad Warsi.

It was Mr Bachchan's production house ABCL that had launched the actor in Tere Mere Sapne 16 years ago. Arshad Warsi apparently shares a great camaraderie with Big B. 

Sources say that Mr Bachchan agreed to grace the event as soon as he heard Arshad was part of the project.

"Though he does not come for each and every public event, Bachchanji chose to make an exception with this one. He didn't have to think twice," said an insider.

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Thrills and chills at Ek Thi Daayan press meet

Thrills and chills at Ek Thi Daayan press meet

Picture this - dark shadows, lizards and daayan (witch) dolls hanging from trees. No, this was not out of a horror film. It was actually the setting for the press conference of Ek Thi Daayan that started at midnight.

Discarding the staid press conference routine, Balaji on Wednesday put up an electrifying act by Emraan Hashmi and his daayans in an elaborate setting at Filmcity, featuring 'daayan' dolls hanging from tree tops and girls dressed as 'daayans' standing at the entrance handing out 'misfortune cookies' to the guests.

The forthcoming supernatural thriller, inspired by a short story by Mukul Sharma (Konkona Sen Sharma's father), offers an interesting mix of suspense, drama and spine chilling moments. The Kannan Iyer directed Ek Thi Daayan stars Huma Qureshi, Kalki Koechlin and Konkona in the female leads. Emraan plays the male lead in the film.

Accordingly, the bus that carried the media from the entrance of the Film City, which itself in the middle of a jungle, to the studio floor was titled Bus To Hell. And guests were in for a shock, when they found themselves with daayans.


Emraan and Kalki.

The act was opened by Emraan who performed a series of illusion stunts and eerie acts, before being joined by his leading ladies - Huma, Kalki and Konkona, any of whom could be the daayan in the film.

The unusual event to launch the film worked well. In fact, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who made a surprise visit to the press meet, was completely floored and termed it the best he had seen in a while.

Later Mr Iyer, creative producer Abhishek Chaubey, producers Ekta Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj, and the entire star cast of the film interacted with the media.


Meet the dayans.

"We are showing two sides of a daayan in our film. One side is very beautiful and the other is extremely scary. I can't give too much details about the film. To know more, you will have to see the film," Emraan told reporters.

The film releases worldwide April 18.

According to Mr Iyer, thriller is a universally popular genre. "I feel a thriller on 'daayan' has not been made at all."

"We wanted natural actresses with flexibility. All three of the actress is so versatile that you will constantly wonder is she a daayan or not. All three of them suited their characters," he said. 

So, who is playing the daayan? "Among these three girls only one of them is a daayan and I can't say who the daayan is right now. For that you will have to see the film," Mr Bhardwaj said.

Working in the film has been was a novel experience for Konkona who says she has not really been part of any supernatural films. "...I have a fascination for these kinds of films anyway."

"I really wanted to be a part of dark film," she added.

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Actors get too much credit: Ranbir Kapoor

Actors get too much credit: Ranbir Kapoor

Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor says a lot of people help an actor in delivering a powerful performance but they remain unsung, while the actors walk away with all the accolades.

"Actors get too much credit. I am sitting here talking about acting, but there is so much that goes behind us. There is a director, writers, cinematographer, lighting, makeup, background music," Ranbir said during a conversation with Anupam Kher at the latter's Actor Prepares acting school.

Ranbir Kapoor himself got oodles of accolades for playing deaf and mute fun loving guy in "Barfi!", which also won him the best actor Screen Award.

"(While shooting) I can just sit and the camera moves towards me and there is a sad music playing, that can portray so many emotions, and the audience thinks, 'Wow what a performance he has given'. But at the same time you have that same shot with some happy music playing and audience will say he is internalising his happiness," he said.

Touted as next big thing in Bollywood, Ranbir, 30, is shooting for his new movie "Besharam" with director Abhinav Kashyap.

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I'm not superstitious, I only have beliefs

I'm not superstitious, I only have beliefs: Ekta Kapoor

TV and film producer Ekta Kapoor is known for her obsession with the letter 'K' and is often called superstitious. However, she says these are only her beliefs.

"I actually don't think I am very superstitious because I think I have very strong beliefs. It depends on how you look at a belief. If you don't believe, for you it's superstition. If I believe, for me, it's my belief," the 37-year-old said here Wednesday at the first look launch of her co-production Ek Thi Daayan.

"I really don't think I can scale myself on 1-10 (scale), that's not my job. Anyone else has full right to scale me as very superstitious, slightly superstitious, not superstitious. For me, it will still be my belief," she added.

Names of most of Ekta's TV serials start with the alphabet 'K'. She can even be seen sporting a lot of rings and other such things.

Ekta is currently busy with her productions Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Again, and Shootout at Wadala and Ragini MMS 2.

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Emraan Hashmi sees the funny side of romancing a daayan

Emraan Hashmi sees the funny side of romancing a daayan

He is known as the "serial kisser" of Bollywood. Emraan Hashmi, who is not bashful about his onscreen reputation, quite sees the lighter side of being cast opposite a witch in Ek Thi Daayan.

"This was the only thing left for me to romance - a 'daayan'. This film fulfilled that also. Now all that is left is to romance mid-air," says Emraan Hashmi, one of the most consistently successful lead actors in Bollywood.

Critics agree that Emraan has matured as an actor with each film - and he himself describes his latest role as the "most interesting" to date.

Emraan Hashmi plays a magician in the upcoming Ek Thi Daayan, directed by Kannan Iyer and co-produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and Ekta Kapoor.

"He is a flawed character, someone people can relate to. There is a dark side, but there is a fun side to him too," says Emraan Hashmi, whose serial kisser reputation was made largely in the 2004 Anurag Basu romantic thriller Murder with Mallika Sherawat.

"When you catch the character in the film, he is obviously going through a particular haunting with the witch. I think it is one of the best, most interesting characters I have played," he adds.

Ek Thi Daayan is based on the short story by Mukul Sharma, whose daughter Konkona Sen plays one of the female leads along with Kalki Koechlin and Huma Qureshi in the thriller.

The film is slated for an April 18 release and it is left for the audience to figure out which of these three is the witch.

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Emraan Hashmi sees the funny side of romancing a daayan

Emraan Hashmi sees the funny side of romancing a daayan.

He is known as the "serial kisser" of Bollywood. Emraan Hashmi, who is not bashful about his onscreen reputation, quite sees the lighter side of being cast opposite a witch in Ek Thi Daayan.

"This was the only thing left for me to romance - a 'daayan'. This film fulfilled that also. Now all that is left is to romance mid-air," says Emraan Hashmi, one of the most consistently successful lead actors in Bollywood.

Critics agree that Emraan has matured as an actor with each film - and he himself describes his latest role as the "most interesting" to date.

Emraan Hashmi plays a magician in the upcoming Ek Thi Daayan, directed by Kannan Iyer and co-produced by Vishal Bhardwaj and Ekta Kapoor.

"He is a flawed character, someone people can relate to. There is a dark side, but there is a fun side to him too," says Emraan Hashmi, whose serial kisser reputation was made largely in the 2004 Anurag Basu romantic thriller Murder with Mallika Sherawat.

"When you catch the character in the film, he is obviously going through a particular haunting with the witch. I think it is one of the best, most interesting characters I have played," he adds.

Ek Thi Daayan is based on the short story by Mukul Sharma, whose daughter Konkona Sen plays one of the female leads along with Kalki Koechlin and Huma Qureshi in the thriller.

The film is slated for an April 18 release and it is left for the audience to figure out which of these three is the witch.

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Former VJ-turned actress Sophiya Haque died on Thursday

Former VJ-turned actress Sophiya Haque died on Thursday


Former VJ-turned actress Sophiya Haque died on Thursday in London after a prolonged illness. She was reportedly suffering from cancer. Sophiya Haque was a popular VJ on Channel V in the 1990s and more recently appeared in the movie Wanted. 

Sophiya, who was born to a British mother and Bangladeshi father, also appeared in West End productions like <i>The Far Pavilions</i> in London. She had a role in the long running British TV series <i>Coronation Street</i>. 

Twitter was abuzz with news of Sophiya's death.

Pooja Bhatt@PoojaB1972 tweeted: Tragic news about Sophiya Haque. One of the most gorgeous women to have walked this planet... Shine on where-ever it is you now are luv...

Derek O'Brien@quizderek tweeted: Sophia Haque was my guest on the Bournvita Quiz Contest in the mid 1990s... Vivacious,sexy,articulate.Gone too soon 

Director Ken Ghosh expressed shock at the news and tweeted: Just heard sad news of the passing away of the live wire ex vj of channel v, sophia haque(sic).

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