Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Akshay Kumar to play magician PC Sorcar's biopic,Priyanka Chopra feels sister Mannara has lived up to her 'Zid' role,Emraan Hashmi clears, he never refused to work with Sunny Leone

Emraan Hashmi clears, he never refused to work with Sunny Leone

Emraan Hashmi clears, he never refused to work with Sunny Leone


Mumbai: Emraan Hashmi denies that he refused to work with adult film star Sunny Leone for a special song in "Ungli". In fact, he says he'd like to work with her if given a chance.
Past reports had suggested that Emraan had turned down an offer to share screen space with Sunny, but he has rubbished the same.
"I have never refused to work with Sunny Leone. It was all rumours. When they (the filmmakers) approached Sunny Leone, our dates were not matching. And because of date issues, we launched eight new girls for the title track of 'Ungli'
"In future if I get a good script, I would like to work with her (Sunny)," Emraan said.
The actor is currently busy promoting "Ungli".
Asked why the film is not being promoted on a large scale, he said: "I don't know about the promotions, I am doing my best. I'm giving my dates from my busy schedule."
Directed by Rensil D'Silva, "Ungli", releasing Friday, also features Kangana Ranaut.

Priyanka Chopra feels sister Mannara has lived up to her 'Zid' role

Priyanka Chopra feels sister Mannara has lived up to her 'Zid' role
Mumbai: Actress Priyanka Chopra is all praise for her cousin Mannara's debut Bollywood performance in "Zid" and says she has perfectly lived up to the "challenging" role.
"She (Mannara) is extremely free. She is not conscious of herself. For the first time, I have seen her act and I can say it is a very difficult part that she has been given in the film. There are a lot of complications in her role," Priyanka, 32, said here Tuesday at the music success party of "Zid".
For the film, which has managed to generate much hype and curiosity since its first look was released, Mannara has shot extremely bold scenes.
"Being her first film, her role in the film asked for a lot, but she lived up to it and I think this is her strong point. She has perfectly lived up to her role, according to me. I think, from the first film point of view, she is fantastic," said Priyanka.
Directed by Vivek Agnihotri and produced by Anubhav Sinha, "Zid" also features Karanvir Sharma.


Akshay Kumar to play magician PC Sorcar's biopic

Akshay Kumar to play magician PC Sorcar's biopic
  
New Delhi: Akshay Kumar who in an interview with a leading daily few days back had clearly stated that he is open to doing biopics, if he suits the role, has finally signed one!
Gulaab Gang director Soumik Sen has shown keen interest in making a biopic on the late magician PC Sorcar since a long time.
And, it seems the project is finally about to take off with Akshay Kumar portraying the role of the late magician in the biopic.
According to a tabloid, the actor has finally agreed to be a part of the project. Reportedly, writer-director Soumik Sen was keen to have an A-Lister on board for the film.
PC Sorcar Junior, son of the  late magician, has also given his go-ahead to the filmmaker with regards to the project, which has also got a production house on board supporting it.
“When the director approached Akshay, he showed huge interest in the film which has already got the support of a production house,” the source added to the tabloid.
However, Sen has been granted the permission by son of PC Sorcar to work on biopic.
Sorcar died of a heart attack at the age of 58 in Ashaikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan, on 6th January 1971 where he went for one of his shows.
PC Sorcar was famous for his breathtaking magic tricks, which he conjured up his sleeves and now it will be nice to see Akki slip into his shoes.
PC Sorcar was an internationally renowned magician in the 1950s and 60s. However, he rose to fame in the mid-30s, due to his performances in Kolkata and countries like Japan, where he performed his famous routines, including that of the ‘Floating Lady’.

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Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Permission for 'Kiss of Love' denied in Bengaluru

As it raised a storm of protest, the proposed ‘Kiss of Love’ event in Bengaluru on November 30 has been denied permission by the police, saying it would lead to public display of affection and other obscene act barred under law.
The planned event against moral policing had earned opprobrium from all political parties in the state who found it unacceptable, besides raising the hackles of right-wing organisations which have threatened to counter it.
"We have come to the conclusion that if we permit this particular programme, it will lead to public display of kissing and such other obscene act as defined under sec 294 of the IPC," Bengaluru Police Commissioner M N Reddi said. He said Sec 294 of Indian Penal Code bars any obscene act in public places, and prevention of any cognisable offence under the IPC or any other law imposed is the fundamental responsibility of the state police under the Karnataka Police Act.
"In keeping with the responsibility that rests upon us as per the KP Act we have decided to deny the applicant the permission to hold any such programme called Kiss of Love."
Several leaders from the ruling Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties were on the same page giving thumbs down to the event, saying moral policing should be fought in a different way and not through public display of acts which could be obscene.
Home Minister KJ George had said earlier, ‘obscenity in the name of protests will not be tolerated’ but protesters were free to hold demonstrations within the constitutional framework. Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa had asked the Home Department not to permit the ‘uncivilised’ event which was also contrary to our culture.
"We have examined the application very carefully as there is a background to this programme called Kiss of Love....;" Reddi said, adding there was the absence of any clear programme laid out by the individual who has applied (for permission).
As it raised a storm of protest, the proposed ‘Kiss of Love’ event in Bengaluru on November 30 has been denied permission by the police, saying it would lead to public display of affection and other obscene act barred under law.
The planned event against moral policing had earned opprobrium from all political parties in the state who found it unacceptable, besides raising the hackles of right-wing organisations which have threatened to counter it.
"We have come to the conclusion that if we permit this particular programme, it will lead to public display of kissing and such other obscene act as defined under sec 294 of the IPC," Bengaluru Police Commissioner M N Reddi said. He said Sec 294 of Indian Penal Code bars any obscene act in public places, and prevention of any cognisable offence under the IPC or any other law imposed is the fundamental responsibility of the state police under the Karnataka Police Act.\
"In keeping with the responsibility that rests upon us as per the KP Act we have decided to deny the applicant the permission to hold any such programme called Kiss of Love."
Several leaders from the ruling Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party and other parties were on the same page giving thumbs down to the event, saying moral policing should be fought in a different way and not through public display of acts which could be obscene.
Home Minister KJ George had said earlier, ‘obscenity in the name of protests will not be tolerated’ but protesters were free to hold demonstrations within the constitutional framework.
Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa had asked the Home Department not to permit the ‘uncivilised’ event which was also contrary to our culture. "We have examined the application very carefully as there is a background to this programme called Kiss of Love....;" Reddi said, adding there was the absence of any clear
programme laid out by the individual who has applied (for permission).
After considering the background of similar incidents, the police had come to the conclusion that the event will lead to ‘public display of kissing and such other obscene act as defined under Sec 294 of the IPC,’ Reddi told mediapersons.
The first ‘Kiss of Love" event was held in Kochi on November 2 after an attack on a coffee shop by pro-Hindutva activists in Kozhikode in October who alleged that it was
harbouring canoodling couples. Similar events had been organised at Kolkata, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai.
Reddi said, “One Ms Rachita Taneja had approached the deputy commissioner of police (central division) a few days ago and gave an application requesting that she may be permitted along with her other friends and followers to hold what is called Kiss of Love programme."
He said she was requested to provide more information about the event like what would happen in the programme and the number of people who would gather. Two days later, she had reverted saying she was not sure of number of people who would gather and also that she does not take any responsibility for any untoward incident that might happen.
The commissioner also warned those who might attempt to take law into their hands to prevent such events.

 Alia Bhatt features on the cover of Femina's 55th Anniversary issue

Mumbai, Nov 25 Bollywood beauty Alia Bhatt has featured on the cover page of Femina's 55th Anniversary issue. The Highway star said she feels honored and privileged to be on the cover of Anniversary issue. The 21 year old actor who was last seen in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania is now shooting for Vika's Bahl's 'Shaandar' opposite Shaid Kapoor. 

'Kaththi' Box Office Collection: Vijay Starrer May Not Surpass 'Kochadaiiyaan' Collections in US

Vijay's "Kaththi" has successfully completed its fifth weekend at the United States box office. The film minted $160 from one screen in its fifth weekend and its total collections (till 23 November) stand at $622,114 (₹3.85 crore), according to Bollywood Hungama.
 
Kaththi
Kaththi Facebook/Kaththimovie
The film has emerged as one of the biggest hits in the US. The Vijay starrer has created history by emerging the highest grossing non-Rajinikanth and non-Kamal Haasan film in the country. It is currently placed at the second spot in the list of highest grossing Tamil films of 2014 at the US box office, while Rajinikanth's "Kochadaiiyaan" is on top with $635K.
With "Kaththi" being screened in only one screen, it is unlikely for the film to surpass "Kochadaiiyaan" collections. The film's business is expected to be closed soon in the US.
In Chennai, "Kaththi" has managed to hang on to some screens even in its fifth week. Although the film's performance has slowed down, it has managed to hold on to some screens despite facing competition from other releases.
"Kaththi" is estimated to have grossed ₹7.72 crore at the end of the fifth weekend and has emerged as a huge blockbuster, reported Behindwoods.
The film has grossed more than ₹100 crore at the worldwide box office and is Vijay's second film to achieve the feat after 2012-blockbuster flick "Thuppakki."
The action thriller faced protests from some fringe groups prior to its release. However, the issues were sorted out and the film took grand openings upon its release. It set new benchmarks such as the highest day one grosser in Tamil Nadu.
While the film has successfully completed 30-day run at the box office, it remains to be seen as to whether the Vijay starrer will be able to complete 50-day run in a few theatres across Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the makers of "Kaththi" have released a deleted scene from the film much to the delight of the fans.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, "Kaththi" has Vijay in dual roles. Samantha, Neil Nithin Mukesh and comedian Sathish are also part of the film's cast. Anirudh has composed the songs, while George C Williams has handled cinematography.

 Television diva Shefali Sharma feels that life has not changed after marriage

Indian television sensation Shefali Sharma, who tied the knot with Varun Sethi, has opened up about her life after marriage. The TV star feels that she is enjoying life more after her wedding.

"Everyone keeps on asking me that how has my life changed after marriage. I come from a joint family and when I shifted to Mumbai for Bani I felt very lonely. After my wedding, I have got my family back and it's so much fun," she told a leading news agency.

Further explaining her point to the news agency, she said, “He has not changed. But I think it is quite early for me to answer that question. I would only be able to talk about it better after one year.”

Shefali Sharma will reportedly feature in the upcoming television series Tum Aise Hi Rehna.

 Ex-lovers Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone's onscreen chemistry was the high point of Ayan Mukerji's "Yeh Jawaani hai Deewani". Cashing in on this rapport, ace filmmaker Imtiaz Ali roped in the adored couple for "Tamasha".

 
Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone
Ex-lovers Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone reunite in Shimla? YJHD Official Facebook Page
After wrapping up the first schedule in Corsica, France, the director has now taken his cast and crew members to the mountains of Shimla. "The second schedule of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone-starrer "Tamasha" has begun in the snow clad mountains of Shimla. The duo will also head to Delhi to shoot for a 90 days schedule," reported Pinkvilla.
However, there's a strong buzz that only the child artistes playing the younger versions of the lead pair will be shooting for their bit in the hills. Reports also state that Kapoor will be in Shimla for 15 days, whereas Padukone will join him in the Delhi schedule.
"The shooting of the film began in Corsica, France in July 2014. Ranbir Kapoor plays a free spirited person who wants to spread happiness and Deepika's character in the film is of an adventurous and fun-loving girl. There are several sequences which the duo were dabbling in dance and staging skits for the locals. The troupe is one of the reasons for the film's title Tamasha," The Times of India quoted a source.
This is Ali's second film with the Kapoor scion after "Rockstar", but Padukone will be working with the director for the first time ever. Looking at a December 2015 release, the film's music has been composed by A R Rahman.
Kapoor, who is simultaneously shooting for "Roy" and "Bombay Velvet", maintains a healthy and professional relationship with ex-flame Padukone. The "Happy NewYear" actress will be next seen in Shoojit Sircar's "Piku", for which she has already shot portions in Kolkata alongside Amitabh Bachchan, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's "Bajirao Mastani".


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Monday, 24 November 2014

Bajirao Mastani’ role one of my hardest ever: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra in 'Ram Leela'
Priyanka Chopra in 'Ram Leela'
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra says her character in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming love saga ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is one of her most difficult roles and working on the film is draining. The 32-year-old ‘Mary Kom’ star is currently shooting for the period romance, which also stars Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. In Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus 'Bajirao Mastani', Priyanka plays the role of Kashibai, Bajirao's first wife. While Ranveer Singh is essaying the character of Bajirao in the film, Deepika Padukone will be seen as his second wife, Mastani.
Ranveer's tonsured head had taken social networks by storm after a photo of the same was posted online. And in another photo leaked online, Priyanka can be seen in the Kashibai avatar in a Marathi-style red saree and minimal jewellery. The 'Mary Kom' star had played Marathi women in films like 'Kaminey' and 'Agneepath' earlier. However, playing a Marathi Peshwa's wife in a period film of this kind is the first for Priyanka.
 The actress took to Twitter to share her experience of filming the movie.

Amitabh Bachchan proud of son Abhishek

Mumbai: Amitabh Bachchan is a proud daddy. Every father's favourite moment is when the world starts recognising him through his child. Amitabh Bachchan is no different from others. Junior Bachchan was recently  recently appreciated for his comic avatar in Farah Khan's 'Happy New Year' and has also been the face for the hit crime thriller series 'Dhoom'. Abhishek has also been putting efforts to bring mainstream attention to kabbadi. 
The megastar who is active on social networking sites revels his son Abhishek's success and posts about him often. He took to twitter and posted an anecdote during his stay at the national capital:

Emraan Hashmi says 'Ungli' not a typical Bollywood film

Emraan Hashmi says 'Ungli' not a typical Bollywood film
Mumbai: Actor Emraan Hashmi says his forthcoming movie "Ungli" is not a typical Bollywood film, but he admits that some elements have been added to it to make it more mainstream.
"It ('Ungli') is not a typical Bollywood film," the 35-year-old said in an interview.
"(It is) A film having social relevance, along with other elements of society like corruption, where the common man is not able to raise his voice against corrupt powers and injustice happening to him and a gang, whose extreme measure is to fight injustice, comes to help him. I think this has rarely happened in our Bollywood films," he added.
Directed by Rensil D'Silva, "Ungli" is a fun take on the angst of today's youth and chronicles the story of five friends, who act as vigilantes against the corrupt powers and injustice.
There was perhaps no scope for music in the film, however, a special song "Dance Basanti" was shot for the film as it forms an important part of Hashmi's introductory scene in the film.
"There was no scope for music in the film but Rensil devoted one year finding music for it," said the actor, whose films are known to be packed with hit music.
"A song was needed for my introduction scene in the film and we needed a good song for that. So we thought of this track. It is a fantastic and catchy track. I loved shooting for it," he added.
"Ungli" also stars Kangana Ranaut, Sanjay Dutt, Randeep Hooda, Neha Dhupia and Neil Bhoopalam. It will hit the theatres Friday.

Ali Asgar lands a role in 'Meet The Patels'


Ali Asgar lands a role in 'Meet The Patels'
Mumbai: Actor Ali Asgar, popular for his comical act as 'Dadi' in "Comedy Nights With Kapil", has landed a role in the quirky comedy film "Meet The Patels".

In the movie, Ali will play a character named Doctor Thanawala.

Talking about the role, he said: "Dolly Dadi has received immense love and respect all over, but I assure you that Doctor Thanawala will unveil another dimension which was somewhat hidden within me."

"Let's hope I get the same love and affection for Doctor Thanawala as much as I am getting for Dolly Dadi."

"Meet The Patels" director Saurabh Verma feels that "playing this character will unleash the untapped talent" of Ali.

"It will also introduce him in a different avatar away from Dolly Dadi, which has given him such immense popularity. It's a difficult job but we will be able to achieve it," said Varma of "Mickey Virus" fame.

Produced by Krian Media, "Meet The Patels" also features Shiv Pandit, Shazahn Padamsee, Ketan Singh and Vaishali Desai.


I-T seizes over Rs 135 cr cash, jewellery from Sahara group

The Income Tax department has claimed to have seized cash of over Rs 135 crore (Rs 1.35 billion) from the premises of Sahara group during its raids on its two premises in Delhi and Noida in connection with alleged tax evasion charges.
Sources said the department made one of its highest seizures which also includes jewellery worth Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million).
The entire cash, they said, has been remitted in a public sector bank branch in Delhi.
When contacted , Sahara group said, "Please note that the amount mentioned in your query is not correct. But whatever may be the figure, each and every penny is company's legitimate money."
"Since last one year, we are facing complete embargo on our properties and for 20 months all our accounts were freezed and the entire amounts of freezed accounts have been paid to SEBI," a spokesperson for the Sahara group said, adding that the cash has been kept by the company at various locations to meet emergencies.
"Under such circumstances we are tightly managing the affairs of our big organisation and hence some legitimate cash is kept at various points for various kinds of requirements and higher emergencies. As getting bigger amounts from bank account is extremely difficult and when, which account, SEBI will seize, we do not know," the Sahara spokesperson added.
Officials said the I-T raided these premises on November 22 on suspicion and intelligence inputs that a huge amount of “unaccounted” cash is lying at these locations.
Through the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the tax department is expected to inform the Enforcement Directorate about the cash for probe of any suspected hawala transactions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act.
They added that a report in this regard has already been sent to the Special Investigation Team on black money.
The department, they said, will now issue notices to the Sahara group to "explain the source of this cash".
Recently, another central investigative agency Enforcement Directorate registered a money laundering case against the group in connection with non-payment of crores of rupees to depositors as probed by capital markets regulator SEBI.
The criminal case was registered by Mumbai zonal office of the ED, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, after it got reports in this regard from the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

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Sunday, 23 November 2014


Zoya Afroz : I knew Sonali would do well in Bigg Boss



Zoya Afroz : I knew Sonali would do well in Bigg Boss
Zoya Afroz at Manfest
Femina Miss India International 2013 Zoya Afroz was in her hometown Lucknow on Friday to attend IIM-L's Manfest-Varchavsa.

Femina Miss India International 2013, Zoya Afroz, who made her Bollywood debut with the Himesh Reshammiya starrer The Xpose, says it was only acting that she had considered as a career option even when she was growing up. "My roots are from Lucknow. I was born here and later on, moved to Mumbai. It's very cliched, but I only wanted to pursue acting and be a Miss India. There isn't any back-up plan if my acting career doesn't take off. I will continue struggling, aur koi plan nahi hai," says the beauty queen-turned-actress, who was in the city to judge the Campus Princess event at IIM Lucknow's annual fest, Manfest-varchavsa.

WHAT'S THE HURRY?

Zoya is in no hurry to do another film after The Xpose, which had an average run at the box office. "I mostly want to do lead roles. I'm open to doing offbeat films, any interesting story where I can showcase my acting skills. I'm reading 2-3 scripts now but haven't finalised any yet," she says. How about television, considering she's done quite a few shows on the small screen during her childhood, including Sonpari, Jai Mata Ki, Hum Saath Saath Hai and Kora Kaagaz? "I'm not interested in doing serials. As a kid, it was fun doing them. But you know, it's like a job where they send you home only to sleep. That's what my friends have been doing. Unke paas toh workout karne ka bhi time nahi hota, and their skin is messed up because they are required to wear make-up for almost 20 hours a day," she says.

CROWNING GLORY

Zoya bagged a film in the same year in which she won the Miss India title. So does she attribute it all to the mileage the beauty pageant win gave her? "Yes, it is a stepping stone, but then it's not the only way to it. It gives you a platform and can get you auditions, but after that, it's only your acting skills that will take you through. People put so much money in making films, so they can't take someone who cannot act. After the first film, it's between you and the audience. If they love you, people will cast you again. The journey keeps becoming difficult after that," she avers.

NOT CONTROVERSY'S CHILD

There were reports in the media of Zoya slapping The Xpose co-actor Sonali Raut during the promotion of their film on Comedy Nights With Kapil. So is Zoya watching Sonali these days on Bigg Boss 8? "I have watched a few episodes this season. Sonali Raut is doing quite well. I expect her to be there till the end. Even when she was going, I knew she would do well in the Bigg Boss house," she says, adding, "I was also offered Bigg Boss but I refused it. I can never be a part of it, maybe because I'm a reserved person. Since my acting career demands me to be a little open to people, I make myself that way, but in reality, I'm a quiet person. Being on Bigg Boss, 24x7 you are in front of the camera. I'm not a person who can fight and take so much pressure."
 

Jimmy Shergill happy about Delhi winter shoot


Jimmy Shergill happy about Delhi winter shoot
Jimmy Shergill
 
Jimmy Sheirgill made a short pitstop in the capital recently , when he visited a children's film festival with the team of his film. While this was, as he called it, a "trailer visit", the actor is looking forward to returning soon to shoot the sequel of Tanu Weds Manu.

He told us, "We'll be coming to Delhi in the first week of December, and then I'll be in and out of the city for those two weeks. The first schedule of the movie was shot in Lucknow and the next schedule will be completed here. That is the best time to be in the city and I am really looking forward to Delhi winters once again. I've spent so much time here and I'd really miss the winters when I was stuck with work and couldn't come up north.But I am lucky this year."

Ex couple Hrithik Roshan, Sussanne Khan attend the same event, avoid being snapped together 

Ex couple Hrithik Roshan, Sussanne Khan attend the same event, avoid being snapped together

Hrithik Roshan|Happy New Year
Post their official divorce, estranged couple Hrithik Roshan and Sussanne Khan, apparently for the first time, attended the same event recently in Mumbai. It was the announcement of a tie-up between jewellery brand Tanishq and Sussanne’s sister and jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, that brought the ex husband and wife together under the same roof.
 
While the two avoided from being clicked together, Hrithik happily posed with his former sister-in-law Farah, for the media. His equation with Sussanne’s family at the event certainly proved that their separation has indeed not affected the bond that they share with each other’s families.
 
Sometime back too, Hrithik lent his support to Sussanne’s brother and actor Zayed Khan when he launched Zayed’s upcoming film.
 
Click further to see when Duggu mingled with his former in-laws yet again!

 Won't use Alia's stardom for personal gains: Pooja Bhatt

After a couple of years of will she, won't she, Pooja Bhatt is set to act after thirteen long years in Reema Kagti’s 'Mr Chaalu'.
After a couple of years of will she, won't she, Pooja Bhatt is set to act after thirteen long years in Reema Kagti’s 'Mr Chaalu'.
Mumbai: Filmmaker Pooja Bhatt says she is very protective about her half-sister Alia, who has been climbing up the ladder of her film career, and will only make a movie with the actress when the right project comes.  The 42-year-old actress-turned-filmmaker said she is proud of her Alia's success and is happy to see the young actress on a roll with a string of hits like 'Student of The Year', 'Two States' and 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania'.
 
"Since her childhood Alia wanted to be an actress. She was very clear. I am happy to see that she is on a roll. I think she is doing very good. She is my little baby and I am very proud of her. I know people want to me to make a film with Alia but in our family we don't have the habit of using someone's stardom for personal gains. I am very protective about her," said Pooja . The 'Jism' director said that Alia, 21, is in the same phase like her when she started out her career in the '90s. 
 
"Alia is in a wonderful phase with back-to-back hit films. It reminds me of the time when I began my career. I had three hits in a row with films like 'Daddy', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin' and 'Sadak'," Pooja said. 
 
It has been two years since Pooja directed a film. Her last movie as a director was Sunny Leone-starrer 'Jism 2', which released in 2012. The filmmaker said she has decided to focus on investing in talent and films and is not thinking about direction at the moment. 
 
"After 'Jism 2', I decided to invest in talent, good stories, scripts. For example, I spotted Gulshan Devaiah in films like 'Shaitan', 'Hate Story' and I saw a potential in him. I gave him a two-film deal, which I normally don't. 
 
"So I am enjoying this phase now. Direction will happen when it has to happen. But I am happy doing this right now," she said. 
 
Pooja is currently busy with two films that she is producing- Soni Razdan-directed 'Love Affair' and 'Cabret' starring former cricketer Sreesanth. 
 
"I am happy that there are two amazing films. 'Cabret' will go on floors in January and 'Love Affair' will begin shooting in March," she said.

 

Revealed: Vidya's character in 'Hamari Adhuri Kahaani'


Vidya Balan is playing a florist in her next film, 'Hamari Adhuri Kahaani'.

The actress has not been spotted in Mumbai recently because she is busy shooting for the film in South Africa and Dubai.

Looks like Vidya has 'flower power' to add to her already impressive list of performances.

 

Saturday, 22 November 2014

Emraan Hashmi promotes 'Ungli' in Mumbai, Visa claims are cr*p: Insider spills the beans on the Kim Kardashian no-show,

Zarine Khan, Sangeeta Bijlani at Arpita-Ayush's reception

Arpita Khan and Ayush Sharma's wedding was the biggest affair in Bollywood with celebrations lasting almost a week.
On Friday, Salman Khan hosted a wedding reception reception for the new couple at the Taj Lands End in the western suburbs of Mumbai.

Bollywood celebrities came out in numbers to bless the new couple.

Check out the celebs who turned up for the event.
Zarine Khan
Salman Khan's heroine from Veer, Zarine Khan.
Sangeeta Bijlani
Salman Khan's ex-girlfriend Sangeeta Bijlani
Manyata Dutt, Shahraan, Iqra
Manyata Dutt along with son Shahraan and daughter Iqra.
Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor walks the red carpet alone.
Bhushan Kumar along with wife Divya Khosla
T-series head honcho Bhushan Kumar with wife Divya Khosla.
Salman Khan with his No Entry co-star Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor
Salman Khan with his No Entry co-star Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor.
Hrithik Roshan and Tusshar Kapoor
Hrithik Roshan and Tusshar Kapoor pose for shutterbugs.
Ritesh Deshmukh, Genelia D'soza, Avantika and Imran Khan
Ritesh Deshmukh along with wife Genelia D'souza. Imran Khan along with wife Avantika Malik.
Govinda, Vatsal Seth, Ajay Devgn, Sohail Khan
Govinda, Vatsal Seth, Ajay Devgn, Sohail Khan pose for photo.
 Sooraj Bharjtya, Anees Bazmee, Kishen Kumar
Directors Sooraj Bharjtya, Anees Bazmee, Gulshan Kumar's brother Krishna Kumar.
Karisma Kapoor along with father Randhir Kapoor aunt Reema Jain and her husband
Karisma Kapoor along with father Randhir Kapoor, aunt Reema Jain and her husband Manoj Jain.
Dino Morea, Aditya Roy Kapur, Siddharth Malhotra
Dino Morea, Aditya Roy Kapur, Siddharth Malhotra strike a pose.

Raj Babbar along with wife Nadira, son Arya, daughter Juhi and her husband Anup Soni
Raj Babbar along with wife Nadira, son Arya, daughter Juhi and her husband Anup Soni.
Jacqueline Fernandes with producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala and wife Wardha
Jacqueline Fernandez with producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala and wife Wardha Khan.
Salim Khan, Dilip Kumar, Salman Khan, Saira Banu, Helen
Salim Khan holds Dilip Kumar as Salman Khan looks on. Saira Banu chats with Helen.
Bobby Deol with wife Tanya. Kabir Khan with wife Minni Mathur
Bobby Deol with wife Tanya. Kabir Khan with wife Mini Mathur.
Dia Mirza, Zayed Khan, Mana Shetty, Suneil Shetty, Athiya
Dia Mirza arrives with Zayed Khan. Suneil Shetty along with wife Mana Shetty and daughter Athiya who will be launched in Salman Khan's Hero.
Ayesha Shroff and Eli Avram
Jackie Shroff's wife Ayesha and Bigg Boss ex-contestant Eli Avram.
Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Adi and Parmeshwari Godrej, Yash and Avanti Birla
Business tycoons Mukesh and Nita Ambani, Adi and Parmeshwari Godrej, Yash and Avanti Birla.
Shatrughan Sinha, Sonakshi, Luv. Smita Thackeray son Rahul
Shatrughan Sinha along with daughter Sonakshi and son Luv. Smita Thackeray son Rahul.
Ramesh Sippy, Kiran Juneja, Asha Parekh, Helen
Ramesh Sippy along with wife Kiran Juneja. Close friends Asha Parekh and Helen.
Chunkey Pandey with wife Bhavna, Vikram Phadnis
Chunky Pandey with wife Bhavna. Fashion designer Vikram Phadnis.
Huma Qureshi with brother Saqib Saleem
Huma Qureshi with brother Saqib Saleem.

 

First Look: John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar say Welcome Back!

First Look: John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar say Welcome Back!
Mumbai: Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor has revealed the first look of his forthcoming flick ‘Welcome Back’. Welcome back is sequel of ‘Welcome’, which was released in 2007. Director Anees Bazmee is back with another rib-tickling comedy flick.

Actor took to a micro-blogging site Twitter and posted a picture with the caption #welcomeback We Are Coming!.

According to the reports, legendary actor Amitabh Bacchan will be essaying the role of RDX in ‘Welcome Back’ which was played by Feroz Khan in ‘Welcome’.

Welcome Back is a multi-starrer affair like its prequel. Its cast includes Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, John Abraham and Shruti Haasan along with the veteran actress Dimple Kapadia and Shiny Ahuja in the leading roles.

‘Welcome Back’ will hit theatres in March 2015.

Visa claims are cr*p: Insider spills the beans on the Kim Kardashian no-show 

Kim Kardashian was expected to make a guest appearance on 'Bigg Boss 8'.
Kim Kardashian was expected to make a guest appearance on 'Bigg Boss 8'.
Mumbai: We all know that the very controversial and sexy Kim Kardashian’s flying-visit to India was cancelled at the last minute. While the official reason for this sudden reversal of an exhilarating presence is ‘visa issues’ a source close to the Bigg Boss show says the reason for Kardashian’s no-show was something else.
Says the insider, “Visa issues in today’s day and age when Narendra Modiji has personally gone to the US and Europe to assure foreigners they can visit our country any time without having to line up for visas? Nah, visa was not the issue.”
According to this insider it was time and money that played the double villain in Kim’s visit.
“She wanted to do a stopover for barely 4-5 hours in India. During this time she would have promoted her perfume and gone into Bigg Boss,” says the source, adding that the high-profile American entertainer was expected to be paid Rs 85 lakhs for her 4-hour visit.
“The organizers were willing to pay. They had paid Paris Hilton much more than that for her trip to India. It was the time-limit that finally reversed the decision to bring Kim Kardashian to India. She was squeezing India into her schedule. At the end of the day the logistics of her visit seemed untenable,” says the source.
Efforts are on to get Ms Kardashian to visit India on a stand-alone trip.

 

Emraan Hashmi promotes 'Ungli' in Mumbai

Emraan Hashmi was recently spotted promoting his upcoming movie 'Ungli' in Mumbai.
Since, the movie is based on corruption issues, the 35-year old actor requested auto drivers in Mumbai not to refuse shorter fares.
While speaking to the media persons, Hashmi said, "This is the right of the common man, especially of senior citizens, because they face a lot of problems while travelling and, this is a pledge for them, and I request auto drivers to take them where senior citizens want to go.
Based on different types of corruptions that the common man faces in today's time, 'Ungli' shows a bunch of youngsters who fight against the system to bring in a positive change.
'Ungli' is slated to release on 28th November 2014.

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Friday, 21 November 2014

100 religious leaders to attend Jama Masjid ceremony

100 religious leaders to attend Jama Masjid ceremony


New Delhi: Over 100 religious leaders from India and abroad will Saturday attend a ceremony at the Jama Masjid here when the son of Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari will be anointed the Naib Imam of the 17th century mosque.
Ahmed Bukhari refused to comment on criticism against the event, telling IANS that "he would respond to all the criticism in the court".
The two-and-half-hour ceremony will begin at 5.30 p.m., he said. Among those expected to attend are Muslim leaders from Tunisia, Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia and South Arabia.
"Besides, thousands of Muslims will be present. There will be religious speeches," Ahmed Bukhari told
Shaban Bukhari, 19, is pursuing his Bachelors in Social Work at Amity University. The post of Naib Imam will put him in the line to become the Shahi Imam of the country's largest mosque.
Ahmed Bukhari said: "Shaban needs to be groomed. I was appointed the Shahi Imam in 2000, which was 27 years after I became the Naib Imam."
Ahmed Bukhari refused to say if Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had accepted his invitation to attend the event -- to which Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not been called.
"I will tell you in a day or two," the Shahi Imam said.
The Bukharis, originally from Central Asia, have been the traditional custodians of the Jama Masjid since it was built during the Mughal era in the 17th century, facing the Red Fort.

Aamir, Deepika in Conversation with Karan Johar at HT Summit: Highlights


Aamir, Deepika in Conversation with Karan Johar at HT Summit: Highlights

  • Late 70s and 80s were disappointing -- the disco era
  • I feel that from the late 80s onwards there is a gradual change that has been happening very organically
  • Our understanding or definition of mainstream cinema has been changing, has really widened now 
  • Audience has also changed and the filmmakers have brought in fresh voices 
  • Film advertorials are silly
  • I don't care about big budgets
  • It is very important how we predict women in films and media
  • On Shah Rukh Khan: Khans are compared because of the common surname
  • Not all blockbusters are good movies
  • On reshaping cinema - I met this American writer once and she said some things which made a of sense to me. She asked 'what does the creative person give to the society?'
  • I feel entertaining society is not the end of our responsibility
  • Our responsibility is to create heroes, motivate people, touch the good and make you glow
  • We will also infuse fresh oxygen into this country - this is my vision for this country
  • No matter how much I expose, you'll still be more  interested in Deepika (responds to Q about PK transistor)
Deepika Padukone:
  • Did not feel the pressure in my debut film
  • Every film I have done has been a learning experience. 
  • Everything that I have learnt is from my spending physical time on the sets, with directors, co-stars and my own mistake
  • The most important thing is to learn from our own mistakes
  • Insecurities can also be very very productive
  • Competition does not bring you down
  • I am the happiest when I am on a film set, when I am working and it has always been about achieving more
  • Katrina Kaif is one of the most hard-working people I've ever met

HT Leadership Summit 2014: Indian men are not used to complimenting women, says Deepika

Actor Deepika Padukone and industry colleague Aamir Khan indulge in a candid conversation with Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2014.

Aamir Khan began the conversation with his take on the changing pattern of Indian cinema, "Indian films are undergoing a change. I call that the disco era. From late 80s gradual change , very organically. coming of metroplex is part of that change. Definition of mainstream is cconstantly changing." He further said, "Taare Zameen Par would have been an arthouse flick in the 70s. People who made Mughal-E-Azam never cared for the box office numbers."

Aamir added, "I absolutely stand by Deepika. I have problem how we depict women in films, media, (hey just look at the cleavage). We are in  this mad race." He also said, "I really wish the film fraternity was more united."

"We became Bollywood trimurti because our surnames were the same. I really liked Ranbir's work in Barfi," said Aamir.

Deepika Padukone also opined her views, "Competition is not about negativity and pulling others down. It's about bettering yourself." She added, "Our responsibility doesn't end by entertaining people. Our job is to get more grace into society."

She also said, "It's not that we have not objectified men in Indian Cinema. It's just that we choose to talk of only women." She commented on her choice of films as well, "Films play important part in shaping youth. Will be more careful about roles, meaningful films."

Aamir Khan was more candid in his reactions. "I can earn 10 times more than what I do by endorsing products or hosting game shows, but I don't want to."

During the session, Deepika also said, "Indian men are not used to 

 complimenting women."

The never before heard stories of Rajnikanth


The never before heard stories of Rajnikanth
File Pic Rajnikanth in a still from Lingaa
Rajnikanth the superstar, who neither believes in superstardom and all its trappings nor behaves like a superstar in public

Writing about Rajnikanth is always an exciting experience as there is a lot I can say. The story can go on and on. But this time let Lingaa be the focus. A video clip featuring Rajnikant from the video coverage of the actor’s Press conference on the eve of the release of Robot in Mumbai had gone viral on various social connect media. It is relevant to mention it now as the actor gears up for the release of Lingaa because it gives an amusing and revealing insight into the mind of Rajnikant, the super star who neither believes in superstardom and all its trappings nor behaves like a super star in public. In the clip he relates an incident from his life when he visited a relative’s house in Rajasthan. A neighbor dropped in hoping to meet a super star in flesh and blood. To the neighbor’s surprise he met a simple , ordinary looking man with a bald pate. He asked Rajni how he spent his time and Rajni told him he had just completed a movie starring Aiswarya Rai in the lead. The visitor then asked him who the hero of the film was. Rajni answered that he was the hero. The man stared at him in disbelief. The visitor had brought his young son along and Rajni saw the boy nudge his gaping father and tell him in a whisper: “daddy, he is the hero. You should just keep quiet”. The man remained silent and in a daze all through the visit after that.
That’s Rajnikant in real life. He is completely different when he goes before the cameras with his make up , wig and costume because he knows that week after week repeat audiences will spend their hard earned money to buy admission tickets to applaud his amazing screen persona. His eagerly awaited December release, Lingaa, in 3 languages  ( Tamil, Telugu, Hindi ) is being talked about for the stunts he has performed and his youthful looks in specially tailored suave apparel. He is no doubt as good a match for the film’s young leading ladies Sonakshi Sinha and Anukhsha Shetty as any of the ruling young actors of Tamil and Hindi cinema. In fact, he may well give them all a complex.
Rajnikanth is a fan of Amitabh Bachchan. He also admired Dev Anand a lot. There are some comparitive points that arouse interest between him and Amitabh Bachchan as unrivalled super stars. It is common knowledge that Amitabh will never appear before anybody other than his immediate family members without a wig and he has expressed his awe for Rajni’s boldness in  making public appearances revealing his bald pate. Amitabh will never appear in public wearing just a bush shirt over his trousers and walk out of an airport unaccompanied by body guards and his protocol manager. Rajni has no hesitation to come out of an aircraft, go to the luggage bay , collect his baggage and walk out like any airline passenger  if nobody has been assigned to take care of him. I have seen him do so while passengers who recognized him watched him with admiration and walked up to him to shake hands with him while he waited for his baggage. He made no attempt to be different from all the others waiting anxiously  for their baggage. It is difficult for a lay man to believe at such times that he is THE RAJNIKANT, the country’s biggest super star.
Like Amitabh Bachchan, Rajni came to films without the looks that were mandatory for stardom. While Amitabh managed to create an aura around him with the enormous success his starrers met with at the box office, Rajni made no conscious attempt to build an image. He merely evolved his own individual style of acting and mannerisms which appealed to the masses and gave him a place in their hearts. Both Rajni and Amitabh played characters with grit and idealistic values and compassion for the plight of the downtrodden and poor. The audience of the time, the late Sixties and Seventies, empathized with their screen personalities. Both had Dame Fortune showering unprecedented success in their careers.
While Amitabh made hay during the sunshine period and attained incredible super stardom and gave "darshan" from a distance every day to hundreds of fans who stood outside his bungalow at Juhu in Mumbai, Rajni got down to ploughing back a percentage of his earnings to help the needy who showed up at the gate of his residence in Chennai. He not only obliged his fans who came to get a "darshan" as early as six am by posing for photographs with them , he also had his manager take their requests for monetary help and do the needful. As a result Rajni did not remain just a super star with a stupendous fan following: he became a God for the majority of his admirers. A status no Hindi film hero could ever boast of. And the beauty of the Rajni magic was that he was not doing what he was doing every morning at his residence to gain mileage or a social image as a philanthropist.  He was doing it because it was the best way he  could think of to thank the Almighty for his bounty.
Each time it is said a film starring Rajni becomes a blockbuster, the star vanishes for a while to some destination known to only a for few to unwind and feel the ground under his feet.  He returns with his bald pate shining , his eyes twinkling with inner peace, his smile radiating the goodness within him and picks up the threads of his life and career happily. It was speculated when Narendra Modi visited him prior to the polls that he may join politics at last. But people close to him are certain he won’t. They say he could have been in politics a long time ago if he so desired. His wisdom has always kept him away from the sham world of politics but then who knows what life has in store !

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