sahid kapoor nervous,satyamev jayate amir railwaly trash dipeeka,says anubhav ,2 states

Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Saif were on Sajid's wish list for Arjun Kapoor's '2 States'

Mumbai: The makers of Bollywood flick ‘2 States’ initially wanted to rope in stars like Shahrukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor or Saif Ali Khan for the role which later was pocketed by Ishaqzaade star Arjun Kapoor.

One more interesting part behind the story is Sajid Nadiadwala’s reaction when Karan Johar suggested him Arjun’s name for the role. Reports quote Sajid as saying, “It started with Saif Ali Khan green lighting the project. Then it was Shahrukh Khan and later Ranbir. After that, Karan came to me saying let’s make it with Arjun and I fell off my chair.”

But garnering praises over Karan’s choice and Arjun Kapoor’s acting, Sajid said, “However, when we started making the movie and I saw the final product, I thought Karan was right in his judgement.”

He reportedly adds, “I am proud of Arjun, because I have seen him grow. I know his dad (Boney Kapoor) and mom (Mona Kapoor) very well. I am extremely proud of him about the way he has worked in films until now.”

2 States, which is based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel with same name, is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and Karan Johar and has been directed by Abhishek Varman.

‘2 States’ also stars Alia Bhatt and is slated for April 18 release.

'Gulaab Gang' is a commercial potboiler, says Anubhav Sinha

Mumbai: Producer Anubhav Sinha says his upcoming film 'Gulaab Gang' is a commercial potboiler and he does not think of it as a risky proposition.

'Gulaab Gang' stars two powerful actresses - Madhuri Dixit and Juhi Chawla as the leading ladies of the film. Anubhav does not feel the film is women-centric. "I do not see it as a women-centric film. I liked the story and found it a commercial potboiler. I was not sceptical to back it as the cost of production was not that big. I did not think it as a risky proposition," Anubhav told 

The makers always had Madhuri and Juhi in mind for the film.

Anubhav Sinha says 'Gulaab Gang' is a commercial potboiler and he does not think of it as a risky proposition.

Anubhav says bringing the two senior actresses onboard together for the film was not difficult.

"It was not difficult to bring them on board. I was apprehensive how the film would be shot. But we are happy it has exactly turned out the way we had expected," he said. Considering Madhuri and Juhi were rivals when they were ruling Bollywood, there were reports that initially the two did not get along well.

"There were no fights or anything of that sort. There was no negativity. We had fun while doing the film," Anubhav said. In the film, Madhuri leads a group of women fighting against the social injustice, while Juhi will be seen in a negative role as a politician, for which she was not too convinced initially.

"She (Juhi) playing a villain... A negative role was something unexpected. Juhi first asked us to mellow down certain things. We did it but she realised that there was no point in doing that as that is the main essence of the film," the filmmaker said.

Directed by Soumik Sen, 'Gulaab Gang' releases on March 7.

Should Katrina, Priyanka and Anushka be Worried of Deepika?

      

Deepika Padukone's current position at the box office has already been an enviable one, and now the actress' long list of upcoming films should increase the concern of her contemporaries.

The "Chennai Express" actress has been flooded with big banner offers, and her calendar is chock-a-block with so many projects that she had to turn down some interesting films.

Deepika is currently working in one of the most awaited films of the year "Happy New Year", starring Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, following which she has Homi Adajania's "Finding Fanny Fernandez" lined up, and also the grand scale "Kochadaiiyaan" opposite the southern legend Rajinikanth.

This apart, she has been roped in for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus "Bajirao Mastani", while she will reunite with ex-lover Ranbir Kapoor once again for Imtiaz Ali's "Window Seat". The actress is reportedly in talks with Shoojit Sircar for "Piku", opposite Amitabh Bachchan. Then there is an Aditya Chopra directorial in the pipeline, where she is set to star with alleged lover Ranveer Singh yet again.

Also, Salman Khan has stated he wishes to star alongside the leggy beauty in Kabir Khan's next. Ranbir too has suggested his ex-flame's name for Ayan Mukherjee's superhero flick.

Now we move to Deepika's contemporaries' upcoming films.

Katrina Kaif has some noteworthy films under her belt. She is shooting for Hrithik Roshan starrer "Bang Bang", along with Kabir Khan's "Phantom" with Saif Al Khan. The actress will also star with alleged lover Ranbir Kapoor in "Jagga Jasoos" and has Abhishek Kapoor 's "Fitoor" in her kitty as well.

Priyanka Chopra surely has a busy schedule with twin roles of actress and that of a budding international singer. As for movies, the svelte actress is presently training tough for the boxer's role in Mary Kom biopic. She has also been signed for Zoya Akhtar's "Dil Dhadakne Do" and is said to have given her nod to an upcoming Tamil fantasy film, opposite Vijay.

Anushka Sharma is another one among Deepika's promising contemporaries. With "PK" and "Bombay Velvet" the bubbly actress already has a promising year ahead. She is also expected to be star in Zoya Akhtar's "Dil Dhadakne Do" opposite ex-lover Ranveer Singh, and her first film as producer "NH 10" is also underway.

Fashion icon Sonam Kapoor has "Bewakoofiyaan" with Ayushmann Khurrana up next. She will star in Arbaaz Khan's "Dolly Ki Doli", Shah Rukh "Raes" and also has the "Khoobsurat" remake in her kitty. The actress will also be seen playing a young politician in the adaptation of Anuja Chauhan's bestselling novel "Battle for Bittora". Reports of the actress being considered for the new Sooraj Barjatya film have also surfaced, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

Going by the calendar of the actresses, it is apparent that Deepka towers over Katrina, Priyanka, Anushka and Sonam with her list of projects.

Meanwhile, Karan Johar's "Shuddhi" and the Barjatya film are yet to announce their female lead, and it remains to be seen who bags the big banner productions

Railways thrash Karnataka 91-39

New Delhi, Mar 2 Indian Railways women scored a thumping 91-39 win over Karnataka on the last day of the league matches in the 64th National Basketball Championship here today.

The defending champions topped Group A after winning all four league matches.

They looked strong from the start and were leading 51-15 in half time.

Raja Priyadarshni scored 20 points (11 rebounds), while M Pushpa 16 and Anju Lakra finished with 13 points (three 3-pointers) for Indian

'Satyamev Jayate' Season 2: Are Rapists at Advantage in India? Asks Aamir Khan in Opening Episode

    

Aamir Khan has highlighted the nation's most burning issue - women's safety - in the opening episode of "Satayamev Jayate 2".

Aamir's role as the social crusader came to fore, as he introduced the episode on the background of the infamous Delhi gang rape of 2012, and followed it up with other prominent cases of atrocities against women in West Bengal, Punjab and other states.

Dividing the first episode into mainly four segments, the actor delved into what a rape victim goes through after being subjected to the heinous crime.

The first focus with respect to rape cases is the inaction of the police. The insensitive approach of the policemen, refusal to file FIR of the cases, physical and mental torture of victims and family members were some of the matters surfaced from various accounts. To discuss the gravity of the issue, Aamir invited parents of a victim, who was gang raped on two consecutive occasions and finally burnt to death by the accused, mainly because of the lack of adequate police initiative.

The second part involved the medical procedure and the harassment the rape victims undergo when approaching a doctor for the evidence collection process. Negligence, carelessness, intimidation and reluctance on the part of examining doctors were revealed in most cases. Mainly the doctors handling the rape cases were found inept, and also the procedure to determine rape was largely found illegal and against Supreme Court guidelines.

Aamir at this point, in talking to some eminent persons, was suggested that a uniform procedure to handle and examine rape cases is the need of the hour.

Aamir then moved to the most debated topic in such cases - the justice system the country. Mostly blamed for the long and complicated procedure, the judicial system has led to the denial of justice in almost all incidents. A shocking case of a woman fighting for justice for the last 21 years was presented. The helpless position the victim faces against the accused, as per the Indian judicial system, proved shocking to many.

A social worker stressed that the court adjournments proved to be a bane in such cases, giving the accused a leeway and leaving the victim with less hopes.

Last but not least, Aamir discusses society's disdainful attitude towards rape victims and her family, rather than towards the accused. The social stigma attached to rape, he pointed, has led to suicides in several situations.

Aamir added that by ostracising the victims and dissuading them, we as a society are only encouraging the rapists, who, shockingly, constitute only a minuscule, one percent population of the society.

A social worker, while talking to Aamir, dispelled predominant beliefs and informed that incidents of rape were equally at large in villages as in cities. She also revealed that most victims were traditionally dressed at the time of crime, as opposed to the argument that provocative dressing invite rapes.

The last section featured bravehearts Suzette Jordan and Urmila Singh Bharti, who have been battling demons of the society, law and stood firm in their attempt to get justice. 

Suzette is a victim of the infamous Park Street rape of Kolkata, which snowballed into a major controversy, after the state chief minister Mamata Banerjee issued derogatory remarks on her, even to the extent of referring her as sex worker and proclaiming it a fake case. Meanwhile, Urmila braved odds to get her case registered, despite facing threats to her life and family. Urmila's husband has been a constant support in her struggle and Aamir appreciated his efforts and hugged him warmly during the show.

At the end, the actor brought up the need for an immediate change in the scenario and suggested the setting up of a centre for rape crisis in all districts of every state, throughout the country. The centre would collect all evidence from a victim and help augmenting the process of justice.

"Satyamev Jayate" this season is aimed at public participation, and hence the suggestion of the setting up of a rape crisis centre is open to vote

Shahid Kapoor spotted in a near-bald look for Haider

Shedding his trademark chocolate-boy image, actor Shahid Kapoor was spotted rocking a dense beard with his current closely shaved hairdo at an event in Mumbai.

Shahid Kapoor's near-bald look for Haider. The 33 year-old star, was reportedly trying to keep his new look for his upcoming film, Haider, under wraps by wearing a black hat. Why Shahid got upset about going baldShahd is known to be particular about his hair, always putting time and effort into styling it well. Even though he will do whatever is required for the role, he’s upset about having to go bald. Ask him about it and he admits, “I’m very nervous. It was a tough decision for me.”