Shahid excited to work with Deepika in 'Padmavati'

Mumbai, Nov 13, 2016, PTI:

Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor says he is looking forward to work with Deepika Padukone in "Padmavati". Shahid and Deepika will be seen together on screen for the first time in the film.

Shahid plays Raja Ratan Singh, the Rajput ruler and husband of queen Padmavati (Deepika), in the period drama, to be directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Ranveer Singh will be seen as Alauddin Khilji, the medieval-era Delhi sultan, who falls in love with Padmavati.

"I will start shooting for 'Padmavati' in a couple of weeks. I haven't started it yet, but it is an amazing honour to work with Bhansali ji. I love his films, I think he is a fantastic filmmaker," Shahid told reporters at the Lux Golden Rose Awards here last night.

"I am very excited about the role he has offered me. This is the first time that Deepika and I will be working together which is great. This is the first time me and Ranveer will be working together, which is great," he said.

The actor recently wrapped up his film with Vishal Bhardwaj, titled "Rangoon", which also stars Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut. The 35-year-old actor feels he is in an "amazing" phase professionally as he is working with two great directors back-to-back.

"'Padmavati' is a really big film. It is a challenging film to do as an actor. After working with Vishal Bharadwaj, working with Bhansali is an amazing place to be. I feel very fortunate," he said.

While "Padmavati" will go on floors soon, "Rangoon" is scheduled to release next year in February.

Main aim of cinema, literature is to provoke: Anurag Kashyap

New Delhi, Nov 13, 2016, PTI:

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap says the main purpose of literature and cinema is to provoke people to question things.

"In our society we have this perception regarding music, literature or cinema, that the thing which provoke you are wrong. Contrary to which, the main aim of cinema or literature is to provoke the audience.

"I feel cinema should be something which can provoke you and not let you sleep. We can't be dancing around and entertaining 24 hours. There are a lot of things which affect me and I can't keep them inside me," Kashyap said while addressing a session at the the Sahitya AajTak event.

The filmmaker said Indians are conditioned to be obedient and not question things.

"We are conditioned to be an obedient herd. If as a kid you ask questions about sex or religion you are scolded. I grew up in Benaras and we are brought up with a mindset which is full of hierarchy and caste system. We are infused with all this," he said.

Kashyap is known for making movies which have a darker tone, but the filmmaker feels 'dark' is just a label and things which people are not able to discuss openly are put in that category.

"The first poem I wrote in my school was not published and my father was told my writing is very dark. Dark is a relative term. What you may find dark may not be dark for someone else. We are conditioned in a way that we just can't think about ourselves.

"Dark is just a label. Anything which we cannot talk openly about is termed as dark. We are taught not to ask questions," he said. The director always uses colloquial language in his films as he feels literature should not be limited to few good words.

"The purpose of language is to communicate. If I am able to communicate without language, then I will not use words. Language should be something which can keep the communication strong."

Kashyap feels people should have the freedom to derive their own meaning from literature or cinema. "We end up making literature so small by limiting them to just words. Literature is not tied up in words. It is beyond culture and words.

"I will not consider a piece of literature if it is full of dos and don'ts. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what is literature for them. The fun is in diversity."

Ranveer-Deepika starrer 'Padmavati' to release on Nov 17, 2017

Mumbai, Nov 12, 2016 (PTI)

 Sanjay Leela Bhasali's magum-opus "Padmavati" starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor is set to release on November 17 next year.

Ranveer, 31, who is playing Alauddin Khilji, the second Sultan of the Khilji Dynasty in the film, announced its release date on Twitter in Roman numerals.

"XVII. XI. XVII," he wrote along with a sneak peek of his look from the film.
The picture captured an intense look of Ranveer's kohled eyes with some battle scars on his forehead.

Ranveer is also awaiting the release of his romantic drama "Befikre". Set for December 9 release, the film directed by Aditya Chopra, also stars Vaani Kapoor.

Ranveer and Deepika have previously worked with Bhansali in "Ram-Leela" and "Bajirao Mastani". 

Demonetisation affecting 'Rock On 2' footfalls: Ritesh Sidhwani

New Delhi, Nov 12, 2016 (PTI)

Government's decision to demonetise Rs 500 and 1000 notes has had an adverse effect on the box office collections of this week's release "Rock On 2", says its producer Ritesh Sidhwani.

If Excel Entertainment had prior intimation about the decision it would have pushed the release date of the movie, he says.

"People are busy queueing up outside the banks and even if they are able to get the new Rs 2000 note they are not able to get the change for it which is affecting the overall collection of the film. If we had any clue about the decision we would have definitely pushed the release date," Ritesh told PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the announcement on November 8 night but by then it was too late for the makers to change the scheduled release date as the prints were already with the cinema owners both in Indian and abroad, he says.

"We have made a beautiful film and by the time announcement was made, it was Wednesday and the prints were already out. We couldn't afford to push the release date as the privacy laws in our country are not strong enough to protect the movie from getting leaked. Our two years of efforts would have been wasted.

"But if the decision had come over the weekend, we would have pushed the release by weeks but that was not possible."

The producer hopes that the movie will be able to do well after Sunday as word-of-mouth is good.

"The film has received mixed critical reviews, but public opinion by large is positive. It is a true sequel and the story starts eight years later from where the first film ended. People have a connection with the film. We hope the collections will pick from Monday."

Ritesh says it is not possible to guess the monetary loss at this point of time but the decision has certainly hit the collections.

Starring Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal, Shraddha Kapoor, Purab Kohli and Shashank Arora, "Rock On 2" is a sequel to 2008 film.

Debutant Shujaat Saudagar has directed the project, majorly shot in Meghalaya.

Shah Rukh is always open to opinions: Alia Bhatt

New Delhi, Nov 12, 2016, PTI:

Shah Rukh Khan may be one of the biggest stars in Bollywood but his "Dear Zindagi" co-star Alia Bhatt says the actor is always open to suggestions even if it comes from a junior.

The 23-year-old actress says the biggest advantage of working with Shah Rukh is that he easily understands if somebody needs help.

"You don't need to ask Shah Rukh if you need help, he will always be by your side. He will make sure you are comfortable. Shah Rukh is very involved in the process of film and always open to opinions. He even asked me what can be done to make things better," Alia told PTI.

The "Udta Punjab" actress says she thought working with someone as big as SRK would be tough for her but the 51-year-old star made her feel comfortable. "I imagined it to be stressful because I was working with Shah Rukh for the first time but he made it very comfortable for me.

"I had a basic nervousness like anybody would feel. But there was nothing like he was stressing me out and I couldn't sleep and all. I had already met him before and we were comfortable. That comfort was very important and it helped the whole process."

Directed by Gauri Shinde, "Dear Zindagi" is a slice-of- life drama. Alia says they had rehearsals before the shoot, which helped break the ice.

"It was an amazing experience it was an dream come true to work with him. Before the shooting we did couple of readings and rehearsals and that's when we broke the ice and the awkwardness from my side. And after that on set we got along really well."

The movie is set to release on November 25.

I-T sleuths raid Bahubali producers

Hyderabad, Nov 11, 2016, (DHNS)

As a part of the nationwide raids on unaccounted money, Income Tax department officials searched the offices and homes of producers of the multilingual movie Bahubali on Friday.A 25-member I-T team split into three groups and raided the places of producers Shobhu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni. According to sources in the film unit, I-T sleuths found Rs 60 crore cash so far and the search is going on.

The raid came as a shocker on Tollywood which is reeling from the impact of the sudden demonetisation of high value currency.

The producers, who have advanced plans for the audio release of Bahubali Part 2, were not available for comment, though the raids are thought to be a shock as they were on the verge of selling the movie rights to various markets, including Bollywood. 

Only recently, producer Karan Johar, who distributed the Hindi version of part one, Bahubali: The Beginning, reportedly stepped back from releasing the movie in north India due to high price quoted by the producers for its theatrical rights.

Bahubali was the only dubbed movie in Hindi that did a record Rs 100 crore business.

B-Town stars condole Leonard Cohen's death

Mumbai, Nov 11, 2016 (PTI)

Calling him a "legend" and "genius", Bollywood celebrities like Sushant Singh Rajput, Sudhir Mishra, Vishal Dadlani and Papon condoled the death of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Cohen's label, Sony Music Canada, confirmed his death on the singer's Facebook page. The cause of death and exact date of death was not given. Cohen was 82.

"MS Dhoni star Sushant Singh Rajput tweeted, "I just want to wish you a very good journey. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road. RIP Leonard Cohen."

Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said, "I am devastated. Truly. He helped me live my life. He taught me to pardon myself and others. When i felt down, he whispered in my ears."
"2016 claims another genius, along with the last vestiges of human sanity. Goodbye Leonard Cohen. Write the world a song, wherever you are," musician Vishal Dadlani posted.

Papon wrote, "Rip Leonard Cohen! Saddened again."
Actor Anupam Kher said, "Leonard Cohen - I'm Your Man. One of the few music legends whose words I could understand and feel. RIP."

"Mornings will never be the same again. Leonard Cohen RIP," filmmaker Nikkhil Advani tweeted.

Actor Ranvir Shorey said, "Goodbye, Leonard Cohen, one of the greatest song writers of our times, and a personal prophet. RIP. Respect."

R.I.P. Leonard Cohen... His music will continue to inspire generations, especially the classic song 'Hallelujah'... Leonard Cohen," filmmaker Sajid Khan posted.

Actress Soha Ali Khan said, "It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah. RIP Leonard Cohen I will miss this master of erotic despair terribly."

Leonard Cohen, rock music's poetic visionary, dies at age 82

Los Angeles, Nov 11, 2016, PTI:

Legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has passed away. He was 82. Cohen's label, Sony Music Canada, confirmed his death on the singer's Facebook page. The cause of death and exact date of death was not given.

"It is with profound sorrow we report that legendary poet, songwriter and artist, Leonard Cohen has passed away. We have lost one of music's most revered and prolific visionaries. A memorial will take place in Los Angeles at a later date. The family requests privacy during their time of grief," the statement read.

Only last month, Cohen released his final album, "You Want It Darker," an introspective work that focused thematically on mortality.

The songs he penned during a musical career that spanned six decades, won him comparison with such other songwriters of his era as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.

Cohen wrote songs that addressed themes of love and faith, despair and exaltation, solitude and connection, war and politics.

More than 2,000 recordings of his songs have been made, initially by the folk-pop singers like Judy Collins and Tim Hardin, and later by performers like among them U2, Aretha Franklin, R.E.M., Jeff Buckley, Trisha Yearwood and Elton John.

His best-known song,"Hallelujah," was written for a 1984 album that his record company rejected as insufficiently commercial and popularized a decade later by Jeff Buckley. Since then some 200 artists, from Bob Dylan to Justin Timberlake, have sung or recorded it.

Cohen started his music career at the age of 33 and never recorded a chart single and didn't place an album in the top 10 until he was in his 70s. Early in his career, enigmatic songs like "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," quickly covered by better-known performers, gave him visibility.

In 2008, Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which described him as "one of the few artists in the realm of popular music who can truly be called poets" and praised him for having "raised the songwriting bar."

In 2010, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Grammys' group, gave him a lifetime achievement award. Cohen was born in Montreal. His father was a rich clothier, and he grew up in the city's affluent Westmount neighborhood.

He was the grandson of Jewish European immigrants, and his maternal grandfather was a rabbi and Talmudic scholar. As a teen, he developed an admiration for the poetry of Spanish martyr Federico Garcia Lorca and a liking for American country music.

At Montreal's McGill University, he was mentored by Irving Layton and Louis Dudek and acquired a reputation as one of the country's most brilliant young poets.

He published a widely praised volume of early verse, "Let Us Compare Mythologies," in 1956, before brief post-graduate stints at McGill's law school and Columbia University in New York.

Cohen also visited Mumbai, India to study with Hindu teacher Ramesh Balsekar.

In 2006, Cohen gave his first public performance in more than a decade — an impromptu appearance with Anjani Thomas during a signing of his new "Book of Longing" at a Toronto bookstore. He is survived by a son and daughter from his relationship with Suzanne Elrod.

  

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You can't take your position in Bollywood for granted: Sidharth

New Delhi, Nov 11, 2016, PTI

He has a Bollywood career that any newcomer would dream of, but Sidharth Malhotra says he never takes his success for granted as things in the film industry are short-lived.

The 31-year-old actor, who made an impressive debut with Karan Johar's "Student of the Year," and went on to give hits like "Ek Villain," "Hasee Toh Phasee" and "Kapoor & Sons," says destiny of an actor can change with just one Friday.

"Acting is such a profession that you can never feel secure. Everything here is short-lived. You can never take your position for granted in the film industry. I have seen failures. Every Friday is different. Even the biggest stars feel the same.

"After doing half a dozen films, I have realized that the feeling on every Friday is same. I don't make any plans about future as the good I have done in past will not keep me going for my whole life," Sidharth told PTI.

The actor says he is happy with what he has achieved till now, but is still working hard to prove his mettle.

"I have a lot of gratitude for where I am today. Coming from nowhere and doing this... I think this keeps you on your feet. I am still evolving. I still have that young energy. I am still trying to push the envelope and do new things."

Sidharth says he has tried to choose different subjects and now understands the difference between the script and the on-screen representation.

"Choices have been dependent on content. It has always been a mix and match for me. I am trying to find out the core content. I have evolved in that respect that what may look on paper may not translate on-screen."

The actor, who credits his living away from home for the focus he has towards his work, says he still misses his parents in Delhi and feels he will continue doing so until he starts his own family.

"I will keep missing my home in Delhi till the time I don't start my own family. Because I feel like the same kid, who came to Mumbai from Delhi. The time has passed, but mentally I am still a Delhi boy who has moved to Mumbai.

"When you go to Mumbai and are not in touch regularly with your mom and dad, it affects you. I am still in that bubble. I still feel like a young bachelor and I need to grow up."

You can't take your position in Bollywood for granted: Sidharth

New Delhi, Nov 11, 2016, PTI

He has a Bollywood career that any newcomer would dream of, but Sidharth Malhotra says he never takes his success for granted as things in the film industry are short-lived.

The 31-year-old actor, who made an impressive debut with Karan Johar's "Student of the Year," and went on to give hits like "Ek Villain," "Hasee Toh Phasee" and "Kapoor & Sons," says destiny of an actor can change with just one Friday.

"Acting is such a profession that you can never feel secure. Everything here is short-lived. You can never take your position for granted in the film industry. I have seen failures. Every Friday is different. Even the biggest stars feel the same.

"After doing half a dozen films, I have realized that the feeling on every Friday is same. I don't make any plans about future as the good I have done in past will not keep me going for my whole life," Sidharth told PTI.

The actor says he is happy with what he has achieved till now, but is still working hard to prove his mettle.

"I have a lot of gratitude for where I am today. Coming from nowhere and doing this... I think this keeps you on your feet. I am still evolving. I still have that young energy. I am still trying to push the envelope and do new things."

Sidharth says he has tried to choose different subjects and now understands the difference between the script and the on-screen representation.

"Choices have been dependent on content. It has always been a mix and match for me. I am trying to find out the core content. I have evolved in that respect that what may look on paper may not translate on-screen."

The actor, who credits his living away from home for the focus he has towards his work, says he still misses his parents in Delhi and feels he will continue doing so until he starts his own family.

"I will keep missing my home in Delhi till the time I don't start my own family. Because I feel like the same kid, who came to Mumbai from Delhi. The time has passed, but mentally I am still a Delhi boy who has moved to Mumbai.

"When you go to Mumbai and are not in touch regularly with your mom and dad, it affects you. I am still in that bubble. I still feel like a young bachelor and I need to grow up."

'Kahaani 2' surprised the actor in me: Arjun Rampal

New Delhi, Nov 10, 2016 (PTI)

Arjun Rampal may have played a diverse range of roles in his 15 years of film career but the actor says his part in the upcoming thriller "Kahaani 2: Durga Rani Singh" has astonished him like never before.

The 43-year-old star, who is in the role of sub-inspector Inderjeet Singh in Sujoy Ghosh's directorial venture, says his character in the sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit is special.

"'Kahaani 2' is one of the most special movies that I have done. When I saw the film what I was very pleased about was that no one has seen me in that light before. It is something very new and different for me as well. So, I was quite surprised watching myself in the film.," Arjun told PTI.

"What Sujoy is conveying through his movie is really beautiful. And he has said it in such a thrilling and entertaining manner."

The actor says he always wanted to venture into thriller genre but was waiting for a good script.

"I really wanted to do a good thriller and I think 'Kahaani 2' lends itself to being that. I'm very proud of this movie. And also very happy at the same time."

Arjun feels that he had to stand out in front of actress Vidya Balan, because she was amazing in the first part as well as Parambrata Chatterjee, who played Inspector Satyaki Sinha in the previous version.

"You always have to up your game as Vidya is a phenomenal actor. And when you have good material and good actors around you, your performance automatically becomes better.

"You also enjoy working with such people and I think that's the nicest thing for an actor and also very satisfying when you get work like that."

Arjun believes that making sequel is a "huge responsibility" as people attached to the project have to make sure that they do justice to the original film.

"It is a big challenge to make a sequel especially when you are making the sequel of a cult movie. It's a huge responsibility on the makers, producers and as well as on the actors. You have to stay true to its characters and at the same time be very true to the audience.

"Because if the audience is going to come they will come with the expectations whether you like it or not. There will be strong comparisons."

"Raajneeti" star also says he is very deliberate when it comes to selecting a film as he tries to be as divergent as possible in his  movies.

"I'm very selective about my work. I try to be as different as I can in each film. And That's a very conscious decision of mine that is why I do very less work. But, every time I do something it has to be something invoked within me like 'Kahaani 2'.

"Something which allows me not just to scratch it on a surface level but also to go deep into the character."

Get fewer choices due to my superstar status: SRK

Mumbai, Nov 10, 2016, PTI:

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan says filmmakers do not offer him variety of roles as they have a perception about him, thanks to his stardom.

"Stardom hasn't restricted me but it is sometimes awkward to say that being in this position, the choices are fewer," Shah Rukh said at the launch of his biography, "SRK: 25 Years Of a life", here last night.

"I sit with different directors and they say, 'We will make a big film!' so, even before I start working, the film becomes big and I say, 'Let's just make a film!' and it goes out of hands sometimes and everybody wants the film to be big," he said.

When asked if being a superstar restricts him, the 51-year-old actor admitted that commerce is something that stars cannot remain untouched from but he, on his part, has always tried to not change his approach towards work.

"It is a good excuse to make. If not excuse, then a good reason because people say that stardom takes things out of you as an actor, and yes somewhere it happens that when you become a star you have little issues (about) Rs 100 crore, 200 crore. Howsoever, we remain untouched from this; it does come to our mind. You are in a business and hence, business remains in your head.

"But I would still like to believe that whenever I have got an opportunity, like a 'Fan' or a 'Chak De! India', I have never questioned it. I have never designed a film for myself. Limitations also come from the people who you work with."

The actor said that people prefer making an out-and-out commercial film with him and though he does not blame them, he does feel this approach puts limitations on him.

"A lot of people will offer me a film saying, 'Why should we make an off-beat film with you, let's make a commercial movie.' I am not blaming them; it is a good thought because if I sell, then selling me is but natural.

"I can't be two-faced about it because even I sell many things. It's a business finally. Having said that, I have tried to maintain some kind of balance. Earlier, I had nothing to lose, so, I did a lot of things and didn't question them but now may be I don't, but people around me question, 'Will this work? Should you do another love story?' I don't listen to them," he said.

Shah Rukh's biography has been penned by former journalist Samar Khan and it contains interviews of the directors Shah Rukh has worked with in the 25 years of his career, from Aditya Chopra to Abbas-Mustan.

At the launch, Samar pointed out that something which all the filmmakers mentioned about Shah Rukh was the fact that he never questioned their vision and believed in them, despite his own knowledge of the craft and position in the industry.

To which, Shah Rukh said, "There are two things —- belief in the filmmaker because film is a director's medium, we see the movie through his eyes and the second part is the belief in yourself that whatever the director gives me, I will do it to the best of my abilities.

"I find it very wrong when actors turn around and say, 'My character won't say these lines.' That's your character, you are the maker of it. I can do anything. If my director asks me to do a somersault during an emotional scene, I will do that. I will make it believable because I am an actor."

SRK further said that for someone to retain purity as an actor throughout his or her career, it is important to understand that the art is bigger than the artists.

"My mother was a very social person and whosoever she met, she used to be like him or her. She would talk to a worker like a worker and an army officer in his way. That's how actors should be. Whosoever they sit with, they should become like them.

"There's a Manoj Kumar song, which I hold dearly as an actor — 'Paani re paani tera rang kaisa, jismei milado us jaisa'. So, an actor is just like water. I believe the art is important, the artist is not. In the end, what remain will be Rahul, Raj (his on screen characters), I won't," he said.

I really admire Farhan for being so multitalented: Shraddha

New Delhi, Nov 9, 2016, (PTI)

Shraddha Kapoor says she looks up to her "Rock On 2" co-star Farhan Akhtar for being so versatile.
The 29-year-old actress feels that the multi-hyphenate star knows how to bring out the best in others.

"I really admire him for being so multitalented but aside from that he is a really amazing person, which I think is the biggest quality of them all. He encourages everyone around to reach their best potential," Shraddha told PTI.

"It's such a big-hearted thing to do. He's very selfless. He has that sensibility to let people reach their maximum. And I think that's a really nice way of thinking and being."

Shraddha, who is a new addition to the sequel to the 2008 hit "Rock On", says she was a little anxious while working with Farhan as he is so good at what he does.
"I was nervous on sets as he's absolutely brilliant at what he does. But at the same time I was hoping that I could be my best around him.

"Also, I'm always nervous before any film and I hope that people feel like I fit well into the band. I hope that they really enjoy the film and the story we are trying to tell."

The actress, meanwhile, is looking forward to her next releases, which include "Ok Janu", "Half Girlfriend" and "Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai".

When asked how was it working on a remake of veteran director Mani Ratnam's film, Shraddha said, "It's great to be in that film. Mani sir made its Tamil version and we're in the Hindi film, which is being directed by Shaad (Ali). It's fantastic because the story is  about these two characters.

"Also I'm coming back with Aditya (Roy Kapoor), which is just great."

The "Ek Villain" star will share screen space with her brother Siddhant Kapoor in Apoorva Lakhia's "Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai" and she is excited about it.

"I'm really looking forward to it. It's very exciting to play an on screen sibling when we're actually real life siblings. We're very close to each other."  

Shah Rukh Khan's 'Om Shanti Om' to get Japanese version

Mumbai, Nov 9, 2016 (PTI)

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's film "Om Shanti Om," which has clocked nine years, is being made as a musical in Japan.

The director of the movie Farah Khan took to Twitter to share the news with fans.
"Maybe a good day to announce on #9YearsOfOmShantiOm that it's being made into a huge musical in japan!@iamsrk @deepikapadukone @rampalarjun," she tweeted.

Apart from Shah Rukh, 50, the movie also starred Arjun Rampal as the antagonist and marked Deepika Padukone's Bollywood debut.

The reincarnation drama was set in the retro era of Bollywood with SRK playing the role wannabe actor and a superstar in his rebirth. 

I am not a strict father: Aamir Khan

Mumbai, Nov 13, 2016(PTI)

 He may be called 'Haanikaarak Baapu' by his on-screen kids in the upcoming "Dangal", but superstar Aamir Khan says in real life, he is a very loving father.
The 51-year-old actor says while he was working in his directorial debut "Taare Zameen Par", he realised that having supportive parents is one of the most important things a child needs.

"While filming 'Taare Zameen Par', we did a lot of research and spoke to a lot of experts. What I found out from that was, kids need a lot of love. They need supportive parents who trust them, give them security. But as a father I am not that strict... I am a very loving and indulgent father," he told reporters.

Aamir was speaking at the "Haanikaarak Bapu" song launch, yesterday.
The film, directed by Nitesh Tiwari of "Bhoothnath Returns" fame, stars Aamir in the role of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who taught wrestling to his daughters Babita Kumari and Geeta Phogat

The first song of "Dangal" shows the actor training his two teenage daughters before introducing them to the wrestling ring.

The "Dhoom 3" star was all praise for young actors, Zaira Wasim and Suhani Bhatnagar, who play his daughters on screen.

"These two girls are really amazing. Once you watch the film you'll know. They have done a wonderful job," he said.

While there is a tremendous buzz regarding his film, Aamir says the intention behinds making "Dangal" was not to set any box office records.

"I don't think either Nitesh or I wanted to break any records and that's not why we were making this film. This was a story we all loved. We would feel very happy if the film touches hearts of people. We are more interested in that.

"I don't know about records. I am happy that we have made the film that we set out to make. When I watch the film today I feel Nitesh has very beautifully put that story on screen."

"Dangal" is scheduled to release on December 23.

'Darr' can't be remade: Juhi Chawla

Mumbai, Sep 13, 2016 (PTI)

 As audience gets ready for web reboot of superstar Shah Rukh Khan's 1993 hit "Darr", Juhi Chawla, the leading lady of the original film, says it is not possible to remake the movie.
Late filmmaker Yash Chopra's psychological thriller was about an obsessive lover Rahul (SRK), who creates havoc in the lives of Kiran (Juhi) and Sunil (Sunny Deol).

"Darr 2.0", backed by a YRF offshoot, will feature the three main characters in an entirely new milieu, weaved in a modern, original tale of obsession and fear in the age of cyber stalking and digital crimes.

When asked about it, Juhi told reporters here, "That (reboot) is not 'Darr'. It might be inspired or have similarities to the original but it's not 'Darr'. Such films don't get remakes, people just get inspired by them to make something."

The five-part web series aims to hold a mirror to the perilous environment of online privacy invasion and social media harassment that can take a dangerous and disturbing turn, if unchecked.

It has been directed by Vikas Chandra, who was an associate creative producer on YRF's "Detective Byomkesh Bakshy".

No idea about '3 Idiots' sequel, says Boman Irani

Mumbai, Sep 13, 2016 (PTI)

 Actor Boman Irani says he is unaware about stories regarding a possible sequel to the blockbuster "3 Idiots".
Aamir Khan, who played the lead role in the 2009 film, had reportedly said he would want a sequel to the film. Even director Rajkumar Hirani expressed interest in the same.

Asked about this, Boman, who played the role of strict college dean Viru Sahastrabuddhe in "3 Idiots", said while it may be a great franchise, he hasn't heard any talks for the sequel.

"Yes, everything is a great franchise but I've no idea about this talk, never heard it myself. I am hearing it for the first time. Right now, Raju is working on another film. So no, nothing like that as of now," he told PTI.

Hirani is currently in the pre-production stage of a biopic on Sanjay Dutt, which stars actor Ranbir Kapoor.

Quizzed about a possible "Munna Bhai" part three, the actor replied, "Well, he (Hirani) is busy with that film. So, one at a time. Believe me on this one."

The 56-year-old actor was speaking at an event of "Ambi Pur" for which he is the brand ambassador.

Films I do will create my identity: Harshvardhan

Mumbai, Sep 13, 2016, PTI

His father Anil Kapoor and sister Sonam already have established careers in Bollywood but Harshvardhan, who is making his acting debut with "Mirzya", says he wants to create his own identity.

"I want to do new kind of films. I want to create my own identity. I don't look at it at that way (family legacy). I look at myself and the films that I will be doing, and that films will create my identity," Harshvardhan told PTI.

Coming from a family that boasts of actors like Anil Kapoor, Sridevi and Arjun Kapoor, the newcomer has a lot to look up to but Harshvardhan does not see it as a burden.

When asked if he thinks his actor-father Anil Kapoor's name is a burden for him, Harshvardhan said, "It depends on how things go. There are pros and cons. I don't think it is a burden. I don't see it as a burden."

The 25-year-old newcomer's film, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra will hit the screens October 7 but he has already signed on his next -- Vikramaditya Motwane's "Bhavesh Joshi".

Written by Gulzar, "Mirzya" is inspired by Punjabi folklore of 'Mirza Sahiban'.

"The youth today is quite mature. Everybody can relate to love, understand the theme of soulmates, music is universal and visuals are young in the film. May be in two-three weeks we will get them excited more through promotions," Harshvardhan said.

For Mehra's directorial venture "Mirzya", the budding actor transformed himself to play the dual roles of a stable boy and a warrior.

"I have got dirt on my face. It's the character which is that way. I let go my vanity for this film. It is attractive in a certain way. I did achieve physical fitness for both parts, but it is raw, athletic and rugged," he said.

"I had the facial look to carry it off, that is why I was cast. It may not look good on most people. I think I may not look good as a chocolate boy," he said.

Harshvardhan credits director Mehra for making him look good on the screen.

"I think if I am looking good then that is Mehra's magic, it is nothing about me. It's the director's medium, so it's about how they choose to present you. Mehra is the best. Also the prep took 18 months, it was like a film in itself. It helped me a lot to work on my scenes," he said.

The young actor says he doesn't enjoy the usual promotional strategies.

"We have kept it a little low profile. We have four weeks left for the film to release and it's a long time and a lot can happen in four weeks," he said.

"I think it's better at times not to go beserk in the beginning, put out your content first then step out," he said.

Usually actors visit malls, colleges, go to reality shows and daily soaps to promote their films, besides city tours. However, Harshvardhan doesn't seem to like this way of promoting a film.

"I think we can just put out the trailer, songs, have nice interviews and do things related to our film and then let the marketing team take over," he said.

"Why go to reality shows? We need to figure out different ways to promote a film. It's my first film so I will do it. If people accept me I will have it my way," he added.

The romantic-drama also marks the debut of Saiyami Kher, niece of noted actress Tanvi Azmi.

Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif re-team for 'Tiger Zinda Hai'

Mumbai, Sep 13, 2016 (PTI)

Superstar Salman Khan and former girlfriend actress Katrina Kaif are returning for the sequel of their 2012 action-romance "Ek Tha Tiger".
Titled "Tiger Zinda Hai", the YRF film will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, unlike the first movie, which was helmed by Kabir Khan.

Today on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha, Zafar made the announcement on Twitter.
"Tiger Zinda Hai @BeingSalmanKhan #katrina kaif. Nervousness and excitement," he tweeted alongside a poster of the film.

Under the name of the movie, the poster has a caption written, "An Indian Agent. A Pakistani Spy. Against A Common Enemy."

The first movie centered around an Indian spy code-named Tiger (Salman), who falls in love with a Pakistani spy (Katrina) during an investigation.

The sequel will release next year on Christmas, when Katrina's former beau Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Sanjay Dutt's biopic is likely to arrive in theatres.

"Tiger Zinda Hai" marks the fifth film of Salman and Katrina together after "Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya?", "Partner", "Yuvraaj" and "Ek Tha Tiger".

Besides these movies, Salman had a cameo in Katrina-Ranbir's "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani", while the 33-year-old actress made a special apperance in the actor's 2011 film "Bodyguard".

"Tiger Zinda Hai" is Salman and Katrina's second big screen outing with Zafar.
While the 50-year-old actor worked with the director in the recently released blockbuster "Sultan", Katrina and Zafar teamed up in 2011 for "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan".

Kriti Sanon excited for 'Bareilly Ki Barfi'

Mumbai, Sep 13, 2016, PTI

Actor Kriti Sanon says she is eagerly looking forward to start her next "Bareilly Ki Barfi", which goes on floor in October.

The film stars Ayushmann Khurrana who reportedly owns a printing press, while Rajkummar Rao plays an author.

Directed by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari, Kriti will be seen playing a liberal thinking girl from Uttar Pradesh in the movie.

"I am very excited about 'Bareilly Ki Barfi'. I love the title. We are going to start shooting in October in Lucknow. I loved 'Nil Battey Sannata' so I am looking forward to working with Ashwini. It is a sweet and different kind of story," Kriti told reporters.

The 26-year-old actress was speaking at a special screening of "Pink" last evening. The film, starring megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu among others is scheduled to release on September 16.

There have been reports for a long time that the star is dating actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who is her co-star in the upcoming "Raabta".

When asked, if she has seen the trailer of his upcoming "M S Dhoni" biopic, she said, "I am bored of this topic. Ask me something else... I have seen Dhoni's trailer, the film is looking good."

Deepika Padukone, Vin Diesel clicked in Sabyasachi's ensemble

Mumbai, Sep 12, 2016 (PTI)

Deepika Padukone stunning in a Sabyasachi Mukherjee outfit is not new, but what comes as a huge surprise for the fans is that this time alongwith the actress, her Hollywood co-star Vin Diesel has also sported a creation of the Indian designer.
Deepika is set to make her Hollywood debut with Diesel's "xXx: Return of Xander Cage".
The duo have been clicked wearing Sabyasachi's outfits. The said picture has been shared online by the designer on his Instagram account.

The photo shows Deepika dressed in a black outift, while Diesel is seen in a red sherwani. Both are all smiles while posing together for the camera.

"#VinDiesel @vindiesel in a #Sabyasachi #Sherwani #HandCraftedInIndia @deepikapadukone #DeepikaPadukone #xXxTheMovie #ReturnOfXanderCage #TheWorldOfSabyasachi," the designer captioned the photo.

It is not clear yet if the duo will sport the dresses in the movie or if these are for a standalone photoshoot.

"xXx: Return of Xander Cage" is the third instalment of the hit action franchise "xXx". It will arrive in theatres on January 20, 2017.

Jay Z, Aamir, Rahman to join Coldplay at charity concert

Mumbai, Sep 12, 2016, (PTI):

American musician Jay Z, along with Bollywood A-listers like Aamir Khan, AR Rahman, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranveer Singh, will join Coldplay for its debut concert here on November 19.

Other big names for the concert, which is part of Global Citizen Festival, are Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Arijit Singh, Shradhha Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Monali Thakur, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Dia Mirza and Monali Thakur, the British band announced on its Twitter page.

The tickets will be free for the fans, who sign up to become a Global Citizen and participate in the campaign of Global Citizen initiative to support causes like education, equality and sanitation.

The band's frontman Chris Martin, who had visited Delhi and Mumbai last year, is the creative director of the Global Citizen Festival.

The concert is happening on World Toilet Day to draw attention towards sanitation problems in the country.

The band had made headlines ever since they were spotted shooting for the video of their track "Hymn for the Weekend" from seventh studio album, "A Head Full of Dreams", which was released in December last year.

The track's video, featuring Beyonce and Sonam Kapoor, was released in January this year.

The pictures of the shoot had surfaced on social media and was followed by Martin's impromptu performance at Summer House Cafe. Martin also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit here.

Global Citizen India, in its first year, will offer a wide cross-section of content and actions focused on creating meaningful impacts in the areas of education, equality, and clean water and sanitation.

Convened in 2012, the festival is a star-studded benefit concert held annually in New York. This year's edition in the American city will feature international music celebrities like Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, metal legends Metallica, Alicia Keys and Rihanna among others.

Big B blesses Anil Sharma's son for Bollywood debut

Mumbai, Sep 12, 2016, (PTI)

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has given his best wishes to director Anil Sharma's son, Utkarsh, as he is soon going to make his bollywood debut with his father's film.
The 73-year-old actor, who worked with Sharma in the 2004 film "Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo", took to Twitter to bless Utkarsh for his debut film "Genius".

"Anil Sharma acclaimed director producer's son, Utkarsh trained in US... Making debut in Industry... My blessings and wishes...," he wrote.

Sharma also retweeted Bachchan's post by captioning it- "Power of Amitabh Bachchan is unbelievable... Today he tweeted for #Utkarsh. And so many people called me... Reg his tweet and #GENIUS #utkarsh.

Sharma is returning to the director's chair with "Genius", an action-romance, after a gap of three years. He last directed "Singh Sahab the Great", which had Sunny Deol in the lead role.

Utkarsh, who starred in "Gadar" as a child, in the role of Deol's son, will play IIT topper in "Genius".