Controversy surrounding 'Azhar' was expected: Emraan Hashmi

New Delhi, May 11, 2016 (PTI)

 Even before its release, former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin's biopic has raised eyebrows of the people shown in the sports drama and its lead star Emraan Hashmi says he is not surprised given the subject of the film.
Directed by Tony D'Souza, "Azhar" chronicles the life of Azharuddin, who was implicated in a cricket match-fixing scandal in 2000, and banned by BCCI for life. In 2012, however, the Andhra Pradesh High Court lifted the ban, describing it as "unsustainable".

There were reports that Azharuddin's former wife Sangeeta Bijlani and popular cricketer Manoj Prabhakar are set to sue the makers of the film for showing them in a bad light once the film releases.

"We knew that this film will ruffle a few feathers because he was controversial and everyone got a perception. When you are showing it through one person's point of view, other people will feel the reality is something else.

"All these controversies were expected and I think when they will see the film all these speculation can go either ways. It could make things or worse or it could make them feel that they were over-reacting," Emraan told PTI.

The "Mr X" star, 37, said he did not have an iota of doubt to portray the tainted cricketer onscreen as there were many facets to his story.

"I was actually very excited to play him. I felt there is a very special story about his life... His humble beginnings in Hyderabad, how he came to the Indian cricket team, became the captain and led India to so many victories."

Emraan was intrigued by the stories regarding Azharuddin's match fixing scandal.
"It's a story of a fallen hero, which I found interesting. It is tragic when someone's life is snatched away from him," he said.

Azharuddin was involved with the film right from its inception and also helped Emraan to know more about him.

"He's a great teacher. We bonded over a lot of conversations about his life. I had to understand his better. There was practice session for almost 3 hours everyday and I used to watch him and imbibe things from his game."

The film stars Nargis Fakhri as Sangeeta while "Rock On!" actress Prachi Desai is portraying Azharuddin's first wife Naureen.

Even Nargis is not happy with the way her character has shaped up in the film as the actress had claimed that she was not aware of the kissing scenes in the movie.
"I don't know why she is saying that now. But as far as I know, she definitely knew about the kissing scenes. When she is doing a film with me, then there is no brainer, right."

Produced by Shobha Kapoor, Ekta Kapoor and Sony Pictures Networks, "Azhar" releases this Friday. 

I am ok playing a heroine in a Kangana Ranaut film: Irrfan

Mumbai, May 11, 2016 (PTI)

 Actor Irrfan today said he would not mind playing a 'heroine' in a film with the National Award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut.
There were reports that Irrfan, 49, and Kangana, 29, would come together for director Sai Kabir's next "Divine Lovers".

Kangana left the movie in December 2015, citing date issues. Now, Zareen Khan has replaced the "Queen" actress.

"I don't know if I would be able to do 'Divine Lovers' or not as it comes and goes. Now, Kangana is out of reach. I am ok playing a heroine in a film, where Kangana would be the hero," Irrfan told reporters at the trailer launch of "Madaari" here.

"Divine Lovers" revolves round the lower middle-class section of society and is set in the heartland of India. The film is an adventure comedy, whose shoot starts in September.

Assumption about my 'Udta Punjab' role might not be true: Alia

Mumbai, May 11, 2016, PTI:

Ever since the first look of Alia Bhatt as a Bihari migrant from "Udta Punjab" was released, there have been varied opinions, but the actress says people should wait for the film before forming assumptions on the basis of its trailer.

Alia plays a Bihari migrant in the film, which tackles the drug menace in Punjab. Actress Neetu Chandra, who hails from Bihar, had penned an open letter to the film's director Abhishek Chaubey and Alia for the way people of the state have been portrayed in the movie.

"Anybody who makes assumptions on what we see on the trailer, it is better for us to keep quiet and not say anything because whatever people are assuming, especially the person in question over here, is assuming from the trailer, which could also possibly not true," Alia told reporters here.

The 23-year-old "Kapoor & Sons" star said people always make assumptions merely on the basis of a trailer, which is nothing but a glimpse of what the film is going to be.

"We always make assumptions before we really see the full final project. Trailer is just a hint, film is the real content. So if after seeing the film if people have the same problem then it is correct to justify. Before that, we have to just wait," Alia said.

"Udta Punjab" has been made after four years of research and is based around the drug-related problems prevalent in Punjab. The film also stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Punjabi actor Diljit Dosanjh. It is scheduled to release on June 17.

My superhero film different from 'Krrish': Tiger Shroff

Mumbai, May 12, 2016, (PTI):

Tiger Shroff will be seen in a superhero avatar for the first time in his upcoming film "A Flying Jatt", and the actor says his character is different from any of the Indian movies made in that genre so far.
Directed by Remo D'Souza, "A Flying Jatt" stars the "Heropanti" actor as a superhero, while Jacqueline Fernandez plays his love interest.

When asked how different the film will be from "Drona" or Hrithik Roshan-starrer "Krrish", Tiger told PTI, "It is a different kind of action, he is a different kind of superhero. It will be too early to talk about the film now."

"But my character, his powers are not like those you have seen. I am also a lot younger than both Drona and Krrish."

The film, which also stars professional wrestler Nathan Jones in a negative role, is scheduled to release on August 25.

Tiger, 26, has become a sought-after actor in action films post "Heropanti" and "Baaghi". He says it is his ability to do action differently that has clicked with the audience.

"Action hero is sort of an identity that I have made. 'Heropanti' was a family drama, 'Baagi' is a love story, but because I do action differently from other people, it has become a highlight. That stands out and people take it back after the movie gets over," he said.

The actor, however, says he is comfortable trying other genres as well.

"I am comfortable doing anything, it really depends on the emotional content in the script. Even when it comes to action films, if there is a motivation behind all the action, I would love to do it," he said.

It's about survival of fittest not quickest: Arjun on career

New Delhi, May 12, 2016, (PTI):

Arjun Kapoor does not feel threatened by the competition in the industry as he says unlike others, he is fortunate to have the option to pick and choose his films and directors.
Arjun, 30, is into his fourth year in Bollywood and is content with the pace of his career, which features hits like "Ishaqzaade", "2 States" and not-so successful movies including "Aurangzeb", "Gunday" and "Tevar".

The actor says rather than being bothered by others bagging better roles and films than him, he prefers to concentrate on his own career.

"I have never felt that way. I am among the fortunate few 10-12 people who can be selective about their work and choose who they want to work with and what they want to do. I am very blessed to be in the profession, to be loved," Arjun told PTI.

"I have the ability to pick and choose where and what I want to do. I still have that option in hand which a lot of actors don't have. So, why will I feel pressure seeing other's work? I concentrate on my work."

For Arjun, having a long film career is important as opposed to a quick rise to fame and an equally sudden fall. The actor says he wants to sustain long enough to be able to play the main lead in films till the age of 46.

"It is a very long race. The shelf life of an actor is 30 years and 20 years as main lead. I started at 26 and till about 46 I want to play the lead. In the first four years, I can't think of being competitive, I have to just cement my place, lay a foundation to build on.

"It is survival of the fittest not quickest. You can rise but you have to sustain. I have been rising very, very slow and I prefer it like that," the actor says.

Arjun was at the receiving end after the failure of his 2014 film "Tevar", produced by his father Boney Kapoor, with many even writing him off as an actor. He managed to silence critics with his recent release "Ki and Ka", which fared well at the box office.

The actor, however, remains unfazed by his unsuccessful films or the bashing by critics as he says he never dwells on on the negativity and has accepted that failure is an integral part of an actor's life.

"I just want to keep doing my work. Hits and flops are part of every actors life. No actor is complete without failure. But yes it is always positive to have a hit. It is not about what others feel but you need to feel happy about what you do." 

Telugu star Mohan Babu releases book on his popular dialogues

London, May 12, 2016, (PTI)

Telugu superstar Mohan Babu released his book titled "Best Dialogues" at a ceremony held at British Parliament in the presence of senior politicians and prominent Indian community leaders.

The event was organised by Asian Lite, a prominent newspaper for the Indian community in Britain, as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations.

Mohan Babu, popularly known as the Dialogue King of Telugu cinema, was honoured with Pranam Award by the newspaper for his contribution to Indian cinema.

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP from Harrow East and Virendra Sharma, Labour MP from Southall, jointly presented the award to the 66-year-old actor.

In the past Lord Meghnad Desai, Baroness Shreela Flather, Sanskrit scholar Nanda Kumara, entrepreneur T Ramachandran, Philanthropist Rami Ranger, rights activist Zerbanoo Gifford and BBC former sports editor Mihir Bose have been felicitated with the honour.

The "Best Dialogues" contains the southern star's popular dialogues from hit movies in his four decade long career.

The actor, who has been a part of more than five hundered feature films as the lead actor, was accompanied by his wife Nirmala, sons Manchu Vishnu, Manchu Manoj and daughter Manchu Lakshmi.

Representatives from various Telugu and Indian organisations were also present at the occasion. 

Amitabh Bachchan feels 'blessed' as 'Don' completes 38 years

Mumbai, May 12, 2016 (PTI)

 Megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his fans today celebrated 38 years of one of his most popular films "Don".

The 73-year-old "Wazir" star said he feels blessed and retweeted many pictures posted by his fans from the film.

"Each day brings news of the years gone by in particular film and what it meant to all... Blessed!," he tweeted.

Directed by Chandra Barot, "Don" released in 1978 with Bachchan playing double role.
Written by Salim-Javed, the film also featured Zeenat Aman, Pran, Iftekhar, Helen and Om Shivpuri in pivotal roles.

A remake and sequel of the movie, starring Shah Rukh Khan as "Don" were released on October 20, 2006 and December 23, 2011, respectively.

'Murder 4' will happen for sure: Emraan

Mumbai, May 12, 2016 (PTI)

 Actor Emraan Hashmi says he will star in the fourth part of the popular thriller "Murder" after being a part of the first and second installment.

The first part of "Murder", directed by Anurag Basu, released in 2004 saw Emraan starring opposite Mallika Sherawat. It was a breakthrough film in the "Jannat" actor's career, who had made his debut in "Footpath".

"'Murder 4' is on the pipelines, they are working on the script. It is going to happen for sure but I don't know exactly about when the film will begin," Emraan told PTI.

The 37-year-old actor starred in its sequel, "Murder 2" in 2011 opposite Jacqueline Fernandez. "Murder 3", however, featured Randeep Hooda in the lead.

The "Hamari Adhuri Kahani" star will also return to the horror franchise, "Raaz" with the fourth part of the series scheduled to release this year.

"'Raaz 4' will be a spook fest the way horror films are supposed to be. It will definitely take the horror genre more forward in India." Emraan will be next seen in "Azhar", scheduled to release tomorrow.

Sleepless nights for Priyanka during 'Baywatch' shoot

Los Angeles, May 13, 2016, (PTI):

 Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is busy filming "Baywatch" and she says night shoots have made her "oblivion of sleep".
"Oblivion... Such an interesting word.. Oblivion of sleep.. N so much more Tonight.. #Nightshoots #Baywatch," Priyanka posted on Twitter.

The 33-year-old "Quantico" actress is playing the villain Victoria Leeds in "Baywatch" movie which also stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario and Kelly Rohrbac.

Original "Baywatch" TV series star David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson will make an appearance in the film.

It is slated to release on May 19, 2017.

Nargis missing 'Housefull 3' promotions due to bad health

Mumbai, May 13, 2016, (PTI)

Actress Nargis Fakhri won't be available for the promotions of her upcoming comedy, "Housefull 3", as she is flying back home to New York for a month-long rest, says her spokesperson.

Shooting for three films ('Azhar', 'Housefull', 'Banjo') simultaneously has taken a toll on the actress and she is now taking time off to address her health issues and injuries.

"Nargis has been extremely overworked working on 3 films simultaneously over the last year. For someone who's used to doing one film at a time, this was quite a bit for Nargis.

"She has been unwell right through the Azhar promotions with multiple injuries - torn hamstring, anterior knee ligament thinning and mild socket dislocation along with burning of the stomach lining due to lead and arsenic poisoning," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The 36-year-old actress requested producer Sajid Nadiadwala to allow her to miss "Housefull 3" promotional activities.

"Due to her deteriorating condition, she had to request Sajid sir and bow out of 'Housefull 3' promotions to go back home to New York for a month to address all her medical issues and recuperate," the spokesperson said.

Nadiadwala said, "Our priority is Nargis's health. We do hope that she recuperates fast and can be there around the release of the film as she is an integral part of 'Housefull 3' team."

The spokesperson added contrary to media reports, Nargis has no plan to quit Bollywood and will be soon back on sets of "Banjo".

"She has no plans to leave B-Town and will be back to sets to complete the pending patchwork for her film Banjo June second week onwards with Riteish Deshmukh.

"In addition, she has already verbally agreed to two other projects for 2017 before she left and will complete the paperwork when she's back. That coupled with her brand commitments that extend over multiple years, is testament of her being here to stay for good."