Pak cinegoers now awaiting release of 'Dangal', 'Raees'

Karachi, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)

Pakistani cinemagoers are eagerly awaiting the release of the Shah Rukh Khan-Mahira Khan starrer "Raees" and Aamir Khan's "Dangal" in cinema halls after the ban on screening of Indian films ended officially.

The ban ended with the screening of the Hrithik-Roshan starrer "Kaabil" yesterday and a large crowds showed up at the multiplexes. The ban on screening of Indian films ended after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif formed a special committee headed by the minister for information and broadcasting to look into the matter.

The committee recommended allowing import and screening of Indian films again after they were cleared by the ministry of commerce, ministry of information and central censor board.

Nadeem Mandviwalla a well-known cinema owner, distributor and producer said that after "Kaabil", there are other films from India which are with the Central Censor Board for clearance.

"Raees is one of them and everyone is eager for its release." A local distributor said that the Distribution Club was looking to import and screen all those Indian movies which were released in the last months and did good business.

"This includes Aamir Khan's 'Dangal' while 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' has already been passed by the censors and will be screened from February 3 in cinemas," he said.

The Pakistani cinema owners had voluntarily decided to suspend screening of Indian films after Pakistani actors were stopped from performing in India last September owing to escalating tensions between the two countries.

Saleem Ahmed, a manager at the single screen Capri Cinema in the bustling Saddar commercial area, said that cinema owners were now looking to recoup the losses they suffered in the last few months after the ban on Indian films.

Religious leader and politician, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who dominates the Kashmir committee in the Parliament has called for a complete ban on screening of Indian films.

Varun Dhawan wants to be known as entertaining actor

Mumbai, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)

Actor Varun Dhawan, who has had a great innings in Bollywood so far, says his biggest nightmare would be when people don't enjoy his films.

Varun made his acting debut with "Student of the Year" and has managed to deliver hit films like "Main Tera Hero", "Badlapur" and "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" among others. His next two releases "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" and "Judwaa 2" look promising.

"I am never confident about my films. I believe in one thing that my father has taught me and that's hard work.. and there is no substitute for it," Varun told reporters here at the trailer launch of "Badrinath Ki Dhulania".

The actor is not in a hurry to change his comedic image as he believes he should be entertaining. "I don't do films or roles to change my image. My image should be this - Varun Dhawan does films that entertains the country. And entertainment can be anything negative, positive or horror.. everyone should be able to see my films. Karan Johar tells me my films should entertain everyone. My biggest nightmare is I am acting and people are yawning," he said.

The "Student of the Year" actor says he is a fan of all the Khans and they inspire him. "As an actor I am a fan of Govinda, three Khans, Hrithik Roshan and Akshay Kumar.. they have paved way for me to be an actor, they are my inspiration. I went to Gaiety, Galaxy (single screen theatres) and have enjoyed watching Salman Khan or Sanjay Dutt films," he said.

"These heroes do inspire me to be a hero on screen and somewhere in my performance they do play a part as they are my inspiration. I think every creative person gets inspired. You just have to choose the right person for inspiration. Govinda is a great person to get inspired by," he added.

The romantic-comedy, also starring Alia Bhatt, is produced by Karan Johar and is set to release on March 10.

Choosing a release date is becoming more challenging: Karan Johar

Mumbai, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)

Filmmaker Karan Johar says he would never release his films during Eid which is the territory of superstar Salman Khan.

The Khan trio in Bollywood - Salman, Aamir and Shah Rukh - rule the festive period with their releases.

Salman mostly releases his films during Eid while SRK's movies hit cinema houses during Diwali and Aamir usually prefers to release his movies during Christmas.

"I don't want to (release films during Eid). That is owned by Salman Khan... We are here to release films so that we can optimise numbers. We have to look who is releasing a film before and after us and choose a right date accordingly," Karan told reporters here at the trailer launch of "Badrinath Ki Dulhania".

"We have to see lot of verticals before releasing a film. We have to strategies a release date, the post work of a film is very critical. The release date is becoming more challenging and we toy about it a lot," he said.

Starring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt in the lead "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" will be released on Holi, March 1.

"We are releasing the film on Holi. It's my first festive release so I am very excited. We never get these days (festive dates). I will start from Holi and then move to Diwali, Eid," Varun said.

To which Karan jokingly said, "We will also clash."

Last Diwali Karan's romantic drama film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Anushka Sharma clashed with Ajay Devgn's "Shivaay".

Tamanaah's next Hindi film to be performance oriented

Mumbai, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)

Tamanaah Bhatia believes her acting has not been highlighted in all the four Hindi films that she has done so far and says her next would see her in a performance-oriented role.
The 27-year-old actress is a prominent face in Tamil and Telegu films and her Bollywood projects include "Himmatwala", "Humshakals", "Entertainment" and the latest "Tutak Tutak Tutiya".

But in all these films Tamanaah hardly got a chance to show her acting prowess.
"I am listening to a lot of Hindi scripts now and hopefully I am going to make an announcement soon once I lock in the script. Till now whatever Hindi films I have done, my performance was not highlighted. The film that I am signing now will be more performance based," Tamanaah told PTI on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week here.

The actress is now focusing all her attention to the release of the second part of SS Rajamouli's magnum opus "Baahubali".

She will be reprising her role of Avanthika, the rebellious warrior in the second part and she assures that everyone will finally know "Why Kattappa kill Baahubali?"
"The film will be out in April. I am very excited about it. The first part has already garnered such a great response and piqued interest; we have got so much of love. I am looking forward to the audiences' reaction to this part."

"Baahubali: The Beginning", which was a bi-lingual film made in Tamil and Telegu and dubbed in Hindi became a runaway hit across the country thanks to its epic visual effects.

The immense success of the first part means that the expectation is much more for "Baahubali: The Conclusion" but Tamanaah says there is no pressure as the second part will do much better than the first.

"It was much harder in the first time. When we did the first part we didn't have any idea how the audience would react, especially because it was South Indian film which was dubbed in Hindi. But we got such a fantastic response. We had a better response in the north. I think the audience is waiting to watch the film. The second part is going to be better." 

'Godfather' behind-the-scenes movie in works

Los Angeles, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)

HBO is developing "Godfather" behind-the-scenes film from Black List script.
Titled "Francis & the Godfather," the movie will chronicle the making of Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 feature adaptation of the novel by Mario Puzo, reported Variety.

The script is from screenwriter Andrew Farotte, who is revising his original screenplay that appeared on the 2015 Black List.

Mike Marcus, Doug Mankoff, and Andrew Spaulding will serve as executive producers on the project.

Peter Bart, who worked closely with Robert Evans and Coppola, will serve as a consultant.

"Francis & the Godfather" tells the behind-the-scenes story of the film’s creation, from Coppola joining the project to the casting of Al Pacino and Marlon Brando to dealings with the real-life New York mafia.

Released in 1972, "The Godfather" is largely regarded as one of the greatest feature films in American history. In 1973, the film won Academy Awards for best picture, for best actor and for adapted screenplay. 

Like the Khans, I want to do films for whole country: Varun

Mumbai, Feb 2, 2017, (PTI)

He may be just in the fifth year of his Bollywood career but Varun Dhawan already has his eyes set on the kind of films that the Khans do and he says just like them he also wants to star in projects which appeal to pan-Indian audiences.
The 29-year-old actor has done only Bollywood potboilers barring "Badlapur" and he consciously chooses the "masala" films because those are what people from all across the country can watch irrespective of states.

"It is conscious decision for me (to do masala films). We need our films to do well. And commercial films don't only mean masala. Commercial films also mean that they are films that everyone in the country can watch - people in Bihar can watch it, people in Maharashtra can watch it, people all over the country can watch it," Varun told reporters during an interview on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week.

"Sometimes we forget that in our country there are so many other people who are living and might have different preference. I am just trying to make that attempt which I think the Khans do wonderfully, they make films for the entire country. Also, Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan. My attempt is to make a film which everyone can enjoy."

His fourth film was thriller "Badlapur", which was a far cry from what Varun did in his first three films -- "Student of the Year", "Main Tera Hero" and "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania".

Even though it was a departure from his happy-go-lucky on-screen image, his dark and mature performance was appreciated.

When asked if he would like to revisit the genre, Varun says, "100 per cent. In fact, by the end of the year there will be a surprise."

The actor is currently awaiting the release of "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" which is the second offering from the "Dulhaniya" franchise. Besides that Varun is also stepping into the shoes of Salman Khan for "Judwaa 2".

The film will be directed by Varun's father David Dhawan, who also helmed the first film which was about twin brothers Raja and Prem.

"It is a daunting thing. I am just going to put my head down and go into the film and not talk much of it. Anything I do is going to be less. I am just trying to create two characters which people can love." 

Pak officially ends ban on import of Indian movies

Islamabad, Feb 1, 2017 (PTI)

Pakistan has allowed the screening of Indian films months after it stopped issuing letters to let distribution companies import the movies. The decision to allow import of Indian films was taken after a government committee held consultations with various stakeholders and recommended the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to allow screening of Bollywood movies.

After approval by Sharif, the information ministry issued a letter late yesterday that the government is "pleased to continue the existing open policy to display all international movies (including Indian films) in Pakistani cinemas".

According to the letter, any importers interested to get an Indian movie will make a request to ministry of information which will issues a directive to the ministry of commerce to process the same.

It said that the importers will be allowed to screen movies only after approval from relevant censor boards of the province where the movie will be screened. After the government announcement, it is expected that "Kaabil" and "Raees" will be soon available on cinema screens to local viewers.

Earlier, the cinema owners said that their businesses dipped by 70 percent since the screening of Indian films was suspended in the wake of tension due to Uri attacks and 'surgical strikes' episode last year.

DiCaprio, Larson, Rylance and Vikander to present at Oscars

Los Angeles, Feb 1, 2017 (PTI)

Academy Award winners Leonardo DiCaprio, Brie Larson, Mark Rylance and Alicia Vikander will return to the Oscars stage as presenters.

The actors won the top four acting honours last year. DiCaprio won last year for in the best actor category for his role in "The Revenant". He was previously nominated for his performances in "The Wolf of Wall Street" (2013), "Blood Diamond" (2006), "The Aviator" (2004) and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (1993).

Larson's performance in "Room" earned her an Oscar for Actress in a Leading Role. She has also appeared in "Trainwreck" (2015) and "Short Term 12" (2013). Her upcoming films include "Captain Marvel," "Kong: Skull Island," "The Glass Castle" and "Unicorn Store."

Rylance, a noted British performer, won in the best supporting actor category for his role of a Russian spy in "Bridge of Spies."

His other film credits include "The BFG" (2016) and the upcoming features "Dunkirk" and "Ready Player One." A prolific stage actor, he earned Tony Awards for his performances in "Twelfth Night," "Jerusalem" and "Boeing-Boeing."

Vikander won a supporting role gong for her performance in "The Danish Girl." The Oscars, produced by Michael De Luca and Jennifer Todd and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be telecast on February 26.

When Salman wrapped 'Tubelight' shoot early to meet Jackie Chan

New Delhi, Feb 1, 2017 (PTI)

The stardom Salman Khan enjoys has the power to even overshadow Mila Jovovich, but the superstar had his own fan boy moment when Jackie Chan visited the country for promotion of his upcoming film "Kung Fu Yoga".

Chan was in Mumbai last week and promoted the Indo-Chinese production along with co-actor Sonu Sood, and Salman, who was supposed to shoot for his upcoming film "Tubelight" till late in the night wrapped up the shoot to meet the action-star.

"Salman always wanted to meet Chan. He was shooting for 'Tubelight' and he was supposed to pack up in the night but he asked people to pack up early as he wanted to meet Jackie Chan," Sonu told PTI.

Salman, 51, who worked with Sonu in "Dabangg," has been great friends with the actor since then. The actor says Salman is as happy and excited for the film as he is.

"He is very sweet. He gets very excited whenever something good happens in my life. I remember he was very happy when me, Jackie and he were sitting and chatting. He told Jackie that I'm his one of the most favourite people in the industry. and whenever something good happens in my life he feels as happy as I do.

"Those words were very special and at the same time they motivate you in life to work harder," Sonu said.

Salman had shared the first trailer of the Stanley Tong-directed movie on his Twitter handle and thanked Chan for giving opportunity to his 'Chedi Singh'.

The superstar today shared a cute video on social media featuring him, Sonu and Chan.
The three actors are seen saying "Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai" in the clip.

Starring actresses Amyra Dastur, Disha Patani, "Kung Fu Yoga" is releasing this Friday.

Jackie Chan key to tap Chinese film market: Sonu Sood

New Delhi, Feb 1, 2017, (PTI):

Hollywood has been trying hard to find a foothold in China for quite sometime now and actor Sonu Sood says that international film studios want to work with his "Kung Fu Yoga" co-star Jackie Chan because of his standing in the Chinese cinema market.

The 43-year-old actor, who is also the distributor of the Stanley Tong-directed film in India where he is releasing the film on 1200 screens, says China has a great cinema loving audience.

"I was shooting with Jackie and there are couple of actors who work with him on a regular basis and they were telling me that Hollywood stars want to work with Jackie and are ready to adjust their dates and price because they know that they will have access to a big cinema audience.

"If you are able to tap the Chinese market, you have around 43,000 screens at your disposal... then, you can certainly hope for getting huge numbers at the box office worldwide," Sonu told PTI.

The "Dabangg" actor also said that collaborating with Chinese artistes and technicians is a great step in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Jackie was in India to promote the movie on January 23 and when asked how it felt bringing in in the country for a quick promotional trip, Sonu says it was quite a learning experience.

"Initially, when we were shooting in Beijing, I used to tell Jackie that we'll go to India and promote the film for 4-5 days. All those talks were on, but when the time actually came, it seemed impossible due to time constraints."

But the actor quips that he knew he had to give it all as he was getting one of the most loved stars in the world to India. Sonu says, "Bringing Jackie to India was a real learning experience for me. When he finally landed, I told him, 'Please give me these ten hours of your life and you'll remember them for your life' and Jackie said, 'I'm all yours'."

Ellen DeGeneres uses 'Finding Dory' to slam immigration ban

Los Angeles, Jan 31, 2017 (PTI)

Popular talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has called out US President Donald Trump's immigration ban by using the reference of her film "Finding Dory".

The 59-year-old presenter knew that Trump screened animated film over the weekend at the White House and so as the voice of Dory she schooled the US prez about the immigration issue, reported Deadline.

"Dory arrives in America with her friends Marlin and Nemo. She ends up at the Marine Life Institute behind a large wall. They all have to get over the wall, and you won't believe it, but that wall has almost no effect in keeping them out," Ellen started her monologue.

The comic had earlier joked that she usually avoids talking about politics and would stick to "very nonpolitical, family-friendly, People's Choice Award-winning Finding Dory".
Ellen went on amid the audience's cheering, "Even though Dory gets into the US, she ends up separated from her family, but the other animals help Dory... They help her, even though they're completely different colours." 

Priyanka to debut on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'

Los Angeles, Jan 31, 2017 (PTI)

Priyanka Chopra has impressed everyone with her wit on various international talk shows and now the actress is set to repeat the same with her debut on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert".
The actress has previously been to other popular talk shows like "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," "Ellen DeGeneres show," Jimmy Kimmel, Kelly and Michael among others and has been loved by all for her fun and spontaneous persona.

The 34-year-old, who made her foray into international television scene with "Quantico," will soon be making her Hollywood debut with "Baywatch" film.

The movie which is an adaptation of iconic TV series 90s also stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Zac Efron.

Priyanka is playing the lead antagonist Victoria Leeds in the movie.

Shraddha Kapoor feels lucky to have the 'best team'

Mumbai, Jan 31, 2017 (PTI)

Crediting her success to her team, actress Shraddha Kapoor says she is lucky to have the "best" people by her side.
The 29-year-old actress posted an emotional note on Twitter to clear the air that she was looking for other people to represent her.

"Films do well or, not so well. Life is full of ups and downs. I'm most fortunate to have the best team through this roller coaster ride. They are my backbone and I love them more than words can express," Shraddha wrote.

The actress was last seen in Shaad Ali's "OK Jaanu", opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor, which failed to hit the jackpot at the box office.

Shraddha's future projects include "Half-Girlfriend" with Arjun Kapoor and "Haseena: The Queen of Mumbai" directed by Apoorva Lakhia. 

Shah Rukh only wants to act, no plans to join politics

Mumbai, Jan 31, 2017, (PTI)

Shah Rukh Khan is seen contesting an election in his latest release "Raees", but in real life the superstar says he wants to steer clear of politics as he does not understand that domain.

"Raees" features the 51-year-old actor as a bootlegger in Gujarat whose business is challenged and eventually thwarted by a police officer, played by actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

When asked if, like his character in the recently released crime-thriller, he would be open to joining politics, Shah Rukh said he would rather be an actor than anyone else.

"I do this (acting), I can't do that(politics). If I start doing that, then jaan hi nikal jayegi meri toh. I don't know that job, nor do I want to do it, I am not associated with it and I don't want to," he said.

Shah Rukh was speaking at the success bash of the film here last night. He was joined by the film's cast, including Nawwzuddin and Sunny Leone.

The "Fan" actor showered praise on Leone and said that though he wears a serious expression all throughout 'Laila O Laila' song, he really wanted to dance with the actress.

"We just want to say we love her, she is fantastic. All of us wanted you to be in that song and we love the fact that you were a part of it," he told Leone.

"My biggest problem was I was serious in the song. I was about to trouble someone and all this while I was like 'forget that, I want to dance on 'Laila main Laila. We can fight later but I want to dance with Sunny'," he said.

The Rahul Dholakia directed film also became the talking point for the entry sequence of Nawazuddin, who is introduced doing a Micheal Jackson dance step.

On being quizzed about the scene, the "Haramkhor" actor said, "I didn't know it would be on a song. They made me practice a lot, only then I could do those steps."

Shah Rukh and the "Gangs of Wasseypur" actor later danced on the song and did a few steps from Nawazuddin's introductory scenes. 

Now Rajput groups want Bhansali to change 'Padmavati' title

Jaipur, Jan 30, 2017 (PTI)

Protests over "Padmavati" took a new turn today with Rajput groups coming up with fresh demands of title change and a review before the release even as Bhansali productions made it clear that there is no romantic dream sequence between Rani Padmavati and Alaudin Khilji.
The demand was raised at a joint press conference which was convened by Rajput Sabha to announce that they and Karni Sena agree over the demand that there will no distortion of historic facts in the movie.

However, the president of the Rajput Sabha said that they have also demanded that a screening committee be formed by the group to screen the movie before its release but Bhansali productions are yet to act on the request.

During the press conference, some of the members of the Karni Sena raised another demand that the film's title should be changed and there should be no film in the name of "Padmavati" at all which was supported by the state President of Karni Sena Mahipal Singh.

"There is no romantic dream sequence or any objectionable/ romantic scene between Rani Padmavati and Allauddin Khijli. It was not a part of the script. It was misconception and considering the sentiments of the community, we have clarified to them," Shobha Sant, CEO of the Bhansali Productions said.

"We are trying to present Rani Padmavati's courageous nature. We will make the film which will make the country proud on Rani Padmavati," she said.
Mahipal said he put forward the sentiments of the youths of the Rajput community by demanding the title change.

"We are thankful to the Bhansali productions that they have agreed to our demand that there will be no distortion of the historic facts in the movie," he said.

Sant, however, said the demand to change the title did not come up in their previous discussions with the group. "They have made this fresh demand for which I have nothing to say anything. This is not in my jurisdiction. They also did not raise this point in our discussion held before," Sant said.

Karni Sena members created a ruckus and manhandled Bhansali while the director was shooting the movie at Jaigarh Fort in Jaipur on Friday.

The incident drew sharp reactions from the film industry with members demanding action against the miscreants.

Bhansali's production house released a statement clarifying the "misconception" about the story but the team also cancelled its shooting in the city.

I don't meet Salman everyday but we admire each other: Akshay

Mumbai, Jan 30, 2017, (PTI)

Superstars Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan may not be the best of friends but Akshay maintains that they have mutual admiration for each other.

"Friendship doesn't mean you meet everyday. We don't meet everyday. I haven't gone to his house or he has come to my place. We have mutual admiration for each other. I admire him and so does he," Akshay said in an interview here.

The "Dabangg" star, Akshay and filmmaker Karan Johar are coming together for a movie slated to release in 2018. The yet-to-be titled project will be produced by Salman and Karan, while Akshay will star in the lead role.

"It's for the first time that a big actor like him has signed me. It usually happens in Hollywood where one big actor signs another big actor. If this works on Bollywood it will become a trend. Hats off to Salman to put money on me," Akshay said.

There were rumors that the film will revolve around the Battle of Saragarhi.

On this Akshay said, "No nothing is finalised... everything is going on. If I say anything my agreement will get cancelled."

According to the "Rustom" star there is still some time before the film goes on floors.
In the trailer of Akshay's upcoming film "Jolly LLB-2" a situation comes when Akshay raises a question on Salman Khan's marriage.

Talking about this particular scene, the "Special 26" star said, "Don't worry, don't create anything he knows everything. And after that only he signed me."

This upcoming courtroom drama film is a sequel to the 2013 released film "Jolly LLB" that starred Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao and Boman Irani in the lead roles. Produced by Fox Star Studios, the film is all set to hit theatres on February 10. 

The teaser of Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt starrer "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" has been released.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNFShH5YEk8

Iran's Oscar-winning director to skip awards over Trump visa ban

Tehran, Jan 29, 2017 (AFP)

Oscar-winning Iranian director Asghar Farhadi said today he will not attend next month's Academy Awards, comparing President Donald Trump's visa ban on seven Muslim countries to the actions of hardliners in his own country.

Farhadi, nominated for Best Foreign Language Film for "The Salesman", said in a statement carried by Iranian news agencies that he had initially planned to attend the ceremony in Los Angeles, but had been forced to change his mind.

Trump signed an executive order on Friday prohibiting entry to the United States to all nationals of seven Muslim-majority states -- Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. "I neither had the intention to not attend nor did I want to boycott the event as a show of objection, for I know that many in the American film industry and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are opposed to the fanaticism and extremism which are today taking place more than ever," Farhadi said in his statement.

"However, it now seems that the possibility of this presence is being accompanied by ifs and buts which are in no way acceptable to me even if exceptions were to be made for my trip."

He said hardliners in both Iran and the United States acted with the same mentality.
"For years on both sides of the ocean, groups of hardliners have tried to present to their people unrealistic and fearful images of various nations and cultures in order to turn their differences into disagreements, their disagreements into enmities and their enmities into fears.

"Instilling fear in the people is an important tool used to justify extremist and fanatic behaviour by narrow-minded individuals," he said.

His lead actress, Taraneh Alidoosti, had already announced last week that she would boycott the awards over Trump's "racist" visa ban.

Farhadi won the best foreign language Oscar in 2012 for his film "A Separation".

You mobs don't scare me: Anurag Kashyap to online trolls

Mumbai, Jan 30, 2017 (PTI)

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has attacked online bullies in an emotional Facebook post, saying he has "zero political affiliation" but does not see anything wrong in posing questions to the government.
Kashyap is one of the most vocal celebrities and recently he came out in support of Sanjay Leela Bhansali after the director was attacked by a fringe Rajput group on the set of "Padmavati" in Jaipur.

In a Facebook post, the 44-year-old helmer wrote that he has always taken stand for issues he strongly believes in and he will continue to raise his voice for what he feels is right.

"It does not matter what you say or do, attack me physically or verbally, I will voice what I feel. You mobs don't scare me, my voice will always rise over your screaming and shouting, I embrace my truth and I do not fear accusations," Kashyap wrote.

The "Raman Raghav 2.0" director said such factions who employ violence to express their disapproval have no entitlement to the work which he does.

"I will succeed or fail but both the success or failure, in whatever measure they come will be mine. I have been taught to engage and question those that govern us and I have been doing that since I was a student and V P Singh was the PM, followed by Congress and now BJP.

"I have been taught that your PM is the head of the state or country, who you can question, seek answers, argue with but never fear him, because you chose him and he represents your well being. If one has to fear him than that's sad. Respect can not be demanded it's commanded. It's earned. It does not deter me from asking and engaging," he said.

Kashyap added that he has been taught that "your PM is the head of the state or country, who you can question, seek answers, argue with but never fear him."

The director said he believes in the constitution and he will exercise all his rights whenever he wants despite the many oppositions.

"I have zero political affiliation. So all of you are welcome to say, scream shout whatever you want. I believe in my constitution, my rights, my liberties and I will take them and exercise them when I deem fit. So thank you for all this intense passionate love that you send my way, you are not going to stop me.

The teaser of Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt starrer "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" has been released.

https://youtu.be/PNFShH5YEk8

Varun, Alia unveil 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' teaser

Mumbai, Jan 30, 2017, (PTI)

The teaser of Varun Dhawan-Alia Bhatt starrer "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" has been released.
Along with the teaser, the first poster of the second film of the "Dulhania" franchise was also revealed today.

The male lead, Varun took to Twitter to release the first look of his upcoming film.
"Hum hain Badrinath Bansal... Aur yeh hai #BadriKaTeaser," wrote Varun.

In the teaser, Varun Dhawan introduces himself as Badrinath Bansal, AKA Badri.

He is seen getting his proposal pictures clicked at a studio, alongside the cut-outs of actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Co-star Alia Bhatt too shared the first look on Twitter.

"Badrinath Bansal being his usual funny adorable self!!!! http://bit.ly/BadriKaTeaser #BadrinathKiDulhania #BadriKaTeaser @Varun_dvn," Alia wrote.

Earlier today, the actor had revealed the first poster of the film, "1st poster #BadrinathKiDulhania @karanjohar @aliaa08 @ShashankKhaitan #BadriKaTeaser at 11am!"

Producer of the film Karan Johar too shared the teaser on social media saying, "They're back! But for now, meet Badrinath Bansal urf Badri!! #BadriKaTeaser @varun_dvn @aliaa08 @ShashankKhaitan."

The trailer of the Shashank Khaitan-directed movie will be out on February 2.
The film is slated to release on March 10. 

Manveer Gurjar wins Bigg Boss 10

Mumbai, Jan 29, 2017, (PTI)

Commoner Manveer Gurjar has been declared the winner of Bigg Boss season 10 after he beat celebrities like Bani Judge and Lopamudra Raut in the popular reality show's grand finale.
The finale that took place today saw Bani as the first runner up, while Lopa was announced as the second runner up.

Manveer's best friend in the house, Manu Punjabi, was the fourth finalist but he quit the game after accepting the offer made by Bigg Boss to take Rs 10 Lakh and go home.

"I feel extremely happy now. I have lived this journey, fought my way, and now sitting here as a winner I feel I've done everything from my heart. This is the result of being honest," Manveer told PTI.

Along with the title, Manveer received cash prize of Rs 40 Lakh out of which his father pledged to donate fifty percent of the amount to the show's host Salman Khan's Being Human charity.

Despite being a commoner, Manveer's win does not come as a surprise as over his three-month long stay inside the Bigg Boss house, he was successful in winning the audiences' hearts, thanks to his simplicity, straightforwardness and dedication towards the game.

With Manveer's win, the season seems to have justified its concept of celebrities vs commoners.

An unknown boy from Haryana not only outlasted many successful names of the film and television industry, on the show, but even got highest votes in the finale, where he was pitted against reality TV star Bani.

Apart from the winner announcement, Bigg Boss 10 grand finale saw a lot of entertaining performances.

Salman kicked off the finale by performing on his songs "Mera Hi Jalwa" and "Aaj Ki Party". Evicted contestants Gaurav Chopra, Rohan Mehra, Mona Lisa, Nitibha Kaul, Lokesh Kumari and Navin Prakash joined him on stage.

Colors' upcoming show Dil Se Dil tak cast Siddharth Shukla and Rashami Desai interacted with the four finalists. The evening also saw Neha Dhupia and Sohail Khan promoting their upcoming comedy show "Chhote Miyan".

Music composer Shankar Mahadevan interacted with Salman to introduce the new Colors reality show "Rising Star", which he is judging.

Making the grand finale a night to remember, was a string of performances by "Naagin" stars Mouni Roy and Karanvir Bohra, Udann’s Vijayendra Kumeria Meera Deosthale. Former Bigg Boss contestant Karishma Tanna shook a leg with Salman on the stage. 

Big box office clashes not good for industry and fans: Hrithik

Mumbai, Jan 29, 2017, (PTI)

"Kaabil" and "Raees" were termed as one of the biggest box office battles of 2017 but Hrithik Roshan is happy that his film has been loved by the audience and critics alike despite the competition at the box office.

The actor, however, feels such clashes are not good for the film industry and fans.
Rakesh Roshan had expressed displeasure over this box office clash of "Kaabil" and "Raees" and the actor says his father merely wanted to protect the film industry from the clash as producers suffer financially.

"He (Rakesh Roshan) was talking about equality. These are things human beings have been fighting for since we have gained consciousness, freedom and equality," Hrithik told PTI.

"My father is talking about the progress of the industry, producers and for people, who can't watch two films in a week on big screen with family as it costs money.

So, it is better for everyone that these (big) kind of clashes don't happen."

Both SRK and Hrithik's films have been received well at the box office but the actor feels two big budget releases create unpredictability.

"There was lot of uncertainty this time because of the clash. If it was a solo film, we would have been on predictable note but because of the clash there was uncertainty," he says.

"But now the uncertainty is turning into certainty with all the feedback and love that we are getting. It comes to down to the same thing - if the film and content is good it works, you get rewards no matter what," he adds.

The 43-year-old actor, however, insists there is nothing much an actor can do in this as these are trade decisions.

"It is not for me to say. I have nothing to do with it. I am an actor and my focus was to better my work. Everything else is a story. If someone tells me anything about this person or that person its a story for me. I don't get affected by it," he says when asked if the clash between "Kaabil" and "Raees" should have been averted.

Despite losing out on business, releasing two big films at the same time is not new to Bollywood, it has happened in the past and it might continue as well this year.

Last year Hrithik's "Mohenjo Daro" released along side Akshay Kumar starrer "Rustom" and the latter came out as a winner of box office tussle.

Ask Hrithik if he would now try to avoid clash of his films with others, he says, "This is not in my hands alone, it is in the hands of executives. There is a rule that if we clash then we straight away divide it 50:50 (referring to screen space)."

"So, there is no 80:20 or 60:40 and if you follow 50:50 then the clash will stop automatically. That's the best way," he says. 

Film on Ashok Chakra awardee gets over 8L hits in three days

New Delhi, Jan 29, 2017 (PTI)

A documentary film on this year's Ashok Chakra awardee Hangappan Dada has taken the internet by storm with over eight lakh views within three days of its release, a tribute to the valiant soldier who killed three infiltrators single-handedly in Jammu and Kashmir before being martyred.
One of the makers of the 12-minute film --Warriors of India-- is 27-year-old Somesh Saha could closely relate to the supreme sacrifice made by the soldier from Arunachal Pradesh as his father also belongs to Assam Regiment like Dada.

"My father, who happens to be the Colonel of Assam Regiment, was tensed over the loss of a soldier. An ordinary Indian would not understand this, but being the son of an Army officer, I have always been inspired by stories of soldiers. They have been a part of my upbringing," says the young filmmaker.

"I was not aware of the huge response but I wanted the valour of Havaldar Dada to go into the annals of history and these days history is internet. I talked to my two other friends and the result is extremely wonderful. The comment of one soldier, 'the film made me cry and smile at the same time', is etched on my mind and will remain my most treasured memory," says Somesh, who is a jingle expert in advertisement industry.

The other two -- Soumil Shetty, 27, and Rohan Sharma, 29 -- were more than willing to join Saha in the venture. "I knew it was a story waiting to be told. The first thing we requested the Army was to allow us meet Havaldar Dada’s comrades. After meeting them, we felt that his story needs to be told by those who were actually a part of Dada’s life," Saha says.

"Dada’s presence was an inspiration for all those who were associated with him including his colleagues, friends and family. He was a hero since birth. As a kid he used to be the first one to accpet a challenge. His honesty made a huge impact on those around him. This was our motivation to make the film," he says.

Along with writer-director Shetty, and Sharma, who works with a production house, Saha went to Dada’s native village Borduria in Arunachal Pradesh.

"We travelled from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh. We lived for a number of days with the soldiers who fought with him in the operation so that we could understand their feelings on a whole range of issues. It surely was a lifetime experience," Saha recalled. He said he wished to travel once again to Arunachal Pradesh to meet the six-year-old son of Dada.

Shetty, who took time off his routine job to work on the real script, said his aim was not to showcase Dada only as a soldier but someone who belonged to a family whose ties extended beyond the bond of blood.

"When we reached out to all the lives he had touched, the enormousness of his contribution came to fore. All we did was to showcase it as sincerely as possible," Shetty says.

Sharma, who is a post-production and animation man, recalls that when he read the citation of Havaldar Dada, this year's recipient of the highest peacetime gallantry award, his mind was flooded with many questions.

"For once, I wanted to experience what goes behind making of such a warrior. We were motivated to know more about the man, his upbringing, how he imbibed the rare daredevilry... the reaction of his family on getting the news of his martyrdom....and the motivation which makes a man become so fearless to serve a national cause selflessly..," says Sharma.

Sharma, whose father is an Army veteran, says, "We were inspired to pay a befitting tribute to Dada and his family and the region to which he belonged. I saw it as a golden opportunity to pay tribute to the brave soldier as I could relate with the army atmosphere so well owing to my background. I always regret to have missed the opportunity of following in the footsteps of my father," says Sharma.

On the number of hits on social media and comments, all the three said that they were indebted to the nation and appreciated the response. "The response has been immense. It is an encouragement for us to make many more films on warriors of India," says Saha.

We stand by Bhansali and 'Padmavati': Producer

Mumbai, Jan 29, 2017 (PTI)

Terming the assault on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film "Padmavati" in Jaipur "shocking", production house Viacom18 Motion Pictures has said that it stands by their director and the movie.
Bhansali was roughed up by members of a Rajput community group on Friday, who also stopped the shooting of the film by damaging the set at Jaigarh Fort, alleging that the director was "distorting facts" in the movie which is about Alauddin Khilji's obsession with Rani Padmavati.

"The incident that took place on the sets of Padmavati is shocking; Sanjay Leela Bhansali is a veteran with an acclaimed body of work," Ajit Andhare, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, COO, said in a statement.

"We stand by him and our film which is a celebration of the Rani and what she represented. We truly don't wish to hurt the sentiments of any person or community. We didn't expect this."

"Padmavati" stars Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor.
Bhansali also had strongly condemned the vandalism and assault on the sets of his film and said the incident was "uncalled for" and extremely damaging to the image of the beautiful city.

"We clarify that there is no dream sequence or any objectionable scene between Rani Padmavati and Allauddin Khilji. We have been carefully researching and making the film. In spite of this, the attack on the shoot and crew was uncalled for and was extremely damaging to the image of the beautiful city of Jaipur," he had said.

Favouritism exists in Bollywood: Huma Qureshi

Mumbai, Jan 29, 2017 (PTI)

Actress Huma Qureshi says she often feels the need to have some guidance from an "elder person" to cut through the nepotism which runs in Bollywood.

The actress thinks to say that there is no favouritism in Bollywood would be a lie, but adds that people from within the industry are very hardworking.

"The fact is, yes there is nepotism. One will be lying if one said there is no nepotism. There definitely is. But it is there in every walk of life. When I say that, I don't want to take away anything from a lot of my friends who are also from the industry," Huma says in an interview.

"They are very hardworking and passionate people. You have to give credit for the hard work and talent but being from here (industry) makes it easier."

The actress says unlike her friends from the industry, she does not have the advantage of knowing the nitty-gritty of things.

"A lot of times, I don't know who to call, how to plan my career, what films to sign. You really want that, an elder person around to help you plan it. They have the advantage of that. It's just there."

Huma made her debut in the two-part crime saga "Gangs of Wasseypur" in 2012 and got wide spread critical acclaim for her performance opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
She will now be seen in the upcoming "Jolly LLB 2" opposite Akshay Kumar, two years after her last big release "Badlapur".

The 30-year-old actress says post "Badlapur" and "Gangs...", she was offered similar characters.

"After Badlapur I got offered very similar characters. Our industry is quite myopic in that sense. When I did 'Gangs', I was only getting offered the earthy, rustic girl characters. I met some people and they were like 'oh you can speak English?'.

"That's what happens. You are as good as your last release. Since I am not from Mumbai, people didn't know me here back in the day, they didn't know how to place me after my first film."

The actress, however, did not sign "any film coming her way" and waited for the right one as she does not believe signing movies is a rat race.

"When I did 'Badlapur' also, I realised people would just give you the kind of work you've done before. I was very clever I waited for the right film to happen. I read, travel, write, have several hobbies. I kept myself busy. I am not in the rat race to sign my next film."

Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the courtroom-drama-comedy is a sequel to the 2013 film "Jolly LLB" and is scheduled to release on February 10.