Deepti Naval’s film on Balraj Sahni hits roadblock from his son!

Movies about Indian cinema's legendary personalities are still a rarity. And one of those rare attempts is being made by Deepti Naval - she is keenly interested in making a non-fictional movie on the life and times of that amazingly naturalistic actor Balraj Sahni, but facing certain problems.

Deepti, who is aesthetically motivated by Balraj Sahni's natural performances, has been researching his life for years. Just when she was ready to put all her research material on screen for the immortal actor's birth centenary this month, a hurdle has placed in Deepti's plans by Balraj Sahni's son Parikshat Sahni.

Deepti revealed, "I was really keen on making a film on Balraj Sahni. But when I approached his son Parikshat for his consent, he told me he had already given the filming rights on his father's life to another producer. He didn't think it was right for me to do a film when someone else is committed to do the same. I agree. But we're trying to find a solution to the deadlock, because I'm really keen to do this."

Years ago, Simi Garewal made a documentary called "Living Legend Raj Kapoor" and Sandip Ray did one on Kishore Kumar.

Deepti, who was lately seen in a minuscule role in Yash Raj Films' "Aurangzeb", tells some of her important scenes have been cut from the movie.

"But I've no regrets. I did it because of my regards for Mr. Yash Chopra. He was always very sweet and kind to me," told the actress of movies like "Saath Saath" and "Chashme Buddoor".

The actress tells mainstream cinema has always had a problem positioning her.

"That's why I keep running back to the more realistic cinema. It's okay to do a small role in mainstream cinema like 'Aurangzeb' or 'Yaariyan'. But its movies like Rituparno Ghosh's 'Memories Of March' and Avinash Kumar Singh's 'Listen, Amaya' that sustain me as an actress," told Deepti. She is now looking forward to the release of Shekhar Suman's "Heartless".

“‘Heartless’ is a rare commercial movie where I have a substantial role," she further added. 

Sujoy Ghosh apologies fans for his silly tweets?

This is surely unheard of. Before hitting the road, Sujoy Ghosh apologized to his fans in advance for boring them with his silly tweets during long drive to work.

"Long drive to work. Like really long. So apologies in advance if random crap tweet happens. Boring time lies ahead," Ghosh, who rose to fame with 2012 hit "Kahaani", wrote on Twitter.

He is likely to come up with a sequel to "Kahaani" soon.

Malaika Arora’s secret clothing label gift to Sophie Choudry!

Singer-actress Sophie Choudry is overjoyed after receiving a gift from actress Malaika Arora Khan.

Sophie, 32, posted that she got a gift from Malaika's online fashion store - The closet, but refused to reveal what exactly the gift was.

"The fab Malaika Arora Khan sent me a little something from her clothing label, The closet Label.com! Not telling you what," Choudry posted. 

An energized Arshad Warsi off to Goa for 'Mr Joe B Carvalho'!

What is actor Arshad Warsi thrilled about? Shooting last schedule of his forthcoming film "Mr Joe B Carvalho" in Goa.

He loves the city so much that he won't mind shooting in the heat.

"Good morning, off to Goa for the last schedule of 'Mr Joe B Carvaloh'. Love Goa so will deal with the heat," Arshad wrote on Twitter.

To be "Mr Joe B Carvalho" will see the 45-year-old playing a detective and the cast also includes Geeta Basra, Javed Jaffrey and Soha Ali Khan. 

Mahaakshay’s nerve-wracking experience with dad Mithun Chakraborty!

Actor Mahaakshay Chakraborty, who has shared screen space with his father, veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty in his upcoming movie "Enemmy", tells it was a "nerve-wracking" experience for him.

Directed by Ashu Trikha, "Enemmy" is a cop action drama, which features Mithun and actor Suneil Shetty in lead roles, while Mahaakshay plays a CID officer in the movie.

"For me, it was a nerve-wrAcking experience," Mahaakshay told at the music launch of the movie.

Actor Akshay Kumar was present as the chief guest of the event, where film's other cast members were in attendance too.

Mithoon told he was happy to work with his son.

"He is growing as an actor, and I want him to grow...that's the way," Mithun told here.

Mahaakshay made his acting debut as Mimoh with the movie "Jimmy" in 2008 and later he was seen in the movies like "Haunted 3D" and "Loot". But he couldn't get a strong foothold in the industry.

Mithun wants his son to carve his own niche.

"You have to fight your own battle. I am not one of those fathers who always goes on blessing and praising, that 'yes, everything is good'," he further added.

Slated to release June 21, "Enemmy" also features Kay Kay Menon, Mahesh Manjrekar and Yuvika Chaudhary of "Om Shanti Om" fame. 

India is regressive & depressing for women: Mallika Sherawat

India is "regressive for women" and a "depressing" place to be, tells Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat, explaining why she divides her time between India and the US.

She was speaking the 66th Cannes International Film Festival, at an interaction at The Variety Studio. Mallika has flaunted the link of her interview on her Twitter page.

Talking to Variety's Steve Gaydos, the 36-year-old Indian actress, who divides her time between India and Los Angeles, was highly critical of her country, particularly for women.

"I made a conscious decision to divide my time between Los Angeles and India," she told.

"So when I enjoy the social freedom in America and go back to India, which is so regressive for women, it's depressing. As an independent woman, it's really depressing”, she further added.

Hailing from Rohtak in Haryana, Mallika entered the Indian film industry in 2003 with "Khwahish" and grabbed headlines for her cleavage-baring clothes and over 15 screen kisses.

She also starred in popular Hindi movies like "Murder" and "Welcome".

She went international with Jackie Chan-starrer 2005 movie "The Myth", and then did Jennifer Lynch's "Hisss" and William Dear's "Politics of Love".

Mallika's first visit to the Cannes fest was with Jackie Chan for the promotion of "The Myth".

The actress is now busy with an Indian movie, "Dirty Politics".

Talking about it, she told, "The film began six months ago and it's a biopic. It's a story of a woman who is a nurse; she gets involved with a politician and gets murdered in the end. It shows how the government reacts to it."

Mallika told, "India is a hypocritical society where women are really at the bottom as compared to men. And here was this woman (in the film) who actually had the courage to stand up to this politician who kind of raped her, molested her, abused her and record his misgivings and release it to the press.  You don't do that in a country like India, and she had the courage to do that."

She claimed she was the first actress in India to kiss on screen and wear a bikini. 

Ranbir Kapoor and Rishi Kappor’s 'Awara' remake?

Rishi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor are getting ready to step into the former’s grandfather Prithiviraj Kapoor and father Raj Kapoor’s roles in an “Awara” remake.

And with the remake of “Awara”, the Kapoors’ well-known home banner RK Films would be grandly rejuvenated.

Before that Rishi and his talented wife Neetu would be seen on the screen for the first time with their son Ranbir in Abhinav Kashyap’s “Besharam”.

Rishi let out the big secret plan for the great histrionic plan with Ranbir and told, “‘Besharam’ was the testing ground for the two of us together on the screen. We would now like to do something deeper. A remake of my father’s ‘Awara’ is on our minds. And in all likelihood, we will be doing it for our banner RK Films.”

Rishi won’t direct the neo-”Awara”.

“No thanks. Direction is a thankless job. I don’t want to get into that space at all,” told Rishi, who went behind the camera for “Aa Ab Laut chalen”.

“I am very comfortable and happy as an actor. I just want to act. I am at peace with myself. I don’t have to think about anything except acting. I am having a ball. I’ve received loads of messages for my performance in ‘Aurangzeb’. I can’t be happier. The best most touching message came from Mrs Pam Chopra. I’ll treasure it forever,” told the 60-year-old.

As far as “Besharam” is concerned, one now hears that Rishi-Neetu’s roles are being broadened so that the audiences don’t feel cheated by the playing-time featuring Ranbir with his parents.

Rishi told, “Both Neetu and I enjoyed working with Ranbir thoroughly. I had fun working with my wife and son. But I still feel there should be more of Neetu and I in ‘Besharam’. My only grouse in this otherwise-enjoyable experience was the length of our roles and Ranbir knows it. So they’re trying to expand our roles. Neetu and I play cops. Our characters are seen off and on.”

“The director is trying to increase Neetu and my roles. Of course, Ranbir and I have scenes together in ‘Besharam’, including the climax of the plot. But they’re trying to create scenes where all three of us can be together,” told Rishi who gave hits like “Khel Khel Mein” and “Kabhi Kabhie” with Neetu.

Rishi tells his earlier doubts that Ranbir may be uncomfortable sharing screen-space with him, were totally unfounded.

“‘Yeh aaj kal ke bachcha nahin baap hain’. In any case, ‘Besharam’ is not a movie that requires great histrionics from either of us. It’s light, bubbly and frothy and a little dramatic,” he told.

Preity Zinta’s Indian CSI Show’s dream!

If popular international show “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” is remade in India, actress Preity Zinta is all for being a part of it.

“If ‘CSI’ is remade in India – the real thing, I want to be a part of it. I have studied criminal psychology,” Preity told in a statement.

The actress, who portrayed strong female characters in “Kya Kehna” and “Sangharsh”, shared her thoughts about increasing crimes against women on BIG CBS PRIME’s “Super Crime Sundays”.

This Sunday, a two-hour special of the show focuses on the increasing number of crimes committed against women through special episodes of the investigative show, “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”.

Preity believes it is important for everybody to make an attempt to spread out the message and stop the increasing violence.

Ranbir wants to become Godfather to Deepika's Kids!

Actor Ranbir Kapoor tells that he would love to be godfather to his earlier girlfriend and “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” co-star Deepika Padukone’s kids in future.

“Godfather means someone who you really are fond of. You want the kids to kind of look up to you and, kind of, mentor the kids,” Ranbir told at an event held to promote ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”.

The two not only enjoy each other’s company but also look quite at ease with each other after parting ways.

“I don’t know whether I will have my own kids or not but she (Deepika Padukone) will definitely have. So I would love to be her children’s godfather, but I don’t know whether she or her husband will allow me but it will be nice to mentor her children,” Ranbir told.

It’ is after five years that Ranbir and Deepika will be seen together on screen. They last featured together in “Bachna Ae Haseeno”.

Love is not my priority, says Shruti Haasan!

Consider it or not! Shruti Haasan, who used to consider herself too ugly to become an actress, tells that she has totally no time for romance! With that statement, Shruti Haasan has unquestionably broken many hearts!

Shruti Haasan made this revelation and told, “There is no time for romance. I don’t have time as I am busy working and have a busy schedule.”  Shruti, apparently, hasn’t received any leverage from her father Kamal Haasan.

When asked about whether she takes advice from her family, she told, “Not much, but they influenced the kind of an artist I am today. Now I take my own decisions and I am kind of independent person. I don’t take advice from family or anyone. I choose films because I want to play the part in the movie. I have never felt the pressure from my family.”

Shruti Haasan further adds that she takes inspiration from her father, however. “He has been an inspiration for me, personally. Just the way I look at him deal with his career, how he works. Even at this time, he does so much hard work and has so much dedication. He has the same enthusiasm that a newcomer has for his work and that has been very inspiring for me,” she told.

She’s now looking forward to her two forthcoming movies, D-Day and Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya . Both the movies are slated for release on the same day – 19th July! Speaking about the films, she told, “I am happy that both are polar opposite films. For me, both the characters are so different from each other. In a weird way, it is nice that both the films are coming out on the same day. It just shows the range.”

We wish her all the Luck for D-Day her movie Ramaiya Vasta Vaiya is slated for release!

Bipasha Basu looks forward to shoot 'Creature' in Ooty!

Just as everyone was wondering where Bipasha Basu is, we hear that the actress is about to start shooting for a 3D movie! Bipasha is thrilled about this 3D film titled “Creature”, which is being directed by Vikram Bhatt. Earlier, Bipasha Basu and Vikram Bhatt have worked together on the romantic horror-thriller, Raaz. Incidentally, Raaz was shot in Ooty too!

The film Creature is said to be on par with the international standards and is being made on the lines of Hollywood science-fiction classics like Jurassic Park and Anaconda. This would give Bips the much needed boost in her career! Talking about the scheduled shoot in Ooty, she tells, “Mumbai is a hot plate right now so I’m really looking forward to the shoot in Ooty. That will allow me to get away from the city.”.

This would be shot over a period of 40 days and the major portion of this movie would be shot in secluded locations, away from public glare. Presently, Bipasha is rushing with her prior commitments to make herself available for the shoot, as per schedule. With Bipasha Basu gone, Mumbai’s temperature will surely drop!

Aamir Khan learns Bhojpuri for film ‘Peekay’!

No one asks, “Where is Aamir Khan?” because we know he’s trying to master something at any give time! The newest news is that his role in Peekay. Aamir will play the role of a Bhojpuri man in the movie. As predictable, Aamir Khan has gone all out to make sure that it turns out perfect! Allegedly, Aamir Khan has been trying to master Bhojpuri for the past four months!

The last time that Aamir gave up Hindi for a movie was in Lagaan, for which, he had learned Awadhi. Peekay is being directed by Raj Kumar Hirani. Anushka Sharma, Sanjay Dutt and Sushant Singh Rajput, of Kai Po Che fame, will share the screen with Mr. Perfectionist! Although Aamir Khan has been learning Bhojpuri, the film is being shot in Rajasthan and everyone seems puzzled!

Even though the movie is slated for next year, it is being reported that the film’s theatrical rights have been sold already. 

Deepika is the first actor to intimidate me: Ranbir Kapoor

He vouches for friendly competition with his colleagues, but Ranbir Kapoor confesses his "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" co-star Deepika Padukone is the only one in the industry who intimidates him.

Ayan Mukerji-directed "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" has brought the real life ex-couple together on the screen after five years - their first and the last movie together was 2008 movie "Bachna Ae Haseeno".

"I always expected from Deepika to reach very high levels, but I had no idea that she will become such a fine actress so soon. She is the first actress in front of whom I am a bit intimidated," told Ranbir, who himself has wowed people with variety in roles he played in movies "Wake Up Sid", "Raajneeti", "Rockstar" and "Barfi!".

Talking about her growth in the industry, Ranbir told, "I felt like she was not doing what I expected her to do. That constant surprise was a good feeling. I know her so well. I know her advantages as well as disadvantages. She has turned her disadvantages into advantages. So, I am very happy for her."

Most celebrities are hounded by rumors and Ranbir accepts it as part of an actor's life.

"I can understand there is a demand for this. People want to know about their favourite actors and actresses - What they do? Who they can marry or not? But when it comes to you, you feel bad. But you have to focus on your work. Because when on Friday, your film releases, everyone forgets everything. It is part and parcel of the journey. You have to take it with a pinch of salt," told the 30-year-old.

Do you like to read about your contemporaries?

"We are curious... but we are all friends. We don't sit and bitch or gossip," he told and explained that "cold war" don't exist.

"I don't think there is any cold war. I am fond of all the actors of my generation - be it Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Imran Khan, Varun Dhawan - all of us are busy with our work, we don't really meet much. But we try and catch up at award functions and parties," he told.

He admits there is competition, but a friendly one.

"There is a friendly, healthy competitive vibe going on. No one wants the other person to not do well. We get happy and jealous when we see a good performance, but we all congratulate each other and encourage each other. I guess it is too early in our careers to have this competition," Ranbir told.

Dhanush impresses B-town ladies!

Choreographer-director Farah Khan is so impressed with the screen presence of Tamil actor Dhanush, who is making his Bollywood debut with Hindi romantic drama "Raanjhanaa", that she calls him "screen friendly".

"I think Dhanush is one of the most charming, likeable and screen friendly hero I have seen in a long time! He is what he is and that makes it cool," wrote Farah on her Twitter page.

Dhanush already impressed his colleagues down south when the trailer of "Raanjhanaa", which also stars Abhay Deol and Sonam Kapoor, went viral. Even Bollywood diva Sridevi was in awe of him.

"Dhanush comes across very efficiently. Abhay as usual lends credibility. The film looks very promising. (I'm) looking forward. All the best," told Sridevi in one of her tweets.

For "Raanjhanaa", the love story of a Muslim guy and a Hindu girl, Anand L. Rai went behind the camera. Produced by Eros International, the movie, releasing June 21, will also see Swara Bhaskar. 

Veena Malik declines friendship with Ashmit Patel!

Pakistani actress Veena Malik, who was linked to actor Ashmit Patel post their "Bigg Boss 4" stint, tells he was never her friend and that she only believes in maintaining friendship with her career.

During "Bigg Boss 4", the two seemed to have bonded well, and were also seen together at various events post the show. But both Veena and Ashmit never gave a clear picture about their relationship.

The two are also working together in the movie "Supermodel".

"Ashmit was never my friend. We met in 'Bigg Boss' (season 4 in 2010) and after that we have not met. I am just working. I have friendship only with my career," Veena told in an interview.

"I have no connection with anyone whom I met in 'Bigg Boss'. They don't even exist in my life," she further added.

The actress, who is presently busy with her Bollywood movies and some Kannada and Telugu projects, tells she has an "amazing" connect with people in India.

"It's a very amazing country. The connect I have with the people here is amazing," told Veena, who was lately seen in item numbers in the movies "Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai" and "Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya".

Her next movie, "Zindagi 50-50" is scheduled for a May 24 release. It will see Malik in the role of a sex worker. The movie also features Rajan Verma, Rajpal Yadav and Riya Sen. 

Priyanka Chopra has not thrown any tantrums, says Arjun Kapoor!

Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor has come out in defense of his co-star Priyanka Chopra! The two actors have been working on Aditya Chopra’s Gunday and the last weeks have been abuzz with rumors of Priyanka Chopra’s unprofessional behavior on the sets.

Laying these rumors to rest, Arjun Kapoor explained, “Nothing like that ever happened with Priyanka. Honestly, I don’t even know what I should say for such matters. She has been a star for so many years and no tantrums have ever come into picture. She is too big to be indulging in such behaviour.”

Buzz was that, Priyanka threw her weight around her co-stars Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Kapoor saying, she was much experienced.

A source has disclosed that nothing as such actually happened on the sets and that, Priyanka is a dignified actress. Well, we could surely agree on that! She wouldn’t have got this far, had she been throwing tantrums. While Arjun was quick to give his bits to the media, co-star Ranveer was unavailable for comments.

Remembering his old days as an assistant director, Arjun Kapoor told, “I actually know her from even before the time when I had started off as an actor. I was an assistant on Salaam-e-Ishq and used to call her by saying – Madam, shot ready hai. Till date I tell her that Madam aap aaiye naa. The only difference is that earlier only she was in front of the camera and today both of us are. I am very fond of her and love her as an actor. She has not changed at all and that is the hallmark of a true star and an actor.”

Well, we could certainly agree on that because, one cannot maybe be a star by throwing tantrums!

Mahesh Bhatt ropes in Emraan Hashmi for Invisible!

“Invisible” is the movie that Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt’s most successful protégé Emraan Hashmi will star in, thereby ending media rumor that the actor has been in two minds about doing a project for the banner that kick started his career.

While Mahesh Bhatt, with typical insouciance, discharges the unsavory rumors and confirms their new collaboration is titled “Invisible”, a source close to the project sniggers, “We really don’t who stands to gain from these reports about Emraan being ‘miffed’ with Bhatt sahab because of announcements suggesting the star is doing another film with the Bhatts.”

“Emraan shares the kind of rapport with Mahesh Bhatt where Bhatt sahab only has to ask, and Emraan would do the film. But the Bhatts have never believed in mixing professional and personal relations. If they did, they would’ve launched Bhatt sahab’s son Rahul long ago. Every actor who works with Vishesh Films is free to choose the projects he or she wants. And that goes for Emraan as well,” the source further added.

Confirming that the project with Emraan is titled “Invisible”, Mahesh Bhatt told, “Emraan is in New York. I spoke to him just an hour ago and he certainly didn’t sound even remotely miffed. Our relationship is not built on quicksand.”

About “Invisible”, the filmmaker told, “Emraan is starring in our next mega-project entitled ‘Invisible’, which Vikram Bhatt will direct. It’s an original story written by Shagufta Rafique and Vikram Bhatt.”

Vikram, who is unwell, told,   “‘Invisible’ would be an entirely new optical and emotional experience for the audience.”

I’d love to direct movies, says Ranbir Kapoor!

I would like spend the next 15 to 20 years of my life on movie sets and that I keep on getting opportunities to work with good directors. That is my plan, but whenever we make plans, god laughs at us. I hope to continue working as an actor,” the 30-year-old actor told.

“I want to make movies also. That’s something I would love to do – direct a movie,” further added Ranbir at a promotional event for his upcoming movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”.

Directed by Ayan Mukerji, “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” also features Deepika Padukone. It releases May 31

I can't do Munna Bhai without Sanjay Dutt: Arshad Warsi

Actor Arshad Warsi, who played Circuit in the “Munna Bhai” movies with Sanjay Dutt essaying the lead role, tells he won’t do any new movie in the popular franchise without the real “Munna Bhai”.

He tells neither can he, nor will audiences be able to see anybody else in the role instead of Sanjay, who is presently in jail serving his sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.

“I can’t (work in the film without Sanjay) because for that character, you can’t think of any other person now. That character has a definite structure and a definite personality that matches a lot with that of Sanju’s personality,” Arshad told here on the occasion of the DVD launch of his last release “Jolly LLB”.

Working with Deepika is normal, says Ranbir Kapoor!

Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor confesses people find it weird that he feels comfortable to work on screen with his former girlfriend Deepika Padukone. But he tells it comes naturally to him, and it is absolutely normal.

Having worked together in the upcoming “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”, Ranbir tells it wasn’t a new beginning for them, but a continuation of their friendship.

“I think our friendship began long back. So there is no beginning. There is a continuation. For ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’, people are saying, ‘How can he (I) work with someone like Deepika, with whom he (I’ve earlier) had a relationship?’

“These are things which come very naturally to me,” the actor said journalists at a promotional press conference for the movie.

Deepika also vouched for their friendship, and she compared it with wine…

“Our friendship only gets better with age. We have been friends for very long time,” told the model-turned-actress.

Deepika made her Bollywood debut in 2007 opposite Shah Rukh Khan in “Om Shanti Om”, Ranbir forayed into showbiz in the same year with “Saawariya”.

“Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani”, releasing May 31, is directed by Ayan Mukerji.

Who am I to re-launch Shruti Haasan: Prabhudheva

Filmmaker Prabhudheva, who has cast Shruti Haasan in “Ramaiya Vastavaiya”, tells he is no one to “re-launch” the daughter of veteran actress Kamal Haasan.

“It’s not a re-launch! Shruti is Kamal Haasan’s daughter. Who am I to re-launch her,” Prabhudheva said.

Shruti has previously featured in Bollywood movies like “Luck” and “Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji”, which didn’t manage to elicit the expected response. But Prabhudheva had his reasons to cast the actress in his directorial.

“I was confused whether to take a new girl or an established actress, but Shruti looked perfect for the role. You will realize why I cast Shruti once you see the film. She is beautiful, (and as a) dancer she is superb,” he told.

I was close-minded about TV, says Abhay Deol!

He admits to having been closed to doing anything on TV, but never say no is the mantra for actor Abhay Deol, who carved a niche for himself with ‘zara hatke’ roles in movies like “Dev D”. He will now be seen on the small screen, which he tells was totally unplanned.

“I never thought of being a part of the small screen. If anything they said was for TV, I would say no without even thinking about it,” Abhay, who will be hosting Zee TV’s new show “Connected Hum Tum”, told.

When the project came his way, he told, his manager “was like just consider it, at least take a look at it”.

“Then I took a look at it and I got interested,” he told.

The show also made him question his close-mindedness about TV.

“I asked myself ‘What is it about TV that you are closed to?’ The interest generated through the show made me question my close-mindedness towards TV”, added Abhay.

“Connected Hum Tum” is about six women, who will capture every moment of their lives through cameras. Abhay will try to link their stories together.

Abhay, 37, was launched by his uncle Dharmendra in his home production “Socha Na Tha” opposite Ayesha Takia.

Asked how it feels to be born in a star family, the actor told, “One gets bored as there is nothing black and white in life.”

“At some places it’s an advantage and at some it’s a disadvantage. It depends on person to person, situation to situation and project to project.”

After “Socha Na Tha” in 2005, he found his own space by doing movies like “Oye Lucky!Lucky Oye!, “Dev D”, “Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd.” and “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”. His “Manorama Six Feet Under” won the best movie award at the Mahindra Indo-American Arts Council Film Festival.

Abhay started living on his own when he was 18 after graduating from Otis Parson’s School of Fine Arts and Design, California. Though his parents were apprehensive about his decision to begin with, they later accepted it.

“They were just concerned: was I comfortable and safe? As soon as they knew that I was not being stupid and I was not going to do anything stupid, they were fine with it, and accepted for what I am. I have a great family that way.”, the actor told.

The “Dev D” star also opened up about his relationship with actress-super model Preeti Desai.

“We have a regular relationship like any two people in love, with its ups and downs, with good and bad.”

Asked about how his family responded to his live-in relationship, he told, “My family is very traditional and they are more conservative. But I was born in a city that accepted all kinds of people; so if I am to look at myself as someone from an urban centre, I am quite normal by being non-traditional.”

He further added, “I don’t judge my family for what they are and they don’t judge them for who I am. It took some time, but they are comfortable with it now.”

The actor has just finished the shoot for his movie “One By Two” in which he stars with Preeti, who was earlier seen in “Shor In The City”. The movie is also his debut as a producer.

He will also be seen in a special appearance in the Sonam Kapoor-Dhanush starrer “Raanjhnaa” releasing June 21.

I burst out crying when I heard 'cancer free': Manisha Koirala

Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, who was undergoing treatment in New York after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, says she is now “free” from the disease and calls it her “rebirth”.

In a post on her Facebook page Wednesday, Manisha, 42, shared her joy when her doctor gave her the good news.

“I burst out crying when I heard ‘cancer free’. I still have a long way to go for regaining my health, slowly and steadily. With your prayers and blessings I received during this phase, I am sure that day too will come,” she posted.

The actress also thanked her fans for all the love and blessings.

“In gratitude for the compassion I saw, felt in so many… my old and new friends, my family, my cancer club members who inspired me with their spirit, my amma, bhagwan (god) and oneness family and you all my Facebook and Twitter friends, it’s your unyielding love that helped me! I call this as my ‘rebirth’,” she further wrote.

Manisha was initially admitted to Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital Nov 28 last year after which she flew down to the US for further treatment.

The actress, who has worked in critically acclaimed films like “Dil Se” and “1942: A Love Story”, made her debut with “Saudagar” in 1991. In recent times, she featured in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Bhoot Returns”.

Salman Khan prepares Sonakshi Sinha for live painting!

In recent reports, Salman Khan ‘helped’ Sonakshi Sinha with the paintbrush. All we know is that, Sonakshi was supposed to paint for the cameras during the launch of the song “Sawaar Loon” from the film Lootera in which, Sonakshi plays the role of an artist.

While we have no doubt about Salman Khan’s painting skills and artistic abilities, this one promotional event didn’t need many efforts. Sonakshi, given the diva she is, could receive praise for one random stroke! But we hear Sonakshi and her mentor Salman, have one thing in common – their interest in art! Actually, she is a fan of his paintings and doesn’t miss an opportunity to learn from him. She is believed to have sought tips from him for her promotional act.

Our source says us that, in Lootera, Sonakshi Sinha plays the role of an artist who falls in love with Ranveer Singh while teaching him how to paint. Sonakshi seems to have put up a good performance and hence, is taking every measure to see that the movie does well at box office!

Will the success of this movie bring out the artist in her?

Emraan Hashmi to team up with Jannat 2 director again!

The hit pair of actor Emraan Hashmi and director Kunal Deshmukh will team up for a masala entertainer.

The actor-director duo, who churned out hits like "Jannat" and "Jannat 2", is coming together again for the untitled film to be produced by UTV Motion Pictures. It is expected to go on the floors after the release of Emraan starrer "Ghanchakkar".

"Together Emraan and Kunal are a knockout team...This will be our second film with Emraan post 'Ghanchakkar'... We are confident that this hit actor-director 'jodi' will entice the audiences with nothing less than a full-on masala entertainer," Siddharth Roy Kapur, managing director, Studios, Disney UTV, told in a statement.

Deshmukh wants to give his best to his maiden project for UTV Motion Pictures.

"This will be my first movie with UTV Motion Pictures and I am very excited. UTV has been churning out some great content for its audience."

Talking about his association with Emraan, the director told that "working with Emraan has always been great".

"I am extremely comfortable working with him and hope to entertain the audience with an out-and-out entertainer," further added Deshmukh, who is yet to decide the female lead opposite Emraan in the movie.

In the meantime, director Rajkumar Gupta's "Ghanchakkar", which sees Emraan with Vidya Balan again after "The Dirty Picture', is coming out June 28. 

I might direct my son: Sunny Deol

Actor-producer Sunny Deol, who had directed "Dillagi", tells his son Karan Deol will be launched in a year's time and that he might go behind the camera to direct him.

Sunny and his brother Bobby were launched by their actor father Dharmendra with "Betaab" and "Barsaat", respectively. Both the movies were made under their banner Vijayta Films. Later the He Man of the 1960s launched his nephew Abhay too with "Socha Na Tha".

"I might direct my son as well... not now at least," told Sunny, who is presently busy promoting their home production "Yamla Pagla Deewana 2", in which his son has worked as an assistant director.

Sunny wants to follow the family tradition and further added, "We will launch him like I was launched, my brother was launched. I am basically giving him space because at the end of the day, it is his journey. Parents can only be there to put you there, but after that it's an individual journey."

Asked when he plans to launch Karan, 21, Sunny told, "May be in a year's time. I would give him a year. I would want him to grasp as much knowledge as possible. To me, an actor has to be like a sponge."

After the 1999 release "Dillagi", starring him along with his brother Bobby and actress Urmila Matondkar, the 56-year-old stayed away from direction, but has definite plans to wield the megaphone in the near future.

Explaining his decision, Sunny told, "Of late, I have not been doing too many films. I have realized that it's very important to be seen around. Definitely, I want to do loads of films so that my fans can see me often. I am here only because of them. At the moment, I will act for next couple of years. I want to take it a little easy and then I want to get into direction, but I will definitely direct," he further added.

Right now he his looking forward to the release of "Yamla Pagla Deewana 2", a sequel to the 2011 hit comedy "Yamla Pagla Deewana". Coming June 7, it also stars Dharmendra and Bobby, who were in the original too.

He also has "Singh Saab The Great" and "Mohalla Assi" in the pipeline. 

Sonam Kapoor loves everything about stardom!

Being a movie star comes with a price but Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor tells she likes everything about stardom, including the constant attention and the odd hours.

"I like everything about stardom. I don't mind being in the public eye. If anyone tells you that they want to be a film actor but they don't want to be a star, that means they are lying. I love acting and love the fact the people like both my work and me. I am not pretentious enough to say that I cannot stand the attention," Sonam said in an interview.

The 27-year-old, who was seen in "Aisha" and "I hate Luv Stories", will be next seen in Aanand L. Rai's "Raanjhanaa" as well as "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" and YRF's untitled movie. Sonam will also be seen in the remake of 1980 film "Khubsoorat" that was directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee and starred Rekha and Rakesh Roshan in the lead roles.

The fact that she gets to don so many different characters is something which attracted her to the industry.

"I love being in front of the camera and I love creating new things. Can you imagine a girl from Juhu playing a girl from Chandni Chowk or a girl from Banaras or a girl from Defence Colony. It is amazing to be able to play different people," told Sonam, who has also been the part of movies like "Delhi-6" and "Players".

Having told that, she does believe her job to be a challenging one.

"People are not as bad as people think they are in the industry. We work very hard with odd hours. It is not only emotional, but has physical and mental work as well," she told.

She is inspired by veterans like Rekha, Nutan and Waheeda Rehman.

"I did meet Rekha and she was like 'it is amazing that you are doing the remake'. There are three or four heroines who I am obsessed with. They are Waheeda Rehman, Nutan, Rekha, Jaya Bachchan and Sridevi. I copy them all the time," she told.

The actress told she would love to be a part of "Guide", "Saraswatichandra" and "Umrao Jaan".

"I would love to remake 'Guide' of Waheeda Ji, 'Saraswatichandra' of Nutan, I am the part of 'Khubsoorat' and I would love to do 'Umrao Jaan'...the make up and thumris were just amazing. I have completely copied Waheeda Ji's performance in 'Guide' in my film 'Raanjhanaa'."

In Sonam's view, the trend of remakes is good.

"I think every generation re-looks at a story. I don't think there is anything wrong with remakes," she told. 

Will Ayushmann Khurrana host The Bachelorette India?

"The Bachelorette India - Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika", and forthcoming reality series, is in search of a new host and the production house is reportedly approaching actor Ayushmann Khurrana for it.

According to sources, the production house first approached Ronit Roy to host the show, but the actor refused to take up the offer as he is busy with other projects.

It is said that the production house is now approaching Ayushmann to host the show that is due to start in August.

"The Bachelorette India - Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika" is based on the famous international series "The Bachelor", an on-screen cupid tale that has converted several fairy tale dreams into reality.

VJ-turned-actor Ayushmann made his Bollywood debut in Shoojit Sircar's romantic comedy "Vicky Donor". He was last seen in "Nautanki Saala". 

Working with parents, a learning experience, says Ranbir!

Actor Ranbir Kapoor, who will be sharing the screen space with father Rishi Kapoor and mother Neetu Singh in Abhinav Kashyap's "Besharam", tells it was a learning experience.

"It was a great experience working with mom and dad. It was for the first time we shot together. It is always fun to work with family. My father bullies the director and it's fun to watch him. It's a learning experience," told the 30-year-old during an event.

Ranbir, who was appreciated for his role in "Rockstar" and "Barfi!" lately, tells there is miles to go.

"I have not achieved anything there is miles to go and lots of films to do. My parents are proud of my work and this is my biggest achievement," he told.

"Besharam" is slated to release Oct 2. 

Kamal Haasan is my god, says actor R Madhavan!

Southern superstar R. Madhavan looks up to actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan as his god, and when he met him freshly at an award ceremony, he felt like a teenager again.

"Had a great time at the Vijay Awards. Met my god Kamal sir again after a while. (I) was a gaping teenager all over again," posted Madhavan.

Madhavan and Kamal bonded well at the 7th edition of Vijay Awards, which the former hosted. The two had worked together in Tamil movies "Anbe Sivam" and "Manmathan Ambu".

The award ceremony was also graced by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, with whom also Madhavan shared great time.

"I really wish I had half their (Kamal and SRK) passion and dedication," he later tweeted.