I don't consider myself a playback singer, says Farhan Akhtar

Farhan Akhtar is not only a successful filmmaker and actor, but he can also sing. He has crooned songs like "Rock On!!" and "Tum ho toh" but tells he doesn't consider himself a playback singer, though he feels that singing enhances his performance in a film.

"I sing (in a film) only when I feel that any enhancement can happen in my performance in the film. I don't consider myself a playback singer," Farhan told on the set of singing reality show "Indian Idol Junior".

"For me, singing is one more aspect of enhancing my performance and I approach singing that way only," told Farhan, who was on the set to promote his upcoming movie "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

Farhan made his singing debut with 2008 musical "Rock On!!". He sang five tracks in the movie. Later, in the 2011 film "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", he lent voice to two tracks -"Senorita" and "Toh Zinda Ho Tum".

His next acting film, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", based on the life of former athlete Milkha Singh, releases July 12.

Not easy to shoot intimate scenes with actors, says Abhishek Choubey!

Abhishek Choubey, who has helmed intimate scenes between Arshad Warsi and Huma Qureshi, as well as Madhuri Dixit and Naseeruddin Shah, for “Dedh Ishqiya”, tells it isn’t easy to can love scenes with actors unless they trust their director fully.

“Let me tell you, it’s not easy to shoot intimate scenes with our actors. They have to trust the director’s vision. As the director, I had to make sure I didn’t let the actors down,” told Choubey.

He tells “once Madhuri accepted the scenes, she gave all of herself to them”.

“However, there are more intimate scenes between Huma and Arshad than between Madhuriji and Naseerji (in the film),” he further added.

The director especially can’t get over the experience of working with Madhuri.

“It was an honour to work with somebody of her calibre. Getting Madhuriji was the best thing that could’ve happened to the film. I feel she has all the emotions within her. It’s really up to the filmmaker to pull out the emotions he wants in her character and she gives a pitch-perfect performance,” he told.

Choubey said the the script was actually written to accommodate Madhuri’s personality and skills.

“What’s the point of having her in a film if there’s no dancing? We wove her dancing skills into the script. You see, when we decided Madhuri would play Begum Para, we wrote the character according to Madhuri’s personality. We incorporated the dancing,” he clarified.

Madhuri has shot a semi-classical dance number “Jaagi saari raina”, choreographed by Kathak legend Birju Maharaj, and it was the most enriching experiencing for Choubey.

“I wanted Birju Maharajji and Madhuriji to recreate the magic that choreographer Hiralal and Waheedaji (Waheeda Rahman) created in ‘Guide’. We shot in a beautiful palace in Lucknow. I became this wide-eyed boy watching the two stalwarts at work. Birju Maharaj didn’t just come and choreograph Madhuri. He heard the narration of the whole script from me and then decided how he would shoot the song. He spent a week for the song, recording with composer Vishal Bhardwaj and singer Rekha Bhardwaj. He also gave his inputs for the song composition. The number spells out a profound sense of nostalgia for a lost love,” further added Choubey.

“Dedh Ishqiya” is the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2010 movie “Ishqiya”.

'Shorts' hasn't been made for box office, says Huma Qureshi!

Huma Qureshi, who will be seen in one of the stories in "Shorts", tells the movie has already received so much acclaim that they are not thinking about its box office performance.

"Shorts" is a compilation of five short movies helmed by five different directors - Neeraj Ghaywan, Vasan Bala, Anubhuti Kashyap, Shlok Sharma and Gitanjali Rao.

Co-produced by Guneet Monga and Anurag Kashyap, the movie will see the "Gangs of Wasseypur" trio - Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Huma Qureshi and Richa Chadda - teaming up again. The film's cast also features newcomers such as Murari Kumar, Arjun Srivasava, Satya Anand, Vineet Singh, Preeti Singh and Ratnabali.

"We haven't made this film for the box office. These are new directors, fresh talent, and we are also new-age actors, so the idea was to create some new cinema, new thoughts, and new films. In fact, most of the films in 'Shorts' have got awards, I have got an award, Shlok has (also won an award)," the 26-year-old told at the first look launch of the movie.

"So there is international acclaim and the film has been made for that. That's why the film is being released only in select theatres," she further added.

The five short movies are titled "Hidden Cricket", "Moi Murjani", "Epiphany", "Geek Out", and "Chai" and it is releasing July 12.

Huma further told that the idea behind 'Shorts' is to "create a new breed of actors and directors who have an interesting way of looking at things".

When asked about the difference she felt between a short movie and a feature movie, Huma told, "A feature is a much longer, dedicated sort of a commitment. A short (film) is, in terms of time, much shorter. But what you have to portray within those 10-15 minutes is the main thing. So actually there's a lot of pressure in doing a short film."

"You have to tell an entire story and the journey of a character and make people move and believe in 10-15 minutes. That's quite a challenge," she told. 

Stars don't guarantee success for any film, says Rajkumar Gupta!

Rajkumar Gupta's maiden directorial venture was Rajeev Khandelwal's Bollywood debut "Aamir". While the filmmaker has now started working with known names like Vidya Balan and Emraan Hashmi, he tells having stars doesn't guarantee the success of any movie.

"Star system was always there in our country, but it depends on the subject of the film. Stars don't guarantee the success of any film. Yes, certainly there is no denying that they have a strong box office appeal, but they don't guarantee a good film," Gupta said.

He worked with Vidya and Rani Mukerji in "No One Killed Jessica", and his upcoming movie "Ghanchakkar" features Vidya and Emraan Hashmi.

"As far as my choice is concerned, I cast Vidya and Rani in 'No One Killed Jessica' because that was the demand of the script. It all depends from script to script," he further added.

Gupta tells Vidya is a thorough professional.

"Post 'No One Killed Jessica', I wanted to work with her again, but I needed a strong script to convince her. She is a thorough professional and I am glad that she agreed to do 'Ghanchakkar'," told Gupta.

"Ghanchakkar" is a comic entertainer, releasing Friday. 

Saif, Riteish, Ram Kapoor to play triple roles in comedy entertainer "Humshakals"!Film Humshakals, Saif, Riteish, Ram Kapoor,

Actors Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Ram Kapoor will take on triple roles in comedy entertainer "Humshakals", which will go on floors in September and will hit the screens June 6, 2014.

The Pooja Entertainment & Films Ltd. and Fox Star Studios' project will be helmed by Sajid Khan, who has previously directed comedies like "Heyy Babyy", "Housefull" and "Housefull 2: The Dirty Dozen".

"The film promises to be a laugh riot, as the trio unleash total madness and confusion in their triple avatars," told a statement.

It will be shot extensively abroad. 

Fukrey boy Manjot Singh to play lead in 'The Zero Line'!

Bollywood actor Manjot Singh, who has played comic roles in movies like "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!" and "Fukrey" will take on the lead role in "The Zero Line". He will essay a serious character named Bhagat Singh.

Directed by Gagan Puri, the movie is based on India-Pakistan relations, and highlights how a game of cricket helps to resolve the differences between the two nations, told a statement.

For the first time, Manjot will be seen working with his father Paramjot Singh on the screen. Manjot's character will be intense and patriotic.

The movie is produced by Niraj Gadge. 

I just feel like an actor now, says Varun Dhawan!

He sailed into Bollywood riding on the hit film "Student Of The Year" (SOTY), but the success of his first film has not influenced Varun Dhawan.

"I think it is too early for all that (stardom). I just feel like an actor now and whose performance people really liked, hence they want to support and love (me). I feel it is important for me to support things, which I believe in," Varun said.

He is the son of director-producer David Dhawan, known for movies like "Hero No.1", and Varun is proud of his film legacy, but points out that he cannot take a piggy ride on his dad's successful career.

Measuring success with practical yardstick, the youngster told, "I am my father's son. It is not my fault that my father happens to be famous and good at his job. I am proud to have a father like him. At the same time I have to make my own space. If you don't achieve, then people won't care. I think each person has their own journey to fulfill."

For his next, he has teamed up with his father in "Mein Tera Hero". After that Karan Johar, who launched him in his directorial project SOTY, has roped him in for his next project.

"I feel very privileged and happy that these people are there. They are ready to experiment and try things, which are amazing for new talent," told the 26-year-old.

Thanks to the success of his film, he has bagged couple of brand endorsements too. He is endorsing chat application - We Chat - along with Parineeti Chopra and is also seen in Coca Cola new ad.

Varun likes to do launch when he is free.

"I think it is good to spread social awareness and be in touch with current trend. As a person, who is in the public view, if you are not up-to-date, you will get outdated. I guess when I am not working and have the time to do this, I will do it," he told.

How do you de-stress yourself?

"I watch movies, read a book, surf the net...I love traveling, I can go for a holiday or spend time with the family," he told.

Habib Faisal team-up again with Rishi Kapoor for Do Dhooni Chaar sequel!

He wowed everybody with his storytelling technique in award winning film "Do Dooni Chaar" and buoyed by the positive response to his middle-class drama, director Habib Faisal tells he will certainly make a sequel to the movie, but is waiting for a "kick-ass" script. Lead actor Rishi Kapoor is equally thrilled about the idea.

The 2010 film starring Rishi and Neetu Singh in the lead roles along with Archit Krishna and Aditi Vasudev brought the story of a middle-class family's predicament when they decide to buy a four-wheeler. The light-hearted drama not only wowed the movie-goers, but also won National Award for best Hindi film.

"I want to make a sequel to the film and I know that Rishi and Neetuji are equally exited to be part of it, so there is a possibility for the sequel. Right now I don't have the script because I need a kick-ass script and I don't know when the script will get ready," Habib Faisal said.

"If not better, the sequel should be at least as good as the first one. I certainly desire to make a sequel to the film in future, but now there is no concrete idea as such," he further added.

In the meantime, Rishi, who is tied up with a lot of projects this year, told, "I am really excited about the sequel and I would love to be part of it, but I haven't heard anything from the other end." 

Shah Rukh Khan wins India's most popular father title!

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, a doting dad of Aryan and Suhana, has been voted India's most popular father in a Father's Day poll conducted by a web site. He got more votes than megastar Amitabh Bachchan, who has a daughter and a son.

The results of the poll, conducted among over 11,000 Indian women, by matrimonial site.

Shah Rukh received 34.83 percent votes while Amitabh was chosen by 31.58 percent of the women surveyed. Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took the third spot with 18.61 percent.

"The poll showcases some of the most successful Indian men whose love and dedication also makes them popular fathers. This suggests that people are looking at celebrities as real people with real relationships," COO of known matrimonial site, told.

The poll also posed other questions to the respondents.

In the survey for the country's most popular father-daughter relationship, Big B took the top spot along with his daughter Shweta, who is married to businessman Nikhil Nanda.

Veteran actor Jeetendra and her film producer daughter Ekta Kapoor got 35.06 percent votes followed by father-daughter duo Anil Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor (22.42 percent).

Also, 44.85 percent Indian women voted for Shah Rukh and his son Aryan as India's most popular father-son duo. 

I was expected to sing rather than act: Neil Nitin Mukesh

Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh needs no introduction as such. But, here’s one anyway – he’s a grandson to Bollywood’s legendary singer Mukesh and a son to Nitin Mukesh, who’s a well-known singer too. As it runs in the family, Neil Nitin Mukesh was expected to sing as well. However, he chose a different path – acting.

Neil told, “People expected me to sing rather than act when I first thought of entering Bollywood.” Neil made his Bollywod debut as a child artist in Yash Chopra’s Vijay (1988). Neil went on to complete his Bachelors in Commerce from a college in Mumbai and then, decided to take up acting as his career, instead of singing. That, he’s connected to Bollywood, is no secret. But, the actor insists that he has made it on his own. “People did offer me a cup of tea but after that it was on my own. If they say that having a Bollywood connect helps get you roles then I have definitely not got any.”

Neil Nitin Mukesh made his Bollywood debut as an adult in the critically acclaimed Johnny Gaddaar in the year 2007 and was nominated for Filmfare’s Best Male Debut Award. He earned popularity post commercial success of his next, New York (2009) in which he played a supporting role. He did a couple of movies later on but, he hasn’t got his big break yet. The fine actor that he is, he is very choosy when it comes to scripts.

He will soon be seen in a movie titled ‘Shortcut Romeo’. Neil is passionate about bikes and electronics. “I also love editing and so I installed the new FCP software on my computer. I also love composing music and recently bought a medicontroller with which, I can program music and compose newer tunes.,”

Neil Nitin Mukesh, who is coming up with another Bollywood film, ‘Shortcut Romeo’, had a passion for bikes earlier. But now he has shifted focus to electronics. He mentions how he bought a new camera which is water proof and so he is waiting to dip in the ocean and click pictures with his camera. “I also love editing and so I installed the new FCP software on my computer. I also love composing music and recently bought a medicontroller with which I can program music and compose newer tunes.”, Neil said.

Speaking to the newspaper, Neil told that he lives a very boring life and that, he’s not dating anyone. Previously, we had heard that Neil was dating Sonal Chauhan. Appears that it was all air and no substance! Bollywood Celebden wishes Neil good luck with his career!

I didn't want to cast Sunny in my film: Anees Bazmee

Director Anees Bazmee tells he was not keen to rope in Sunny Leone in his movie because he doesn’t want to be “accused of anything risque”.

The Canadian adult movie star Sunny embarked on Bollywood journey with “Jism 2″ and she also did item number in “Shootout At Wadala”. Before that she had participated in the television reality show “Bigg Boss 5″, which paved her way into the Indian film industry.

There were news that now Sunny has bagged a role in “Welcome” sequel, which was originally played by Mallika Sherawat.

Bazmee directed “Welcome”, a 2007 hit comedy, starred Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif as the lead pair. It also featured Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar, according to the reports; the two actors didn’t feel comfortable working with Sunny.

The director has taken strong exception to the reports that only Anil and Nana, who were to be paired with Sunny in the sequel, shied away from being associated with the former adult film actress.

Bazmee revealed, “It’s being made out that they are family men with children and therefore felt embarrassed about being seen on screen with her. As if I, the director of the film, am okay with the idea. Let me make it very clear that I was not at all interested in signing her.”

Bazmee is known for directing movies like “Pyaar To Hona Hi Tha”, “No Entry”, and “Ready”.

Debutant Girish Taurani intends to keep audience happy!

Actor Girish Taurani, who is making his acting debut with Prabhudheva's "Ramaiya Vastavaiya", believes keeping the viewers happiness will help him tread the right direction in his career.

"All my energy is invested here. In future, whatever work I do, my intention will be to do good work and keep my audience happy," Girish said.

"Audience will always remain the king, and if they are pleased with you, they will take you ahead," told Girish.

The actor, son of producer Ramesh Taurani, says it doesn't matter what family one comes from. If you're talented, you're here to stay.

"Hrithik Roshan is a producer's son, Aamir Khan is a producer's son - whoever has the talent will survive. If the audience likes your work, you will survive. Shah Rukh (Khan) doesn't have any backup (film family background), and he did so well. He is still doing very well," asks Girish.

"Ramaya Vastavaiya", releasing July 19, features Shruti Haasan as the female lead. 

IPL has been a learning experience for me and my children: Shah Rukh Khan

Admitting that he takes Kolkata Knight Riders' defeats "personally", megastar Shahrukh Khan stressed that the Indian Premier League (IPL)matches have been a learning experience for him and his children.

"I got to learn a lot (from IPL)...to learn how to lose but not become losers. My children have also learnt a lot. They haven't learnt that much from my profession. But this completely uncontrolled, unbridled enthusiasm, ups and downs and not knowing what's happening has taught them to be better people. So I thank IPL," Shah Rukh said a TV channel while promoting his upcoming release "Chennai Express".

Conceding to missing most of his team's matches in the series, he said he has to juggle with the entertainment aspect in both cricket and movies.

"I couldn't come (to Eden Gardens). I was shooting my film and am injured too...I wanted to complete the movie… I had a choice though. People would have been happy anyway watching the league matches, whether I am present or absent. Or if my film comes out , people will be happy watching it too. I have to balance it out between cricket's entertainment and film's entertainment," told Shah Rukh, whose "Chennai Express" comes out on Aug 8.

The Bollywood 'badshah' admitted feeling "really sad" when his team, KKR, does not perform to expectations.

"I missed all the matches.. specially we didn't make it to the play offs. We are the defending champions. When my team was not doing well, I feel really sad. I take it personally in terms of my emotions.. in terms of my children because I feel their life's learnings are through this IPL," he told.

Of the 16 IPL matches KKR played, the team won six and lost 10, thereby ruining its chances of qualifying for the play-offs this season. 

Indian TV is for housewives: Saif Ali Khan

Three of Bollywood's well-known Khans - Shah Rukh, Salman and Aamir - have already had a taste of the small screen, but Saif Ali Khan is happy being far-away from it. Neither does he enjoy the drama content, nor does he find any entertainment in reality TV.

"I don't know about acting on TV. I feel we need great content on TV. As of now, it is cornered by housewives, and I feel there's a need for content for young boys. Our TV is not as good," Saif said.

As a spectator, he enjoys watching TV, and believes it shouldn't be called an "idiot box".

"I like to watch a few episodes of British and American shows once in a while, and one has to admit that the quality of some of their shows is as good as movies somehow," he further added.

Saif, who was recently seen in his home production "Go Goa Gone", tells no-no to Indian TV reality shows as well.

"I can't bear reality TV. Why would I want to watch all of that? I don't like shows like 'Big Brother'. I like drama," he told.

While Saif has kept away from the small screen, his veteran actress mother Sharmila Tagore has earlier judged music reality show "Dhoom Macha De", and actress sister Soha Ali Khan has hosted "Khelo Jeeto Jiyo". 

Emraan Hashmi's midas touch impresses Altaf Raja!

Singer Altaf Raja, who is making his comeback with the song titled "Jholuraam" in Emraan Hashmi starrer "Ghanchakkar", tells the actor has ability to make things successful.

Altaf has shot a quirky music video with Emraan for "Jholuraam". Praising the actor, he told, "Whatever Emraan touches, it turns gold."

Emraan has chartbusters "Soniyo", "Pee Loon", "Tum mile", "Aashiq banaya aapne" and "Ishq sufiyana" among others to his credit.

Altaf further added, "He has so many hit songs to his credit. He is one star who probably has the most number of hit songs picturised on him in the past five years. I'm sure that people will love the fun moments... the song will become a hit. Watch out for it."

"Jholuraam" describes Emraan's character in "Ghanchakkar", coming out June 28.

Emraan, who is quite thrilled about Altaf singing for him for the first time, told it is a "huge draw" to have Altaf sings Jholuraam for them.

"He has been the voice of the masses. When he sang 'Pardesi', the nation sang the song with him and it is fantastic that he is singing for 'Ghanchakkar'. The song is super fun and quirky. I'm looking forward to the reaction from the people", he added.

Produced by UTV Motion Pictures, "Ghanchakkar" will see Emraan with Vidya Balan. 

Sana is not required for current schedule of Mental: Sohail Khan

Actress Sana Khan is seemingly in hiding after getting embroiled in a controversy surrounding an alleged kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl, but her absence won't affect the shooting of Salman Khan starrer "Mental".

Sohail Khan, who is producing-directing "Mental", told, "I read about Sana just as you did. I am clueless about what's happened to her. But I am not required to shoot with her for a month. By then I hope her problems are sorted out and her life returns to normal."

Sana participated in reality show "Bigg Boss 6", which was hosted by Salman and according to a source; she doesn't have a major part in the movie.

"The main female roles are played by Tabu and Daisy Shah. Salman had made an implicit promise to cast her, and he did. And unless absolutely necessary Salman and Sohail won't replace her. But if they have to, it's no big deal because she has hardly shot for the movie," told a source.

News of the actress' involvement in the kidnapping of a minor girl emerged Friday. According to reports, she has been declared absconding after she was charged with alleged attempted abduction of the girl, who supposedly rejected a marriage proposal by Sana's cousin Naved Khan.