Shahrukh’s 'Hop Skip and Jump' game!

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has been in the film industry for over two decades, tells an actor's life in India is all about jumping from one work commitment to the other.

Shah Rukh, who has often called himself a workaholic, has given hits like "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho".

"I think that an actor's life in India is best described by the game 'Hop Skip and Jump'. Hop on a film...skip normal life and jump to the next," SRK wrote.

Presently basking in the success of his most recent movie "Chennai Express", SRK will next be seen in director Farah Khan's movie "Happy New Year".

Alia Bhatt warns her fans for fake pictures!

Actress Alia Bhatt has warned her fans against "random" pictures of her upcoming movie "Highway", which are doing the rounds on internet.

Alia, who made her debut with Karan Johar's 2012 film "Student Of The Year", will star opposite Randeep Hooda in the Imtiaz Ali movie.

"There's some random image doing around from 'Highway' that isn't authentic at all! That is not me or Randeep in that picture," Alia wrote on Twitter.

"Stills from the film will be out closer to the release probably. So please don't fall for these fake images," she further added. 

I admire Beyonce for balancing her personal and professional life very well: Priyanka Chopra

Bollywood's versatile star Priyanka Chopra admires international pop star-cum-actress Beyonce Knowles for the balance that she has struck in personal and professional life.

"I admire Beyonce a lot because she is an amazing performer and more than anything, she balances her personal and professional life very well," Priyanka told.

"She has a child, and at the same time, her professional life also, which is amazing! That's the kind of a person I would like to be - who can balance both personal and professional life together," she further added.

Priyanka, who is charting her own singing career after becoming a successful actress, says it was her late father, who always wanted her to be a singer.

The 31-year-old has already launched two international singles - "In my city" and "Exotic".

But it was a well-timed decision to get into the singing field, she believes.

"In the beginning of my career, I never knew acting. I have learnt everything in my career itself. When you have gone to acting school, when you are in the film industry, there is some familiarity, but I didn't have these familiarities. So it took some time and when I reached somewhere, I got this opportunity of music and that time I was little more comfortable in films and my dad really wanted me to do it," Priyanka told. 

Sushant needs preparatory leave for Byomkesh Bakshi!

After the release of "Shuddh Desi Romance", actor Sushant Singh Rajput will take some time off to prepare for his role in Dibakar Banerjee's "Detective Byomkesh Bakshi".

"Shuddh Desi Romance", produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF) hits the silver screen Friday.

Sushant, who will play the popular detective, says a lot is to be done for his role in the movie, which is based on one of the 33 crime thrillers written by renowned Bengali writer Sharadindu Bandopadhyay.

"I have taken leave for two to three months for 'Detective Byomkesh Bakshi' after the release of 'Shuddh Desi Romance'. A lot has to be done for the film like the look of the 1940s' hairstyle, body, accent ... but all after this film," Sushant told journalists at a radio station.

Directed by Maneesh Sharma, "Shuddh Desi Romance" also stars Parineeti Chopra and newcomer Vaani Kapoor. 

Charity is a very personal equation, says Malaika Arora Khan!

Bollywood actress Malaika Arora Khan was lately spotted launching a charity-themed campaign 'Taiwan Excellence Cares' in Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion the 40-year old actress told, "Charity is a very personal equation, like we say charity begins at home. It starts with your immediate help in the house, the people who work for you. That is where you have to display certain amount of charity and if at all you do, you believe in a cause or you believe in a certain way of going about in life and bringing about a change in your society and your environment, so that alone is something you are doing and that is charity".

The 'Dabangg' star has been signed as a celebrity endorser to boost the international brand image and reputation of Taiwan.

I want to be a bahu of TV Show, says Priyanka Chopra!

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is busy hopping from one TV show to another to promote her upcoming movie "Zanjeer", tells she would love to become a 'bahu' (daughter-in-law) in a daily soap one day.

"I would love to play a TV bahu. The most special thing about TV bahus is that when they go to sleep they look beautiful and when they wake up that time also they look beautiful," told the 31-year-old.

"Besides, they are loaded with jewellery all the time. So why wouldn't I want to be a bahu of that kind," added the actress on the sets of TV serial "Bade Acche Lagte Hain".

Priyanka was on the sets here with her "Zanjeer" co-star Ram Charan Teja.

The actress admitted she doesn't watch TV serials but she stays updated about every show thanks to her mother and grandmother.

"There are a lot of daily soap fans in my home. My grandmother, my mother, everyone watches them together. In the evening, it gets tough to talk to them at the dining table. They know the story of every TV serial and I also get to know about them because of them as they tell me everything during dinner time," she told.

Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, "Zanjeer" hits theatres Friday. 

Madras Cafe - Film Review

The Bollywood industry is all about garnering mass appreciation by whatever means, which has given rise to the breed of mindless comedies and masala entertainers in the recent times. But, in contrast, one of the crucial facts that cannot be ignored is the mindset of some intelligent brave heart filmmakers of the new millennium, who have time and again proved their guts and boldness by trying their hands in controversial genres.

One such newest example is Shoojit Sircar's new film Madras Cafe, a devastating drama of war violence conspiracy and betrayal. The movie is a very brave, honest and genuine attempt and has been mired in controversies for its striking resemblance to real political events associated with the Sri Lankan civil war and the ideas of a rebel group.

Featuring John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri in the leads, Madras Cafe is a serious saga, set against the backdrop of the Sri Lankan civil war. Madras Cafe is strong, gritty, explosive and sombre, that throws light on the brutal killings of the innocent Sri Lankan Tamils, in the late 80s and early 90s.

The credit for bringing Madras Cafe to the silver screen solely rests with John Abraham and he should receive a standing ovation for this. Political films are not easy to make, more so releasing them in theaters.

Well, John should have courted the Tamils too to have a smooth overall release. John has broken some records too in his political venture. He comes across as a fine actor, who was hiding behind the nonsensical masala movies but had given enough glimpses of an actor in Water (2005) and New York (2009). He also came across as a bold producer, who refused to give in to political bullying in Tamil Nadu.

Major Vikram Singh (John Abraham) is a RAW agent, who is assigned to go to Jaffana (Sri Lanka) to help bring political stability. He has a tough job apprehending Anna Bhaskaran (Ajay Ratnam), leader of a Tamil outfit LTF. In the course of his assignment, he meets Jaya Sahni (Nargis Fakhri) who is a British war correspondent. And slowly the plot unfolds. It is not only the war and political situation but there is a sinister plot of assassinating the former Prime Minister of India (Sanjay Gurbaxani).

Madras Cafe starts with the protagonist Vikram Singh (John Abraham) in a shocking and unrecognizable state of a drunkard, who was once the special Indian RAW officer. Singh narrates the story of the horrific experience that he had undergone, after he was appointed by the intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing to conduct covert operations in Sri Lanka shortly after the Indian Peace Keeping Force was forced to withdraw.

As he journeys to Sri Lanka, with the intention of disrupting a rebel group, he discovers the larger issue. What's the larger issue? and how does he uncover a conspiracy in the process? The protagonist gets caught in the Indo-Sri Lankan political conspiracy and turmoil, finally getting targeted by the groups.

Madras Cafe exposes the culture of violence that every nation bears, in which the only people who suffer are the commoners who seek only peace and happiness from their lives. Madras Cafe is an unquestionably impressive and well-thought out flick that reveals a lot of lesser-known facts about the Sri Lankan War and the pathetic plight of the Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka during the 80s.

Cinematography brings out the lush green scenery. The action scenes leave one right in the midst of battlefield. There are three mesmerizing songs that reflect on the ongoing happenings in the movie. Ajnabi tugs at the heart-strings, Sun le zara is effective in the war zone and Khud Se is like a dialogue with oneself.

The actors chosen to play LTTE leader V Prabhakarn (Ajay Ratnam) and Rajiv Gandhi (Sanjay Gurbaxani) need special mention as they bear uncanny resemblance to the characters they play. Anita Pratap too would be left comparing her life with Nargis's portrayal. The cast has been aptly chosen and they infuse life in their roles.

We get to see the best of John Abraham in Madras Cafe. He's just an excellent and very convincing in the role of a RAW officer. Nargis Fakhri gets saved from hindi dialogues finally and is seen in an absolutely new avatar in the film. She is much better than what we had last saw her in Rockstar.

Siddhartha Basu was outstanding, while Raashi Khanna doesn't get much opportunity to display her acting skills.

But, unnecessary political controversy created will certainly dent the box office collections but the question is hasn't this controversy also deprived the viewers to watch a well-executed movie that brings alive a crucial part of India's political history and shows a snuffed out young political life? It is definitely not the movie's loss but of the viewers. It goes without saying the movie will win many awards in the coming days.

John is a forerunner to change that brings in intelligent movies. Once in a while you watch such RAW and rustic movies that it is almost rare.

Overall, it is commendable to see once.

Once Upon Ay Time In Mumbai Dobaara - Film Review

The film industry's fascination with gangster movies dates back to the 1970s. But, this year has witnessed an excess of gangster movies invading our cinema halls, while a few of them were inspired by real-life characters as well. Additionally, the year also marks a substantial rise in sequels, since the original movies have tremendous recall value.

Milan Luthria's ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA! takes off from where ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI concluded -- the fight for power. But unlike most gangster films, ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA! takes the precarious route of narrating a love story, with two criminals falling in love with the same woman, besides focusing on the game of one-upmanship between gangsters and the power struggle being played in the lanes and streets of Mumbai.

Milan Luthria has never been a great filmmaker. At least his earlier movies like “Kachche Dhaage” and “Dirty Picture” had some interesting conflicts between characters who are driven by a desire for revenge but are frustrated in their malevolence by their love for the very same people they want to hate.

ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA! narrates the story of an underworld don, Shoaib (Akshay Kumar). His only confidantes are his best friend Javed (Sarfaraz Khan) and former lover Mumtaz (Sonali Bendre). He notices Aslam (Imran Khan) and takes him under his wings. Slowly, Aslam becomes one of his trusted confidantes.

Shoaib stumbles upon an aspiring actress Jasmine (Sonakshi Sinha). Slowly, but surely, his attraction towards Jasmine goes on to becoming an obsession. This creates a rift between Shoaib and Aslam and results in the ultimate face-off between the mentor and protégé.

Milan Luthria, who replicated the bygone era in his last two movies (ONCE UPON A TIME IN MUMBAAI and THE DIRTY PICTURE) successfully, seems like a complete pro in recreating the long-gone decades with flourish. Right from the ambiance to the outfits to the dialogue the protagonists or the assorted characters deliver, everything mirrors the 1970s and 1980s with accuracy and aptitude.

Unluckily, the first hour doesn't cut ice, focusing on the compulsory light moments, songs and dramatic moments that seldom seize your attention. But, Milan and writer Rajat Aroraa make sure they reserve the best for the second hour, packing the movie with heavy-duty drama and conflict that makes it captivating and engaging. Also, Milan doesn't resort to action and bloodshed -- the key aspects that are inevitable for any gangster movie -- to carry the story forward. These elements, although part of the narrative, are used as garnishing wherever essential. In a way, Milan attempts a gangster film, but steers clear of factors that could eclipse the love story, drama and conflict in the story.

ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA! suffers because the grip is absent from the very start itself (which was the highpoint of the prequel). Also, the villain (Mahesh Manjrekar) is just not reliable or commanding enough here. But the writer springs a surprise by making the don (Akshay) vicious and vindictive towards the latter half, which adds a lot of weight to the proceedings. The final moments, starting with the fiery confrontation involving Akshay and Sonakshi, when she mistakes his friendship for love, right till the closing stages of the movie, the graph of the movie only soars upwards.

Milan gets ample support from the DoP by Ayananka Bose as well as the art department (well done, yet again!) to impart his vision on screen. The styling is perfect, while the background score enlivens the ambiance at many junctures. The high point, of course, is the dialogue penned by Rajat Aroraa, which contributed enormously to the last two movies and makes a significant contribution this time too. The conversations are compelling, forceful and power-packed. Pritam's music is in sync with the mood of the movie. 'Yeh Tune Kya Kiya' and 'Tayyab Ali' are remarkable compositions.

Milan is an expert who extracts proficient performances from his actors and this is apparent in ONCE UPON AY TIME IN MUMBAI DOBAARA! as well. Akshay enacts the grey character with flourish. He adds a lot of novelty and uniqueness to his character, underplaying it magnificently and modulating his voice dexterously. After playing urban characters in his earlier movies, Imran plays a desi character (his second this year!) this time, catching you by complete surprise yet again. It won't be erroneous to state that he's the dark horse. Sonakshi seems to be improving with every movie. Besides exuding the right amount of innocence, she goes on to demonstrate that she can handle emotional outbursts really well, especially during the climax confrontation with Akshay.

Sonali Bendre Behl doesn't get much scope, but shines in the powerful sequence with Akshay. Sophie Choudhry sizzles in a cameo. Sarfaraz Khan does well. Mahesh Manjrekar is wasted. Abhimanyu Singh doesn't get much scope. Pitobash, Hussain Shaikh, Mushtaq Khan and Chetan Hansraj are good.

And really, what this film has done to the Mohd Rafi Qawwalli “Tayyab ali pyar ka dushman” would make Manmohan Desai wince if he was alive.

On the whole, it is praiseworthy to watch once.

Chennai Express - Film Reveiw

Chennai Express has been the most awaited film.

The film’s story has been told many times previously. Rahul (played by Shahrukh Khan) is a 40-year-old man who goes on a journey to a town in Tamil Nadu to fulfill the last wish of his grandfather (played by Lekh Tandon) to have his ashes immersed in Rameshwaram.

On his way, he stumbles upon a South Indian girl Meenamma a.k.a Meena (played by Deepika Padukone). Meena wants to flee from the clutches of her father (played by Sathyaraj) who wants her to get married to a person she doesn’t love Thangaballi (played by Nikitin Dheer).

Meena is being escorted back home by four beefy cousins after a failed attempt to flee her village. Rahul is caught in the game that the girl decides to play with her father.

The film’s story has been told several times by many film makers. What makes the film special here is the best execution by Rohit Shetty who is the ‘King’ of Action and Masala films.

Shahrukh Khan as Rahul is simply astonishing. Again, the King Khan goes on to prove that he is just invincible. Deepika Padukone is India’s best actress and we cannot deny this fact. But with her Chennai Express character, she will steal your heart and make you fall in love with her again and again.

Sathyaraj in his first Hindi movie is just overwhelming. Back home in South, Sathyaraj is considered a legend. Nikitin Dheer, Mukesh Tiwari and others land in with a good support.

Yes, this is an out-and-out Rohit Shetty masala entertainer with his own trademark.

People may also say that this is Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge in a Rohit Shetty style, but it is a Romantic Action adventure from the director who just knows how to entertain a common man.

The production value and camera-work is superior. Music wise, the film’s songs are already a chart-buster. Editing is a little weak and drags in many parts.

Overall, it is commendable to watch once.

RGV’s ‘Satya 2′ goes to Kashmir!

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has explored the scenic locales of Kashmir to shoot a romantic song for his next project "Satya 2".

A source close to Varma told, "This is for the first time that Ram Gopal has shot for a song in Kashmir."

"Even in 'Satya', he had shot for a romantic song. Though 'Satya 2' is an underworld story, but there is also a strong love story in it. It's a beautiful romantic song which has been shot in the valleys of Kashmir. The song is visual treat for the audience," the source further added.

The song was seemingly shot in Kashmir in June.

Of late, Varma has helmed movies with dark themes, but in the past, he was credited with movies like "Rangeela", "Daud" and "Mast", which had a romantic tinge.

"Satya 2" is a sequel to "Satya", which was released in 1998. It features all newcomers. 

Priyanka is a huge inspiration for me, says Parineeti Chopra!

Actress Parineeti Chopra tells her cousin, the multi-talented Priyanka Chopra, is a huge inspiration for her.

After bagging the Miss World title in 2000, Priyanka ventured into movies, and she is among the top Bollywood actresses today. She has also forayed into singing with two international singles - "In my city" and "Exotic".

Parineeti, who joined showbiz in 2011 with "Ladies vs Ricky Bahl", is all praise for her elder sister.

"Priyanka is a huge inspiration for me," Parineeti told here.

"The kind of launch she has got ... I don't think any singer must have got. Singers always wait for one hit song so that they can move in the right direction, but she has directly reached Hollywood. It's the biggest launch ever. If I get any such opportunity I would never say 'No'," she further added.

The vivacious actress tells, she harbours singing dreams too.

"It is my dream that I become a playback singer. I am trained in singing so one day I will certainly sing," she told.

Parineeti also tells she seeks Priyanka's suggestions sometimes.

"In our family, people have no idea of what scripts to choose. So the only person from whom I can take an idea is Priyanka. I take all suggestions from her," told the 24-year-old. 

Big B’s HRB Memorial Trust for his father's memory!

Superstar Amitabh Bachchan has announced the formation of a charity organisation - HRB Memorial Trust - in memory of his late father Harivansh Rai Bachchan.

"I am happy to announce the formation of a Trust in the memory of my Father - HRB Memorial Trust - which shall work to collect funds for charity. My own efforts at creating events or acts to contribute to it shall be prime, and the list of the charitable work done shall be soon visible to all," Big B wrote on his blog.

The 70-year-old had lately expressed a desire to establish an institute dedicated to the work of his late father, a renowned poet. Harivansh Rai, who died in 2003, is credited with works like "Madhushala" and "Agneepath".

Amitabh is his elder son.

Amitabh, who is active on the virtual world, also hinted at a new project in the pipeline.

"Some rather intricate actions on the digital format for me are being considered and worked on and soon I shall be in a position to describe them to all ... it could be quite exciting," he further added. 

Vidyut Jamwal and Rajkumar Santoshi come together for an action film!

Actor Vidyut Jammwal, often called the new age action hero of Bollywood, has seemingly bagged a key role in filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi's next.

A source close to the filmmaker said, "Rajkumar wants to make an out-an-out action film, and Vidyut Jammwal fits the bill perfectly. He will lead the film and soon after 'Phata Poster Nikla Hero' releases, this film will go on floors."

However, more on the project will be disclosed later.

"Right now they are still finalising the rest of the star cast for the film," further added the source.

The film is likely to be produced as well as directed by Santoshi, who is presently busy promoting his "Phata Poster Nikla Hero". It stars Shahid Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz in the lead. 

Manish Paul’s youth connected film with 'Mickey Virus'!

Popular TV anchor Manish Paul, who is foraying into Bollywood with "Mickey Virus", a movie set against the backdrop of hacking, tells youngsters will find a connect with the film.

Directed by debutant Saurabh Varma, "Mickey Virus" is a comedy-thriller and features Manish as a computer hacker named Mickey Arora.

"I think so far, no film has been made on hacking, and youngsters will really connect with the film because today everything is online. People shop online, even education is online," Manish said journalists here Sunday during promotion of the movie.

At the event, he was accompanied by his co-stars Puja Gupta and Swedish actress Elli Avram.

Puja disclosed that in the film, she plays a tomboy, who helps Mickey in all his odd jobs.

"I have a tomboyish character in the film and I am basically one of the boys in the movie. In the film, you will see me doing all guys kind of activities," she told.

She calls it more like a "Tom and Jerry" (popular animated cartoon films) relationship.

"Mickey (Manish's character in the film) and my friendship, I take it as more like a 'Tom and Jerry', neither we can live without each other nor with each other," told Puja.

Shot completely in Delhi, "Mickey Virus" is slated to release Oct 25. 

Sushant Singh Rajput’s tough romance with Rishi Kapoor!

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput will be seen with two actresses in "Shuddh Desi Romance", but he tells creating 'romance' with veteran actor Rishi Kapoor was challenging for him.

The movie, releasing Friday, features Parineeti Chopra and debutant Vaani Kapoor.

"When I met both of them, they already knew and were ready to create that romance. But the real problem I had in creating romance was with Rishi Kapoor," the 28-year-old told in an interview.

"It was toughest to create romance with Rishi-ji," he further added.

Rishi plays a Marwari wedding planner in "Shuddh Desi Romance", which is directed by Maneesh Sharma. 

Jacqueline excited to play film director in 'Roy'!

Jacqueline Fernandez, who will be seen in a double role in her forthcoming movie "Roy," is excited that one of her characters in the film is of a movie director. She tells she plans to take some tips from some director friends.

"I am lucky enough to be playing a double role in the movie, one of them being a director! So I am excited about that. I will take some tips from directors I know," the 28-year-old told here at the launch of a coffee table book.

She also told that the shoot for the movie begins by the end of 2013.

"We haven't started shooting for 'Roy' yet. We will start by end of the year. It's really interesting, I am working opposite two amazing actors," she told.

"Roy" stars Ranbir Kapoor and Arjun Rampal.

To be directed by Vikramjit Singh, it is currently slated for release in June 2014.

Rajesh Khanna's last film Riyasat to release on his death anniversary!

Veteran actor Rajesh Khanna's last movie "Riyasat" has got a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The delayed movie is now likely to release around the late superstar's 71st birth anniversary Dec 29.

The movie was supposed to come out on Rajesh Khanna's birth anniversary in 2012 but it was then pushed to his death anniversary July 18 this year. However, it did not manage a release even then. But everything is in place now, tells director Ashok Tyagi.

"Rajesh Khanna represents life. Therefore, it was inappropriate to release his film on his death anniversary. The film is now absolutely ready for release with a U/A censor certificate," Tyagi said.

"We have issued pages in the trade magazines requesting the entire industry to support us in bringing this film to the audience," he further added.

"Riyasat" also features Gauri Kulkarni, Aryan Vaid, Aryeman Ramsay and Raza Murad.

Tyagi feels it will be ideal to release the movie Dec 27, two days before the actor's 71st birth anniversary.

Rajesh Khanna, the first superstar of Hindi films, died after a prolonged illness in 2012. He is known for hits like "Aradhana", "Kati Patang", "Anand", "Amar Prem", "Do Raaste" and "Aan Milo Sajna" among others. 

"Valmiki Ki Bandook" an interesting film, says Shriya Saran!

Popular south Indian actress Shriya Saran, who has made her mark in Bollywood with movies like "Awaarapan" and "Mission Istaanbul", is appearing in another Hindi film - "Valmiki Ki Bandook". She says it is an "interesting film."

"It is called "Valmiki Ki Bandook". It is very interesting. It has been shot in Dholpur (in Rajasthan), so the language, dresses everything is inspired by that," Shriya said journalists at the launch of a clothing store.

The actress was seen in a special appearance in "Zila Ghaziabad" this year while the 2012 movie "Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai" had her in a full-fledged role.

To be directed by filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia's assistant Karan Bhutani, "Valmiki Ki Bandook" will also feature Jimmy Shergill, Jackky Shroff and Kay Kay Menon.

Veena Malik cuts down her favourite food items for Supermodel!

Actress Veena Malik tells she had to let go of some of her favourite food items to cut down almost 9 kgs to fit into her role in the forthcoming movie "Supermodel".

"I had to work hard to fit into the character. When my producer and director Navin Batra came to sign me, they said that 'Veena-ji, you need to cut down your weight to 47 kgs'. I was 56 kgs at that time. So to be a supermodel, I had to let go of food," Veena told here at the music launch of the movie.

"Then of course, to get into the character's emotional ups and downs while acting... that was there. I wanted to make it look very real on screen," she further added.

"Supermodel" also stars Ashmit Patel and hits theatres Sep 27. 

SRK starts filming for 'Happy New Year' in Dubai with Abhishek!

Shahrukh Khan has started shooting for his forthcoming film 'Happy New Year' in Dubai, mere weeks after celebrating the huge success of his last film 'Chennai Express'.

According to a website, the Bollywood star landed in the city at 11.15am to be on the set of the film, which is a UAE project led by his director-friend Farah Khan.

The publication asserted that the actor will spend all of September filming the Dubai-based tale.

Farah also took to Twitter to announce the start of the filming with a picture of the clapboard with Scene 1, Happy New Year, adding, that she was thankful for all the good wishes and positive energy.

The upcoming film will also star Shahrukh's former 'Om Shanti Om' co-star Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan, who will join the crew by Sunday evening. 

Big B’s voice for boss Akshay Kumar!

Bollywood 'khiladi' Akshay Kumar's character in his upcoming movie "Boss" will be introduced by megastar Amitabh Bachchan. For Akshay, it is an "honour".

"It's an honour and a privilege to have a legend like Amitabh Bachchan introduces my character in 'Boss'. I've been his biggest fan since childhood and have even had the pleasure of working with him. He is an institution by himself," Akshay told in a statement.

Akshay and Amitabh have previously worked together in films like "Khakee" and "Waqt: The Race Against Time".

In "Boss", Akshay's character has a huge build-up before he makes an entry on screen and the makers always believed that no one other than the 70-year-old could do justice to the introduction of such a strong and larger-than-life character.

Also, when the script was sent to Big B, he loved the idea and immediately agreed to be a part of the film.

"I've known Big B for years now because of my journalism background. But more importantly, I've grown up on his films. Probably the reason why I am in movies today is because of him. When I called him and requested him to be a part of 'Boss', he agreed," producer Ashwin Varde told in a statement.

"It's like a dream come true - to have a legend like him giving an introduction to the film," he further added.

The superstar was given a script of the scenes well in advance. Despite his busy schedule, he made it a point to complete the dubbing at the earliest. He also improvised on the lines much to the delight of the film's makers.

Directed by Anthony D'Souza, "Boss" also stars Mithun Chakraborty, Shiv Pandit, Aditi Rao Hydari, Danny Denzongpa, Ronit Roy and Johnny Lever. Co-produced by Viacom 18 Motion Pictures, Cape Of Good Films and Ashwin Varde Productions, "Boss" will release in October. 

Sushant Singh Rajput moves to regional movies!

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who has already earned a name in the Hindi film industry, tells he is open to do regional movies.

He was appreciated for his work in "Kai Po Che" and now the audience is enthusiastically waiting to see his acting prowess again in "Shuddh Desi Romance", which is releasing Sep 6.

"I never planned my career. I can understand Marathi, but I can't talk. I am open to everything. I just want to be a part of films that I believe in and that can be Marathi, Gujarati or anything. So, I am open to do regional films," Sushant said.

Sushant, who will be working with director Abhishek Kapoor again post "Kai Po Che", tells they have enough respect for each other.

"When we were shooting for 'Kai Po Che', he had this trust in me. It was very kind of him to ask me to work in this film. After the success of 'Rock On!!' and 'Kai Po Che', he could have cast any star for the film, but we have enough respect for each other. This is very encouraging for me as an actor. The film will go on floors by next year," he told.

The film, produced by Ekta Kapoor, is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic "Great Expectations" and Sushant will play the protagonist in the movie. 

Naseeruddin Shah plays director’s real life in 'John Day'!

Filmmaker Ahishor Solomon, who is debuting with "John Day" as a director, tells Naseeruddin Shah's character in the movie is inspired by his own life.

"Naseer saab's character is of a simple guy, who is very loyal and fears god. He believes in his own rules, but the tough time he is going through in life has shattered his beliefs. And I think his character is an inspiration from my own self," Solomon told in a statement.

"While I was writing the script, I was going through a very tough time. I had started hating myself and was broken emotionally. I believe every writer gives something of his own personality to the character he is penning down," he further added.

"John Day" is co-produced by Anjum Rizvi, Aatef A. Khan and K. Asif and also features Randeep Hooda and Elena Kazan. It is set to release Sep 13. 

The comedy genre is lighter and also great fun, says Soha Ali Khan!

Actress Soha Ali Khan, who has featured in movies like "Rang De Basanti", "Khoya Khoya Chand" and "Soundtrack", will now be seen in a comical movie, "War Chhod Na Yaar". She tells the genre is lighter and also great fun.

"I am doing comedy for the first time and it has been great fun. I have done films where to get into a role; you have to bring back all these depressing memories before a shot. Comedy is much lighter, you can improvise, you can have fun, and you can let yourself go," Soha told in a statement.

"War Chhod Na Yaar", a war comedy, is director Farz Haider's maiden venture. Soha plays a war reporter in the movie.

"I really liked the subject and that's why I said yes to Faraz. It was one of the best scripts I have ever read. We all want wars to stop and the most influential medium in India is films. Movies inspire us.  Faraz has written a script through which he aims to change our mindset and show us what we can do to stop wars," she further added.

The film also features Sharman Joshi and Javed Jaffrey. 

I am today due to my failures, says Mahesh Bhatt!

Much-admired filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, who has seen several ups and downs in his professional and personal life, tells he is what he is today due to his failures.

In his association of over three decades with the Indian film industry, he has made several movies like "Arth", "Naam" and "Zakhm", which have struck the right chords with the audience.

The 64-year-old began his career in 1974, and he has come a long way by experimenting and helming new kind of cinema - whether it is as a director, or through his production banner Vishesh Films.

"So far the life and my journey has been fascinating. Yes, ups and downs are there in life, but those failures and downs polish you and make you. Whatever I am today, I am just because of my failures," Mahesh told here at the first look launch of the movie "Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya" and its Indo-Pak based anthem, "Dil ki udaan".

"Failures polish you and give you strength to move forward. I would just say that when you are going through failures in your life, don't worry as those are your good times. But when you are successful, then you need to worry," he further added.

The filmmaker tasted real success with his 1982 movie "Arth", which was inspired by his personal life.

Now "Arth" is soon going to be staged as a play. 

My standard reply is no for acting offers for Partho, says Amole Gupte!

Filmmaker-actor-activist Amole Gupte, who is gearing up to work with his son Partho once again, tells several acting offers come his way for the young star, but he refuses most of them.

Partho, who had won a national award for his stellar performance in "Stanley Ka Dabba", was also offered Vishal Bhardwaj's "Ek Thi Daayan".

"I keep getting acting offers for Partho. My standard reply is no. I felt bad saying no to Vishal Bhardwaj when he offered Partho 'Ek Thi Daayan'. He is acting in my film 'Hawa Hawaai' now. That's all," Gupte told.

"I can't allow him to work at odd hours. That would affect his studies and other normal activities. That would be bad karma. God bless my child," he further added.

The 12-year-old is also busy learning to be a guitarist.

"He is a left-handed guitarist. For some time now, Partho has been learning to play the guitar from Bismarck Rodrigues who has taught the likes of Ehsaan Noorani (of Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy) and Sanjay Divecha," told Amole.

Partho also sings. He is a choir singer in his school.

"Partho sings extremely well. There's a musician lurking in him, but we are not encouraging him to feel like a special actor, special musician or special in any way. We've even put away his awards for 'Stanley Ka Dabba' at a place behind the door," he further added. 

I am overweight to flaunt the two-piece garment, says Parineeti Chopra!

Bollywood actresses are eagerly flaunting a bikini on the big screen, but curvaceous actress Parineeti Chopra tells she is overweight to flaunt the two-piece garment.

Asked if she will be okay wearing a bikini for a movie, she told, "If I have a hot body, then why not? But right now I don't have the right body. I am still overweight, so there's no way I can wear a bikini."

As such, the vivacious actress doesn't have any limitations or restrictions as an artist.

"I don't want to restrict myself. I don't know how long will I act, or may be the audience will get bored of me and then I will not be acting... so (as long as I am in showbiz), I don't want to restrict myself," she told.

Parineeti confesses that most actresses justify bold scenes by saying "it's the demand of the script". But she tells it is actually so.

"In 'Shuddh Desi Romance', Sushant (Singh Rajput) has to be physically close with (characters played by) Vaani Kapoor and me for the conflict to happen. If a director says that let's put some kissing scenes for publicity, I will never do that. It's ridiculus," she further added.

Busy with the promotions of "Shuddh Desi Romance, which releases Sep 6, Parineeti gaurantees that the movie is "entertaining".

The movie is directed by Maneesh Sharma.