I thought a bikini was fine for Bewakoofiyan, says Sonam Kapoor!

Carefree actress Sonam Kapoor has come to learn that she needs to be "careful" with her words in an industry where statements can be "twisted and distorted".

Sonam's father Anil Kapoor had recently told that Sonam's bikini shot would get "Bewakoofiyan" a good opening.

Refuting this, the actress told, "My father never said that. All that I said at a press meet was that my father feels the film would get a good opening. That statement found itself bonding with the bikini in the newspaper headlines. I've realized I have to be very careful in what I say. I speak my heart out. Such honesty is not appreciated in the film industry. Instead, it is twisted and distorted. A lot of what I say is lost in translation."

Actresses often credit the decision of wearing a bikini on screen to the "demand of the script" or the director, but Sonam Kapoor tells it was her own decision to flaunt the two-piece garment in her forthcoming film "Bewakoofiyaan". And she wasn't tense about it.

"It wasn't the producer Aditya Chopra or the director Nupur Asthana's idea that I wear a bikini. In fact, the director suggested a one-piece bathing costume. But I thought a bikini was fine," told the saucy actress.

It's no big deal, she feels.

"If you see the trailer, there are two young people going for swim. It's perfectly natural for the girl to be in a bikini. It's not Halle Berry in a James Bond movie or Bipasha Basu in 'Dhoom' making a splash.

"The bikini blends naturally into the scene. And I am very happy to be wearing one. Having a female director around helped. But I wasn't really tense about wearing a bikini," she told. 

Soha Ali Khan paints school wall for child education!

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, who believes in the right of education for each individual, joined a social campaign for the cause by painting a part of a school's wall here.

Supporting P&G's flagship corporate social responsibility program P&G Shiksha at an event here recently, Soha told: "I truly believe that education is a basic right of every child and it is heartening to see a movement like P&G Shiksha facilitating education for underprivileged children."

The actress, who is the daughter of veteran talent Sharmila Tagore, sincerely believes "infrastructure is a key issue at schools across the country".

"P&G Shiksha makes the necessary infrastructure interventions by painting the school walls today, I have been able to play a small role in giving these children a bright and colourful future and ensuring they have access to a fully functional school," she further added.

Soha also turned teacher for the day and involved the children in some interactive learning by implementing fun tactics, and she even engaged them in a rapid fire round on a wide range of subjects.

The Oxford University alumnus has urged people to join the movement by making the simple brand choice of buying P&G products, as a part of the proceeds go towards building and supporting schools.

The P&G Shiksha program has impacted the lives of over 420,000 children and it continues to march forward with the motto 'Padegha India, Badhega India'. 

'Krrish 3' was the most fashionable until now: Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut has opened up about her fashion choices, including her most fashionable role so far, her preferred designers and design labels.

In an interview with a Magazine, the Bollywood style diva revealed that Burberry and Stella McCartney are her favorite foreign design labels, and she loves Sabyasachi's design when it comes to ethnic fashion.

The 'Tanu Weds Manu' star told that she is really comfortable in Burberry gowns as they fit her well and Tom Ford is one design label she can blindly pick from.

When asked about her most fashionable movie, the 26-year-old actress asserted that her role in 'Krrish 3' was the most fashionable until now.

'Bewakoofiyan' is inspired by real life: Ayushman Khurana

Ayushman Khurana has revealed that his forthcoming movie 'Bewakoofiyan' has fictional characters but the situations are inspired from real life.

The 'Vicky Donor' actor told that the movie revolves around the time of recession and is not a typical romantic comedy, but is inspired by real life, Indus Age reported.

'Bewakoofiyan', which is directed by Nupur Asthana, starring Sonam Kapoor has released on March 14.

One should take criticism in the right spirit: Harman Baweja

Actor Harman Baweja has resurfaced after five years to rebuild his declining career with "Dishkiyaoon". Talking openly about the wrong choices he made, he told one should take criticism in the right spirit and move on.

After his debut debacle "Love Story 2050", he had two releases: "What's Your Raashee?" and "Victory". Both films released in 2009 and further dented his career.

"You have to reinvent yourself. In this industry, people criticise not just your work but you as well. So, it gets personal and you have to take it in the right way," Harman, son of filmmaker Harry Baweja, told in a group interview.

Coming out March 28, "Dishkiyaoon" is actress Shilpa Shetty's maiden production venture.

Another Pakistani actress Zara Sheikh’s debut in the Bollywood!

Bollywood has always given good opportunities to Pakistani actors. Pakistani actors may still be reluctant about pursuing their luck in Bollywood, but their female counterparts are scripting a different trend altogether.

For example, Meeta Shafi, Humaima Malik, Sarah Loren, Mehreen Syed, Saeeda Imtiaz, TV chat show host Mathira, Veena Malik and Meera are making serious progress in their pursuit of a big Bollywood break.

Now another Pakistani actress’s name has included in the list of Pakistani aspirants in the Bollywood.

Recently, another Pakistani actress Zara Sheikh is trying her luck in Bollywood with forthcoming film Honour Killing.

Zara Sheikh is a Pakistani model, actress and singer. She began her career through an ad campaign for Mobilink Jazz, working as a full-time model before making her debut on the cinema-screen.

Sheikh has acted in films such as Tere Pyar Mein, Salakhain and Laaj. In 2003, she branched into singing, playback singing for her movie Chalo Ishq Larain.

Most awaiting film Honour Killings features the promising model and actress from Lahore, Zara Sheikh in a lead role. 

"I am really thankful to Avtarji for choosing me as a lead actress in the latest film Honour Killing. I am eagerly waiting for the Indian audience response about my performance”, says Zara Sheikh.

Director Avtar Bhogal wants new young face with Islamic cultural background for lead in Honour Killings and his search ends on Lahore born actress Zara Sheikh. 

Director brings together a multi-cultural cast and crew from India, Pakistan and Britain. Film honour killing is a love story which revolves around the contentious issue honour killing.

The film Honour Killing is set to release on 11 April 2014.

Kamal Haasan condemns plagiarism allegations!

There is rumor that the first look of Kamal Haasan's "Uttama Villain" is inspired by an image taken by French photographer Eric Lafforgue, but the veteran actor has slammed the allegation.

"Theyyam is a more than a 1,000-year-old art. The make-up was done by a good artist, who is probably a third generation practitioner of this art. The lighting might have been similar," he told.

"It is like saying two lovers - one leaning on another's chest looking in the same direction is a copy of the 'Ek Duje Ke Liye' poster," he further added.

Explaining the concept behind the first look, Kamal told, "My film has a Theyyam dance fusion with Tamil Nadu' s Kooththu tradition."

Painting his face for the look was not easy.

"That is not a mask. It is painted on my face. It took 4 hours to paint my face. It is a tradition passed on from many generations.”

"Uttama Villan" chronicles the life of a megastar who decides to make a period comedy called "Uttama Villan".

Shooting with Big B made me feel old, says Honey Singh!

Rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, whose numbers are a hit among the Indian youth, is awed by the energy of 71-year-old thespian Amitabh Bachchan, with whom he has lately collaborated for a song.

The duo shot a song together, and Honey Singh can't stop raving about the Big B.

"It's like being in a room filled with kinetic energy. Shooting with the Big B made me feel so old and inadequate. Not for a minute does he remind you of who he is. In fact, I felt I was with someone much younger than me," told the rapper, who turns 31 this month.

"Bachchan sahab was the coolest and youngest one on our crew. Every time he came on the sets, the energy level went up by many notches. When he left, we actually felt the energy level drop. He has the energy level of a 22-year-old," he further added.

The song that they shot is a promotional video for Big B's upcoming release "Bhoothnath Returns", and the rapper, often reprimanded for his bold and crass lyrics, made sure the words used were not "even remotely irreverent".

"I had to be very careful. It is okay to use casual trendy words for the younger stars. But the Big B is a star of stars," told Honey Singh, who says he spent sleepless nights trying to be politically correct for the Big B.

"It isn't as if we decided to be prim and proper in the song. There is a great deal of masti (fun) in our number. Bachchan sahab likes to have fun with the young. But I had to exercise self-censorship for the first time because this was for Bachchan sahab, and it was going to be incorporated into a film targeted at children," he told.

The song was shot over two days. At the end of the shooting, Honey Singh and his gang organised a party on the sets.

"We had this huge cake which said, 'Thank You, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan' and we partied hard at the end of the song. Bachchan sahab has spoilt me. He is addictive. Everyone who works with him wants to do so again. So, how am I an exception? Yes, I've plans of doing more music with the Big B," he told. 

Soha soon to start shoot for movie on Sikh riots!

Actress Soha Ali Khan is awaiting the start of shooting schedule of her next project, which is based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

"My next film is on 1984 Sikh riots and we will start shooting quite soon," Soha told here Monday at an event held to announce the winner of Classmate Spell Bee 2014 championship.

"National Award winner Shivaji Patil will be directing it and I am looking forward to it," she further added.

Soha was lately seen in comedy "Mr Joe B. Carvalho". Currently, she is busy with another movie "Chaarfutiya Chhokare". 

Kangana is endearing in 'Queen', says Arbaaz Khan!

Kangana Ranaut seems to have swept the whole Hindi film fraternity off its feet with her act in "Queen". Actor-director Arbaaz Khan is the newest celebrity to be floored by the actress' performance in the film.

He has called her an enormously gifted actor.

"I am going to personally talk to her (Kangana) and congratulate her. She is fabulous in the film, she is so natural, she is so gifted and talented. In this film you can see her come into her own, she is so endearing, watchable and this film is beautiful," the 46-year-old told here Monday following a special screening of "Queen".

Arbaaz further praised the movie, saying that it is one of the best he has seen in recent times.

"It is an outstanding and a terrific film. Kangana has done such brilliant work and it is a very well-written and beautiful film. One of the best films that I have seen in recent times and I think it will do really well," Arbaaz told.

Directed by Vikas Bahl, "Queen" is receiving a wonderful response at the box office. It is the story of a woman who goes on her honeymoon alone and enjoys her journey of self-realization. 

'Kaanchi' songs are divine, says Sonu Nigam!

Playback signer Sonu Nigam is ecstatic about his songs in forthcoming movie "Kaanchi" and tells that it will appeal to the music lovers.

"I have 2 songs in 'Kaanchi'. One by Ismail Darbar. A song that'll fulfil all that you have been missing in music these days... Promise! It's divine," he posted.

Subhash Ghai-directed "Kaanchi" is set for an April 25 release. 

Rajat Kapoor is open to criticism!

It's not easy to take criticism in your stride, but actor-filmmaker Rajat Kapoor tells that he invites critics to analyze his script as their inputs help him improvise it.

"It's difficult to deal with criticism. I deal with criticism a lot when I make a film. I invite criticism. I ask people what is wrong in the script, so that I can make it better, because after the film is made, you want to protect yourself. So, it's not easy," told Kapoor whose next offering is "Ankhon Dekhi". 

Spending time with family best stress-buster, says Manoj Bajpayee!

What is the best way to reduce tension? Spending time with the family, tells much-admired actor Manoj Bajpayee.

"Getting candid with my family the best stress-buster. One look at them and I feel every trouble is worth it. Do you think so too?" -- tweeted Manoj who is wedded to actress Neha. The couple has a daughter.

Lately seen in different kind of roles in "Chakravyuh", "Special 26" and "Shootout at Wadala", the actor is known for getting under the skin of his character.

And he confesses that sometimes such involvement with his role makes it difficult for him to differentiate between reel and real.

"Switching between roles, I often get so into character that it gets difficult to differentiate between the real," he told in his Twitter post. 

Too early to talk about 'Mere Dad Ki Maruti' sequel, says Saqib Saleem!

Actor Saqib Saleem tells talks are on for a sequel to "Mere Dad Ki Maruti", but he can't reveal details about the project.

Released in 2013, Ashima Chibber-directed "Mere Dad Ki Maruti" was a light-hearted goofy oddball father-son saga. While Saqib played the son, Ram Kapoor was seen as his dad.

"Yes, talks are on and I will be doing the sequel. It's too early to reveal about my character or my role. I'm not allowed to say anything and scripting is still going on. I am extremely excited about the film," Saqib said.

The actor was also seen in "Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge". 

Rajat Kapoor's uncomfortable moment with Naseeruddin!

Filmmaker-actor Rajat Kapoor tells he faced an awkward moment while casting for his movie "Ankhon Dekhi".

Kapoor's first choice for the main role was Sanjay Mishra, but when he couldn't contact the actor, he approached Naseeruddin Shah for the same.

As luck would have it, when Naseer gave his nod for the role, Sanjay too returned and the director found himself in a fix.

"When Sanjay had become unavailable and unreachable, I approached Naseer sir. But fortunately or unfortunately he (Sanjay) came back," Kapoor said.

Directed by Kapoor, "Ankhon Dekhi" is slated for a March 21 release.

"In the meantime, Naseer sir had read the script in three days and he liked it and by that time Sanjay had come back and I must say it was a bad timing, terrible timing."

"But Sanjay was my first choice and I went through a lot of shit. I told Naseeruddin Shah I will give him some other role in the same film, but he said he will not do it. Then I wrote a long mail and he replied nicely, saying Sanjay deserves it and all. But it was an awkward moment."

A quirky film, "Ankhon Dekhi" revolves around Raje Bauji (Sanjay), a man in his late 50s, living out a dreary but eventful life in a small house in old Delhi, in which he lives with his extended family. 

Anupam Kher loves teaching more than acting!

He is a multitalented actor and successful too, but Anupam Kher says he enjoys teaching more than acting.

The actor, who turned 59 Friday, runs acting institute Actor Prepares.

"I love teaching more than I love acting. It's great to give out than to take from others. There is no syllabus for acting and it's a great feeling. I also get to learn a lot from the new generation," told Anupam.

From serious role in "Saraansh", villain in "Karma" or funny man in "Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin", the actor proved his versatility in the beginning of his career and he maintained it in his over three decades long career. In the last few years he was seen in different kinds of roles in "Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara", "A Wednesday" and "Total Siyappa".

He told, "l always wanted to be different. I even broke the myth of getting typecast. I did all kinds of roles. My competition was with myself."

I'm a big Rajinikanth fan, says Shah Rukh Khan!

Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan Sunday told he is such a big fan of Rajinikanth that he decided to attend the audio launch of his movie "Kochadaiiyaan".

"I came here for three reasons. Firstly, like all of you, I am a big Rajinikanth fan," Shah Rukh said journalists at the launch.

Reminiscing his earlier days, SRK told that many years ago when he landed in Mumbai, he went to see the shooting of a Hindi film starring Rajinikanth and learned an important lesson after observing the southern megastar.

"I saw from far away that he was standing in front of a big mirror and practising throwing cigarette in his mouth.  There were a lot of actors minding their own business, but Rajini sir kept on practising. He was getting it right like he does every time in the film, but he kept practising. That's one of my learning lessons of my life because someone of his talent and stature keeps on working so hard," he told.

The second main reason is friendship, told SRK.

"I was in need of a lot of help during the making of 'Ra One', and I would like to thank Rajini sir, Soundarya and Lata ma'am for helping me out overnight. I have come as a friend because whenever I came to Chennai or Tamil Nadu, all of you have given me so much of love," he further added.

Talking about the third reason, SRK said: "I came here as a seeker of knowledge because the films made here actually make our country the proudest. The movies by K. Balachander sir, Shankar sir and so many others have taught so much in cinema."

Shah Rukh, who recently paid tribute to Rajinikanth through the song "Lungi Dance" in "Chennai Express", crooned a few lines of the song on stage for the megastar.

The film has been directed by Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya. SRK told he is thrilled about "Kochadaiiyaan" as it has been made using motion capture photo-realistic technology.

"I was extremely excited when four years ago Soundarya talked about her ambitious project because this is going to change cinema in this country. I believe this technology is going to be one of the finest steps in Indian film industry," he told.

Also starring Jackie Shroff, Shobana, R. Sarath Kumar, Aadi Pinisetty, Nasser and Rukmini, "Kochadaiiyaan" will release April 11 worldwide. 

Ranbir and Honey Singh team up for 'Roy'?

Actor Ranbir Kaoor, who will be seen in Bhushan Kumar's next "Roy", may team up with rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh for a special song for the movie.

"I share a very close relationship with Honey Singh. He also recently did a song for us for 'Bhoothnath Returns'. We are contemplating with the idea of having Honey Sigh and Ranbir Kapoor for a song but nothing is finalized so far," Kumar said.

"At the moment I am not in a position to reveal anything as its too early," he further added.

The T-series head honcho, however, tells that "Roy" will go on floors by April.

"Ranbir is playing 'Roy' in the film and we will start shooting by April 1. The film will be widely shot in South Africa and Mumbai," he told. 

It's not shallow to care about clothes, make-up, says Alia Bhatt!

Alia Bhatt, who sported a de-glam look in her second movie "Highway", may not be "constantly fashionable" but she tells there is nothing wrong in being fashion conscious.

The actress made her debut as a glamorous girl in "Student of the Year".

"I am closer to my second character. But I don't think it's shallow to care about clothes and make-up. Every girl likes to dress up. I didn't really begin to care about my looks until I started acting. Now I enjoy dressing up. But I am not constantly fashionable. There are days when I am in pyjamas at home," she told in an interview.

When asked that how do you rate yourself in "2 States" then she replied, “I haven't seen the film. But I love my character in "2 States". She is very different from the girls that I've played in my first two films. She is strong and mature. Which I am at times. At other times, I am not. But the emotions in "2 States" were all new to me. I may be speaking too soon. But the director Abhishek Varman is absolutely fantastic.”

Will Amitabh Bachchan feature in Kannada movie 'Kabira'?

Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has reportedly been offered a cameo in Shivrajkumar starrer upcoming Kannada film "Kabira", but he is yet to accept the offer.

By the way, Amitabh and Shivraj played teacher-student in a television commercial of a popular jewellery brand.

"Since the advertisement turned out to be popular, the makers decided to use the same pair on the silver screen as well. Amitji has been offered the role. He hasn't confirmed yet for the role," a source from the film's unit said.

"Kabira" is a remake of Kannada classic "Mahatma Kabir", which featured yesteryear megastar Rajkumar in the lead.

"It was Shivrajkumar who had requested Amitabh to take up the role of a teacher. They have known each other for a long time and after working together in a television commercial, Shivraj sir felt it would make sense to cast him in the movie," the source told.

The movie is being directed by Narendra Babu.

In the past Big B did a cameo in 2005 Kannada release "Amruthadhare", which was a runaway hit. 

'The Lunchbox', 'Shahid' to get Anti-Kela award!

"Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns", "Go Goa Gone", "The Lunchbox" and "Shahid" will be honoured with an Anti-Kela Award each for being boons of Bollywood in 2013.

The award will be given out by organizers of the annual Golden Kela Awards, the Indian Razzies, which honours the worst in the filmmaking industry in the West.

Anti-Kela Awards are the special awards given by Golden Kela team to the movies that are meaningful and entertaining, while still being in the mainstream.

"Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns" is being lauded for being "the only real sequel made last year", while "Go Goa Gone" will be awarded for being "India's first ever zombie comedy and stoner film in one nice package".

Irrfan-starrer "The Lunchbox" will get the Anti-Kela for "showing the world that Indian movies are not all song and dance", and "Shahid", on real-life slain lawyer Shahid Azmi, will be awarded for "being the best biopic made by Bollywood in a long time".

"The Kela Awards are not just about highlighting the worst performances of the year, we feel it is also our duty to point out some of the great work being done in the Indian film industry, therefore the Anti-Kelas," Anant Singh, creative head, Golden Kela Awards, told in a statement.

The 6th Annual Golden Kela Awards ceremony will take place March 29 at India Habitat Centre here.

Apart from announcing the worst Bollywood performances of 2013 and the Anti-Kela Awards, some special awards will be also announced at the official ceremony too.

Golden Kela awards started in 2009, whereas Anti-Kela Awards were introduced by Golden Kela team in 2011. 

Failures important to stay grounded, says Rajat Kapoor!

Rajat Kapoor, who has seen many highs and lows in his movie career so far, is not deterred by failure. He feels that an actor or a director is "as good" as his or her "last film".

"My wife says failures are important for me to be grounded. One can go mad with success, so failure is important...an actor or director is as good as his last film," Rajat said.

He forayed into acting as the dashing uncle in Farhan Akhtar's 2001 directorial debut "Dil Chahta Hai", also starring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Preity Zinta. After that, he left an impression with his roles in films including "Corporate", "Monsoon Wedding", "Bheja Fry" and "Dasvidaniya".

"In 2009, I was at the top of the world...I was on cloud nine...I thought I could do anything post the success of 'Mithya' and 'Bheja Fry'. But failure taught me many things," he told.

Rajat has also witnessed many failures in his career with his directorial "Fatso" getting mixed reviews. Other movies featuring him, like "10 ml Love" and "Agent Vinod", also didn't manage to garner much appreciation at the box office.

"I have faced a lot of difficulties to get producers and get things rolling after a few duds," he told.

He is presently busy promoting his directorial "Aankhon Dekhi" and says he hopes to recover all the money that has been invested in the movie.

"The film has been made on a budget of Rs.5 crore...and I hope we will recover all the money. So far, the response has been positive and we hope everyone likes the film," he told.

"Aankhon Dekhi" is slated to release March 21.

I've never done such good work as in 'Queen', says Kangana!

Actress Kangana Ranaut believes she has given her best shot ever to her upcoming film "Queen".

"My role in 'Queen' is very challenging and as an actor, I believe I have never done such good work in any film before. I haven't got such a good opportunity before," the 26-year-old said here Thursday in an interview.

"Queen" is the tale of a Delhi-based girl Rani, who goes on her honeymoon alone due to some circumstances.

The movie, which released Friday, also stars Lisa Haydon and Rajkummar Rao. 

Glad that trouble over for 'Gulaab Gang', says Juhi Chawla!

Actress Juhi Chawla is glad that her movie "Gulaab Gang" has overcome its legal hassles and has at last hit theatres Friday.

The Delhi High Court Thursday cleared the release of the Hindi movie, seemingly based on the life of activist Sampat Pal, who formed the Gulabi Gang, a group of pink sari clad women vigilantes in Uttar Pradesh.

"I am happy and excited. There was so much build-up and we were looking forward to the film. But yesterday (Wednesday) there was a hiccup and we felt the film would not release," the 46-year-old told here Thursday at a special screening of the film.

"But I am so glad everything for the moment is settled and the film is in theatres. Hope you (people) will come and watch the film," she further added.

Sampat Pal moved court to stop the release of the movie, alleging that it is based on her life and a portion of the movie shows her in bad light.

The film's release was suspended by the court but the filmmakers filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court Thursday and the film was cleared for commercial release.

Directed by Soumik Sen, "Gulaab Gang" also stars Madhuri Dixit.