Same book inspires directors!

Vishal Bhardwaj and Sanjay Leela Bhansali are seemingly set to direct movies on two different female gangsters based on the same source material.

Years ago Bhardwaj had gone to Bhansali with a script about reincarnation, which he wanted the latter to direct. That movie never happened. But now both the distinguished filmmakers' destinies are joined in a strange way.

Both the filmmakers have secured filmmaking rights from chapters out of S. Hussain Zaidi's bestseller "Mafia Queens Of Mumbai", about female gangsters.

While Bhardwaj would soon be making a movie based on Zaidi's account of Ashraf Khan alias Sapna, the gangster whose only mission in life is to eliminate her husband's killer Dawood, Bhansali would be directing a movie based on the life and crimes of female gangster Gangubai Kothewali, the dreaded female crime-lord, known as 'The Madame Of Kamathipura'.

Fascinatingly both the movies on female gangsters by Bhansali and Bhardwaj are expected to go on the floors at the same time time next year.

A source told, "Bhansali is as fascinated by Gangubai's life as Bhardwaj is by Ashraf Khan.

"The important thing is the principal casting. Both the directors have gone into other projects before taking on Hussain Zaidi's female gangsters' stories because they're still searching for the right actress. In the next couple of months, they would crack the casting."

In the meantime, another filmmaker Shashi Ranjan is already halfway through his biopic on another female gangster Archana Sharma.

Ranjan confirmed he is shooting Sharma's story with Mahima Chowdhary in the lead. 

Madhuri confirms Dedh Ishqiya with director Bhardwaj!

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit, Vishal Bhardwaj

Madhuri Dixit, Shriram Nene

Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit has verified that she will play the lead in Vishal Bhardwaj's "Dedh Ishqiya".

Directed by Abhishek Choubey, "Dedh Ishqiya" is a sequel to 2010 film "Ishqiya", which starred Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

"Hey guys, back in action. On set for Star's 'Life OK'. Am doing 'Dedh Ishqiya' and 'Jhalak...' is right around the corner. More to come! Thanks for all ur patience and support!," she wrote on her Twitter page. The sequel retains Naseer and Arshad in important roles.

In 2007, Madhuri, who is married to US-based Sriram Nene, was seen in the film "Aaja Nach Le", after which she shifted back to the country. The actress returned in 2011 to be a judge on dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa". And later decided to shift permanently to India with family.

This will be Madhuri's first movie after shifting back to India.

Imran Khan praises Bhardwaj's creative freedom!

Imran Khan



Vishal Bhardwaj, Anushka Sharma



Actor Imran Khan, who is working with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj for the first time in "Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola", tells that the filmmaker is the finest director he has worked with and praises him for giving everybody a lot of creative freedom.

"Vishal is a very hard working director. As a creative person he is someone who works very, very hard. At the same time, he gives a lot of freedom to other creative people who are working with him," the 29-year-old told here Sunday while unveiling former Miss India and painter Anjanna Kuthiala's paintings celebrating womanhood.

"Be it set designer, cinematographer or actors like me, he always gives you a lot of freedom. It's like, I trust you, do something good.  So far, I am very happy with the way the film has come out. I had an incredible time working with Vishal. This is the first time I am working with such a seasoned and experienced director and now I understand how he makes such good films," further added the 29-year-old who has so far done mainstream masala films like "Break Ke Baad" and "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan".

Imran is working with Anushka Sharma for the first time in the film and told, "She is a very talented actress. She is spontaneous on screen. In the 20-25 days I have worked with her, I found that most of the time her first or second take is the best".

The actor has been sporting a beard for his character in the movie and has even pierced his ears.

"Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola" also stars Pankaj Kapur and Shabana Azmi.

Fox STAR Studios to co-produce Ajay Devgn's next 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola'!

Ajay Devgan, Vishal Bhardwaj



Ajay Devgan,  Anushka Sharma



Fox STAR Studios has declared that it will co-produce Ajay Devgn-starrer rustic comedy 'Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola', which will be directed by Vishal Bhardwaj.

Set in Haryana, the movie will be co-produced by Fox STAR Studios along with Vishal Bhardwaj Pictures, Ajay Devgn Films and Wide Frame Pictures.

'When Vishal told me that he was looking at creating a comedy and he narrated the script, I was immediately excited and became a part of the project' told Ajay.

Its star cast will also have Anushka Sharma playing the lead characters and national award-winning filmmaker Bhardwaj will also compose the music for the film.

'I have had the idea for this comedy in my head for a long time, almost eight years. It's a totally new genre and completely different from what I have done in my previous seven films. I was also missing working with Ajay for some time. He is such a great actor and an even greater human being. I am so much in sync him that the wait to be on the set is killing. As for Anushka, I would say that she is a ball of energy, the harder you throw her the higher she will go. Looking forward to shooting with her,' told Bhardwaj.

Fox STAR Studios produced and distributed films like 'My Name Is Khan', 'Khichdi: The Movie','Stanley Ka Dabba', 'Dum Maro Dum' and their next is the John Abraham-starrer 'Force'.

Vijay Singh, CEO of Fox Star Studios, said: 'We believe the nationwide appeal of this hilariously rustic comedy, the coming together of great talent and a title which raises eyebrows will make this an event film for audiences in 2012.'

Gulzar will write the lyrics.

Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor join hands for Kaminey 2 but Priyanka is out!

While director Vishal Bhardwaj and Shahid Kapoor have joined hands for the sequel. But what came as a shock is the omission of Priyanka Chopra in the second part of the movie, a role, which won the actress a number of awards.

We hear that Vishal is working on the script of Kaminey 2, and the script actually doesn’t have a role that will suit Priyanka. It is also heard that the film won’t be a sequel in strict sense but a film with a fresh plot and story altogether.

According to a close source, “Vishal is currently scripting Kaminey 2. He will first direct a film with Ajay Devgn to be co-produced by Devgn, Kumar Mangat and himself. He will then start working on Kaminey 2, for which Shahid will have to get ready once again.

Vishal wants Shahid to work on the six-pack look to play one of the twins. Right after Kaminey 2, Vishal will direct 2 States with Shah Rukh Khan for producer Sajid Nadiadwala.”