Salman comes forward again to help Katrina!

There is a something between Salman and Katrina. God knows, why always Katrina indulges in problems and Salman comes forward for rescue.

Katrina Kaif was filming for a deodorant commercial, though the objection raised by the FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees) served sufficiently to stop shooting. At Mehboob Studios in suburban Mumbai, Katrina found herself all distressed as FWICE employees showed up and seemingly halted the canning of the ad commercial, citing that she had flouted the rules of their organization.

Expectedly, rising to the occasion of his (former) damsel in distress was… yeah, you guessed right… Salman Khan. And it is only when the ever Ready actor pacified and assured them that Katrina would obey with their rules, did they come to a agreement and allow the ad filming to proceed.

As per FWICE regulations, it is mandatory for every actor to register with them and Kaif has yet to fill the forms and complete the formalities.

Dinesh Chaturvedi, President FWICE, is quoted to have told, "We didn't halt the shooting at Mehboob Studios, but we wanted to know why Katrina was not registered with FWICE. Everyone from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan has registered with us. The card costs only Rs. 600, it can be used during international schedules also and FWICE is working towards making life easier for the film industry."

Corporate are spoiling film industry: Imran Khan

Innovative and parallel cinema, movies for children and adults, or divided between rural and urban... the lines had been blurred for many years, but the Hindi film industry is now clearly divided into segments, tells actor Imran Khan who also believes that Bollywood is now in its 'best phase'.

'Cinema is no more a wholesome family entertainer. Just like television has always had different segments according to their feel and storyline, now segmentation is happening in the movie industry,' Imran said.

He might be just five movies old but Imran, nephew of actor Aamir Khan and producer-director Mansoor Khan, has had a long association with Bollywood.

'The segmentation may be on the basis of adult or children, rural or urban, commercial or offbeat cinema. All these segments have been overlapping for years but have never never been defined as clearly as they are now,' told Imran, whose latest movie 'Delhi Belly' releases Friday.

The 28-year-old had a stint with showbiz as a child star in movies like 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' and 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander' before stepping into Bollywood as a leading man in the 2008 romcom 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na', directed by Abbas Tyrewala and produced by Aamir.

He later went on to do movies like 'Kidnap' with Sanjay Dutt and Minissha Lamba, 'Luck' with Shruti Haasan, 'I Hate Luv Storys' with Sonam Kapoor and 'Break Ke Baad' with Deepika Padukone.

Other than his debut movie, the others were miserable failures. But the actor, set for his latest release, feels the industry is in its best phase.

'In my opinion, we are in the best time that Hindi film industry has ever had... because, as the way it has opened up, there has been nothing like this in the past. It is growing by leaps and bounds,' told Imran.

'In the last couple of years we have set a new set of record for box-office; collected more money than anybody could have ever thought an Indian film could. Our market is growing, our cash turnover is growing. It is exploding,' he further included.

Interestingly, Imran is of the view that the collaboration with corporate houses has been a bane.

'In the last few years there has been a massive boom with corporate film houses - and now they are starting to learn their lesson. In a couple of months, they kind of destroyed the market.

'They were so desperate to have a star that they were just throwing money without asking about the script, the budget... anything. They were happily signing on pay cheques of Rs.20-40 crore without having any knowledge about it. It took the industry time to understand that it was not helping but degrading the standards,' he told in a firm voice.

Imran, who is amongst the most sought after actors in Bollywood, admits he is very particular about the kind of business his movie does.

'I am very particular about the recovery of my business. I charge less money than most of my contemporaries. I don't like to burden my movie upfront. I tend to take a share in the profit of the movie. It's a risk - you are gambling on the success of your movie.’

'I am basically investing in the future because by keeping my budget low I am ensuring a better opportunity for my movie to perform. If it does well, I will earn more money, but if it doesn't I will lose money along with it.’

'But my prime worry is that along with the movie everybody who works on the project should make money. I want people in the industry to tell, 'if I work with Imran it's a good investment'.'

When asked how difficult it is for a newcomer to break into an industry dominated by the Khans and Kapoors, he told, 'Salman, Shah Rukh, Aamir - they are like legends now, they have been here for more than 20 years. It takes that much time to build up that kind of fan following. It can't happen in two years. You have to always build an audience.'

Mohit Suri wants popcorn cinema now!

Young director Mohit Suri, known for making only dark and intense movies, tells he is now inclined towards light, popcorn cinema.

'It was a conscious decision to make movies like these when I was younger because everyone my age at that time was making sweet popcorn movies. I wanted to be different and I knew I could do it; so I made hard hitting movies. But I know I'm looking forward to a lighter movie,' Suri said.

The 30-year-old has made movies like 'Zehar', 'Kalyug', 'Awaarapan', 'Woh Lamhe' and now 'Murder 2'.

Abhay Deol says, Zoya Akhtar is very sharp!

Bollywood actor Abhay Deol, who is working with Zoya Akhtar for the first time in 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', tells he found the director to be very sharp.

'I like Zoya's understanding of human emotions and characters. She is very sharp and working with her I've realized that you cannot fool this girl. You cannot put up an act in front of her. She reads people like a book. She likes subtleties and that's what I like about her,' the actor told.

'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', a story of three friends, also stars Farhan Akhtar and Hrithik Roshan and is slated to release July 15.

3 Indian films open in North America’s theatres!

The Walt Disney Studios is releasing three movies from India - 'Do Dooni Chaar', 'Once Upon A Warrior' and 'Zokkomon' - in North America July 26 simultaneously on DVD, video-on-demand, and digital download.

Disney was involved in production of each movie. Featuring some of the most familiar local talent from India, the movies will be released in their local language and subtitled in English.

Fans of Indian cinema living in every part of the US and Canada will now have more choices than ever before to see these movies in the format they enjoy best, Disney told announcing the release of the movies on multiple platforms.

DVDs will be in stores, Netflix, Amazon.com, and other places. Numerous providers are offering the films on VOD including Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Verizon, AT&T, DirecTV, InDemand, TVN, Charter, Playstation, and Xbox.

And those that prefer digital download can get the movies on iTunes and on other popular platforms.

'Do Dooni Chaar', a heart-warming comedy about the dreams and challenges of a middle-class family, won the National Award for Best Hindi Film of the Year and Rishi Kapoor won Best Actor award for his role in the film at last month's 2011 New York Indian Film Festival.

'Once Upon A Warrior', the first ever Disney Telugu fantasy adventure about a swashbuckling warrior on an epic quest to save a mystical young girl from a wicked Queen, features some of the most advance special effects ever made in an Indian movie.

And 'Zokkomon', a thrilling Hindi action adventure movie about an ordinary boy who overcomes extraordinary challenges to become a magical hero, just had a limited run in US theatres and won rave reviews from top American critics.

The Los Angeles Times told it was 'a lively and engaging family film' and that 'the film's tour de force is Anupam Kher in his dual roles.'

Variety told 'Kher's delicious double duty in his contrasting roles is both a classic Bollywood conceit and a tip of the cap to the likes of Peter Sellers, George C. Scott and Peter Ustinov,' and added that 'Darsheel Safary brings loads of energy and goodwill to the action.'

Vikram Bhatt returns in old camp of Bhatts with 3D film 'Raaz 3'

Vikram Bhatt returns to Vishesh Films after 2003 with the third part of the horror movie 'Raaz', which will be made in 3D and which he says is the most important movie of his life.

'For me, 'Raaz 3' is more than a film. For me, it's homecoming. It's a gift that I want to give to Bhatt Saab (Mahesh Bhatt) and Mukesh-ji (Mukesh Bhatt) because they are responsible for what I am today. For me it's the most important film of my life. It's going to be scarier in 3D and at the same time it's going to be more of a love story with great music,' Bhatt said.

Bhatt made his last film with Vishesh Films in 2003 with 'Footpath'. He started his career in 1992 with a Vishesh Films production, 'Jaanam', and then went on to do four more movies with them, including the first of the 'Raaz' series, which was a major hit. The second was directed by Mohit Suri.

Mohit Suri dubs Jacqueline Fernandez dialogues due to diction problem!

Director Mohit Suri, who has directed Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline Fernandez in his forthcoming movie 'Murder 2', had to dub a few of her lines because of pronunciation problems.

'Jacqueline is a very hardworking girl and she really worked hard on her diction. I have retained most of her dialogues in the film and have dubbed only a few portions of her voice. But otherwise she has done everything on her own. She used to listen to the recorded lines and memorize the diction.’

'Murder 2' also stars Emraan Hashmi and is slated to hit the screens July 8.

Imran Khan is completely impressed by director Abhinay Deo!

Actor Imran Khan is utterly impressed by director Abhinay Deo, who has helmed his forthcoming movie 'Delhi Belly'.

'This is the first film that Abhinay has worked on in terms of a feature film. Being a successful ad filmmaker before has helped him out a great deal. Despite the fact that it was his first film, we never felt that we were working with a new director. We felt like working with a guy very much in control of what he is doing, very calm, confident and sure of what he wants. So we had a very good captain of the ship,' Imran told.

Although 'Delhi Belly' was supposed to be Abhinay's debut directorial project, he ended up completing his other project 'Game' before, but the movie starring Abhishek Bachchan didn't manage to do well at the box office.

Now the director is looking forward to 'Delhi Belly' that has been produced by Aamir Khan.

A real friendship between Hrithik, Farhan, Abhay Deol!

While 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' gave Abhay Deol the chance to work hands-on in a mainstream commercial movie, unlike most of his earlier films, the actor also got to make good friends with his co-stars Farhan Akhtar and Hrithik Roshan.

'There was a lot of buddy bonding on the sets of 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' because Hrithik, me and Farhan were there from day one, we had formed our own little group. We used to hang out a lot together. It was fun,' Abhay said.

'Before the film, I did know Hrithik a little bit but I I was not friends with Farhan at all,' he included.

The movie that has been helmed by Zoya Akhtar is the story of three friends and also stars Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin. It is slated to hit the theatre on July 15.

Sushmita Sen opposes no-pregnancy clause in movie contracts!

Aishwarya Rai will be a beautiful mother, tells Sushmita Sen, a mother of two.

'Aishwarya has always been known to be a beautiful woman. She has brought great laurels to our country. Both of us are international winners. She is a beautiful woman who is going to be a mother, and that will increase her beauty manifold,' Sushmita said.

'Whether you become a mother biologically or through heart, you feel beautiful entering that phase of your life. She will be a very beautiful mother,' she told.

'I am very happy for her, Abhishek and the entire family. God bless the baby,' Sushmita told.

The actress was at an event to announce the collaboration of her pageant 'I AM She' with Wadhawan Lifestyle.

She reacted powerfully to reports that some producers planned to add a no-pregnancy clause in their movie contracts.

'I would show the producer the door if he gets a clause like that,' she told.

'If you do not believe that I am a professional, don't sign me, and if you believe that I'm a professional, don't question my professional integrity and tell me about my personal life.

'If anyone would tell me that this time span when you cannot get pregnant, I wouldn't tolerate that,' she included.

Abhishek and Bipasha’s Italian Job remake in New Zealand!

Bollywood actors Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu Wednesday met New Zealand Prime Minister John Philip Key here.

The meeting took place on the sets of their upcoming movie 'Players' at Filmcity.

Key was presented a Ganesha idol holding a handicam by directors Abbas-Mustan to symbolize Bollywood's association with New Zealand.

In return, the prime minister gave to the directors a beautifully framed print from the film 'King Kong', signed by Richard Taylor, co-producer of 'Lord of the Rings'.

'Namaste! I'd like to thank Viacom18, Abbas and Mustan, Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu for making their wonderful movie 'Players' in New Zealand,' Key told.

'I did manage to see a couple of pictures from the filming down in Wellington and Auckland.

'New Zealand is a great place to make movies and is very popular with the Bollywood industry. We've already had 150 Bollywood movies made in New Zealand.'

'Players' is official remakes of Hollywood film 'The Italian Job'.

Katrina Kaif snubs being in Dhoom 3

Katrina Kaif rejected reports of she starring in Dhoom -3. The 26 year old Bollywood actress is not likely to walk in the footsteps of Aishwarya Rai and Esha Deol, who were the Dhoom girls in the first and second prequels respectively. Yashraj Films, the production house, too has denied that Katrina was picked up for the role in the first place.

A spokesman from the production house denied news of Katrina starring against Aamir Khan in Dhoom 3. Aamir will be doing a “smart villain” role for the first time in the film. He will be taking over from John Abraham and Hrithik Roshan who were the “White Collar Thieves” in Dhoom and Dhoom 2 respectively.

It seems to be days of denials for Katrina as only a few days ago the “Ek the Tiger” star Katrina has denied that she was sizzling in an item number in Delhi Belly, which later was seemingly done by Aamir Khan with style. Despite it, Imran Khan’s specific wish is to have Katrina in the item number. Katrina looks like to be distancing herself from Imran Khan before the release of their film “Mere Brother Ki Dulhan” – a movie in which both are pitted together for the first time.