Threat to Leone’s presence in Indore

Unfazed by the threats from the saffron brigade, the team of Ragini MMS 2 — which stars Sunny Leone — has decided to visit Indore next week for the film’s promotions.

Bajrang Dal activists had taken exception to the former adult film actress’s entry into the city and even warned the owner of a mall against allowing the crew inside.

However, producer Ekta Kapoor is determined not to skip Indore from her list of promotion venues. “Indore is an important market and we have written to the authorities concerned seeking entry to certain places. At the end of the day, it is about connecting with the audience,” said Ekta.

Pinku Chhabbra, owner of the C-21 Mall that the Ragini MMS team has selected as a promotional venue, said, “Sunny’s past could be an issue with some people. We are aware that the Bajrang Dal members may create problems for us, but she is welcome to our mall.”

Courtesy: Mid-day

Source: Entertainment News

'Kochadaiyaan' should be viewed as animated film: Ravikumar

"Kochadaiyaan" directed by Soundarya, daughter of Rajinikanth, is touted to be India's first motion capture photo-realistic 3D animated film.

"It's very important that audience doesn't walk in expecting to watch a typical Rajinikanth film. Of course, there's Rajini in it, but in an animated form that is larger than life. His fans need to understand this before the walk in...only then will they enjoy the film," Ravikumar said.

 "Audience needs to understand it's a first-of-its-kind attempt. Therefore, they need to see the film as an animated feature to enjoy it to the fullest. In fact, that's why we want audiences to watch the film with their kids to enjoy the experience," he said.

Ravikumar was to direct Rajinikanth in a film titled "Rana", but the project was dropped after the southern megastar fell seriously ill a few years back.

"Kochadaiyaan" was derived from "Rana", says Ravikumar.

"When Rajini sir was hospitalised a few years back, we had shelved 'Rana'. But I worked on another story which was more like a prequel to 'Rana', and that was 'Kochadaiyaan'. When I narrated the story to him, he instantly agreed to do it," he added.

"Kochadaiyaan", slated to release on April 11, also features Jackie Shroff, Deepika Padukone, Shobana, Aadi Pinisetty, R. Sarath Kumar and Rukmini in important roles.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News

Money has overshadowed theatre in India: Neetu Chandra

"I think money has overshadowed theatre in our country. Not just theatre but a lot of professions for that matter because we view everything from a commercial perspective. You can be in theatre out of passion, but can't make a living out of it because cinema pays much more," Neetu said.

Neetu, who has so far starred in films such as "Traffic Signal" and "13 B", has two Hindi films and a Telugu ready for release. Her international project titled "Home Sweet Home" is also readying for release. She says theatre expects actors to step out of their comfort zone.

"We don't have many film actors in theatre because they are used to a certain kind of an affluent lifestyle. Theatre also requires a lot of hard work and time. It requires one to come out of his or her comfort zone. So are we ready to do it and what cost?" she asked, "I was paid Rs.500 each show and Rs1,000 for a houseful show of 'Umrao Jaan'. I didn't mind because I have done 18 films and money hasn't been a problem... I'm happy doing theatre," she added.

There are many benefits of theatre and one of them is that it helps one connect with inner self, she said."Theatre for sure is much more satisfying than cinema. Theatre also makes you alive," said Neetu.

"Through theatre I have explored myself as an artiste. It has helped me realize what I like and dislike. You ask people what they like about themselves and honestly, many wouldn't know. Theatre helps you connect with yourself," she added.

Are all film actors good theatre artists and vice versa? "It's tough to say because all theatre artists have not proved to be good actors on the screen," she said and added that if a movie actor takes plunge into theatre, he or she has to "leave behind their glamorous lifestyle, work for pittance and spend hours rehearsing to succeed on stage. It's not easy to make such sacrifices".

Having successfully completed nine shows of her play, Neetu wants to continue doing theatre as well as films."I'm not doing theatre for money. I'm doing it for satisfaction. I plan to continue doing it," she said.

"I want to follow in the footsteps of Hollywood stars. They do theatre, act in really good films and also keep themselves physically fit. I want to be an actor who would do films in all languages globally. This year, I want to do plays as well as films," she said.

"Theatre audience makes you feel respected. A lot of senior actors watched my play and literally cried. Kareena Kapoor told me that she was stunned by my performance and language. It's very humble of her say all this to another actor, but she couldn't stop herself from saying it," she said.

"Kajol appreciated my performance. Farida Jalal too had nice things to say. I haven't got such response and complements for my award winning films. So theatre gives me an immense respect and satisfaction as an actress," she added.

(Agencies)

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I am a difficult person to cast: Simi Garewal

"I am a difficult person to cast. I don't know what roles filmmakers will be able to offer me. I would love to act in films again... acting is my first love. I have been getting offers but nothing tempting or attractive to captivate me," she said.

Simi says there have been lot of changes in the way things function today in the film industry.

"There are tremendous changes that have come in the film industry like technology wise, storytelling, diverse films are made today, our films match international standards, there are roles and subjects for everyone. I am enjoying watching films," she said last night during a press conference of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne awards.

Simi, who is on the jury of Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, is all praise for actress Vidya Balan.

"I think she was wonderful in 'The Dirty Picture'...not many actors would have been able to do this film. She can do diverse films like 'The Dirty Picture', 'Kahaani' etc," Simi said.

(Agencies)

Source: Entertainment News

Ronnie Screwvala to be part of Rolex Awards' jury

He will be joined by other distinguished jury members from other parts of the world.

"The Rolex Awards for Enterprise is an Institution and it's going to be a privilege to be on the jury along with colleagues from around the world. This year is extra special as the highest number of applicants from around the Globe are from India - true telling of our entrepreneurial calling," Screwvala said in a statement.

The jury will meet in April to select the five young laureates, who will be honoured at a ceremony later in the year in London. The names of the winners will be announced in June.

Some of the greatest minds from across the globe in fields that range from protecting the earth's bio-diversity to developing leading-edge technologies and exploring new worlds are part of the jury.

Rolex Awards for Enterprise ceremony was last held in New Delhi in 2012.

(Agencies)

Source: Entertainment News & Movie Review

Ajay Devgn to work on his body for Rohit Shetty's 'Singham 2'

"I will have to be in better shape. I work out. There is a regime I follow, which I had quit in between and taken a break.

   

"We had a good story hence we are making 'Singham 2'. This time the villain is very funny and the actor is fabulous.

He is perfect for the film. The character this time is different for the leading lady hence we have got another actress Kareena Kapoor," he said.

   

'Singham 2' is being directed by Rohit Shetty.    

Ajay insists that there has been no change in his relationship with Rohit despite the filmmaker had worked with Shah Rukh Khan in his last release 'Chennai Express'.

   

"We are friends. When 'Chennai Express' was offered to Rohit, he called me asking what to do. So I said him to do it and if he does a big project, then I am happy for him," he said.

   

Besides Rohit's 'Singham 2', which is yet to go on the floors, Ajay would be also seen in Prabhudeva's 'Action Jackson'.

   

"Till the time, the first promo of 'Action Jackson' is out, it would be unfair to talk about the film. Prabhu has made me work hard on the dancing part, which is something I run away from. There are five songs I have seen two songs, rest three are to be shot," Ajay said.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News

'Gandi Baat' singer Nakash doesn't mind ‘fun’ singer’ tag

What do songs like ‘Pungi’, ‘Dhating Naach’, ‘Gandi Baat’ and ‘Sari Ke Fall Sa’ have in common?

Well, apart from the fact that they are all fun songs, not to mention quite a hit with the youngsters, they have all been sung by Nakash Aziz, the latest entrant in the Bollywood playback industry.

Blessed with a voice that can convey the right amount of naughtiness and innocence, Aziz has managed to make people sit up and take notice of this talented singer.

Ask him if he fears getting slotted in the ‘funky and fun’ singer category and he smiles, “I have been already.”

But he doesn’t mind the tag. “See, I didn’t even think I would become a singer in the first place. So if I have got the opportunity to sing these songs, with most of them turning out to be hits, how does that matter? As long as my parents are happy and I keep getting opportunities to be a part of the musical scene, that’s all that really matters,” he says.

The Manglorean boy’s first brush with music happened when he was really young.

“I used to have just two music cassettes at that time, ‘Chandni’ and ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ and I used to pretend I’m Jolly Mukherjee or Udit Narayan and sing along with them,” he says.

When Aziz’s family shifted to Mumbai later, he got the chance to be part of a music show for kids.

“That, I think, is where it all began for me. After that, I was part of more shows like ‘Aao Jhoomein Gaayein’ and ‘Indian Idol’,” he says. Although he didn’t win in any of these shows, they did make him a little more self-confident about his abilities.

It was around that time, that his friend and later, co-singer, Antara Mitra introduced him to music composer Pritam.

“I would assist him by singing scratches and at times, supervising the dubbing and programming. And one day, he just asked me to sing ‘Pungi’ with Mika for the movie Agent Vinod, as he thought my voice would suit that song,” he said. ‘Pungi’ became a hit and Aziz went on to sing for AR Rahman for the movie ‘Maryan’.

“In the 90s, Rahman sir was my hero. I wanted to be like him. And in these seven years that I have been around, I got to work with people like Amit Trivedi, Rahman sir and Pritam – music composers I admire and enjoy singing for. What more can I ask for?” he says with a smile.

Courtesy: Mid-day

Source: Entertainment News & Movie Review

Arjun Kapoor wants to do biopic on politician

"I don't want to play an actor on screen. I would like to play an interesting character, but I have never thought about who it should be. I would like play someone from our history may be someone from the freedom movement or post the freedom era...to see their journey and why they did and all," Arjun said here on Sunday.

"I find politics very interesting. So may be a biopic on a politician because they have so many facets to their personality. While in the biopic of an actor there is not much to explore - their personal and professional life. I would like to do politically based biopic if possible," he said.

   

Arjun will be next seen in YRF's 'Gunday' co starring Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra. He made his debut with the same banner with 'Ishaqzaade'. His another film 'Aurangzeb' also came from YRF.

   

"Whatever YRF will offer to me I will always consider that important as it is a birth place for me. I am more comfortable here. Aditya Chopra shouts at me when I do a lot of masti," he said.

   

Arjun will be next seen in a romantic film titled '2 States', based on noted author Chetan Bhagat's novel of the same name.

   

He also has a film with Homi Adajania called 'Finding Fanny Fernandez' and a film with his producer father Boney Kapoor's 'Tevar'.

   

The film -- '2 States' -- is about a Punjabi boy (Krish Malhotra) played by Arjun falling in love with a south Indian girl (Anaya Swami), played by Alia Bhatt.

   

"It is about a typical Indian problem that happens in marriage (love marriage). The film is ready as we have finished shooting and hopefully the trailer will be out soon.

It will show me in a different light which is nice. I am excited as the film is all to set to release on April 18," Arjun said.

   

"I have 'Finding Fanny Fernandez' with Deepika Padukone and I enjoyed working on it. I am looking forward to it. It will be out on July 4," he added.

(Agencies)

Source: Entertainment News & Movie Review

Kashmiri musician to compose song for Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Haider'

Raja Bilal, a young local composer, confirmed that Bhardwaj approached him recently to compose a song with the traditional Kashmiri music for his movie.

"Traditional Kashmiri musical instruments including the 'Tumbaknari', 'Sarangi' 'Rabab' and 'Nout' were used to compose the song by an orchestra of local musicians selected by me," Bilal told reporters.

"Haider" has been exclusively shot in the Kashmir Valley and the film maker has spent months with his crew shooting the movie at different locations here.

The film has Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles while Irfan Khan and Tabu have guest roles in the film.

According to the film maker, "Haider" is completely based on Kashmir's past and present.

The movie is part of Vishal Bhardwaj's Shakespearean trilogy after "Maqbool" which was based on Macbeth and "Omkara" which was based on Othello.

The film shooting had recently had a hiccup when some locals protested its schedule in the old city's Zaina Kadal area, but both the local authorities and the film unit said later the shooting schedule has been going on smoothly in the Valley.

(Agencies)

Source: Bollywood News

Ranveer wants to be directed by Aditya Chopra

"It is not true, but I wish it was. Being directed by Adi sir in a movie would be a dream come true for me," Ranveer said.

Ranveer was launched by YRF banner in 'Band Baaja Baarat', which was a huge hit. His second film 'Ladies vs Ricky Bahl' was again with Chopra's banner.

He later acted in two films - 'Lootera' and 'Ram Leela' - which were not backed by YRF.

However, his two upcoming movies - action drama 'Gunday' and romance-action flick 'Kill Dill' - are with Yash Raj Films.

(Agencies)

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`Khatron Ke Khiladi 5` mix of stunts, entertainment: Rohit Shetty

"When action and comedy come together, it creates amazing entertainment. This show also has everything that will entertain you. I was convinced because of the different format as it has a lot of stunts and entertainment," the 40-year-old said on Friday at the unveiling of the contestants.

The new season features 12 contestants including Bollywood actors Ranvir Shorey, Rajniesh Duggal, Niketan Dheer, choreographer-actor Salman Yusuff Khan and actress Mugdha Godse.

TV actor Dayananad Shetty, popularly known as Daya of 'CID', Mahhi Vij, Pooja Gor are the names from the TV industry, besides Kushal Tandon and Gauahar Khan.

Stunt woman Geeta Tandon and Femina Miss India International Rochelle Maria Rao will also compete in the show that will be shot in Cape Town, South Africa, this time.

(Agencies)

Source: Entertainment News

VJ Andy to play fashion designer in daily soap

Andy will be seen as a fashion designer responsible for Bani's makeover in the show on Colors channel.

"He will be doing a cameo appearance. His part will be seen on Monday," sources informed.

'Bani-Ishq Da Kalma' will witness some interesting twists and turns as Parmeet Singh (Gaurav Chaudhary) tries to kill his wife Bani (Shefali Sharma) and luckily she survives.

Now, Bani will get a makeover and hence Andy's character comes into place.

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'Ya Rab' had tough time with Censor Board: Mahesh Bhatt

"The film ("Ya Rab") had a tough time at the Censor Board," Mahesh Bhatt, who is co-producing the film under his banner "Vishesh Films", said here on Tuesday at the launch of the first look of the film.

"The examining committee (of Central Board of Film Certification) refused to see the film and give it the certificate that we wanted. We wanted U/A certificate for the film but the Censor Board was not willing to do so unless some cuts were done. The revising committee got cold feet," he added.

It was then that Bhatt and the makers of the film decided to go to the Tribunal to seek a U/A certificate for the film.

"Finally I and director Hasnain Hyderabadwala went to the Tribunal and thank god, India has people who have integrity, who have courage. There Lalit Bhasin, who was heading the Tribunal, looked at Hasnain with awe and said 'you have made a brilliant film. I think India needs to see this film'," Bhatt recalled.

"Ya Rab" shows the battle between two ideologies. One group represents the Islamic principle of compassion and respect for human life while the other incites youth to avenge alleged atrocities on Muslims.

Slated to release February 7, 'Ya Rab' features 'Bigg Boss 7' fame Ajaz Khan in the lead role.

(Agencies)

 

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SC's refusal to review gay ruling disappointing: Celina

Celina said from Singapore: "The honourable court has rejected the petition as it found no merit in it... No merit in it? Millions of lives are at stake and the court finds no merit in the petition?"

"People with gay tendencies cannot be held guilty for going against the order of Nature. Who decides what the order of Nature is? To me child marriages and marital rapes are unnatural," she added.

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a plea of the central government, NGO Naz Foundation and others for the review of its Dec 11, 2013 verdict holding homosexuality to be an offence.

A bench of Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice Sudhansu Jyoti Mukhopadhyay dismissed the review petition in a chamber hearing on Tuesday afternoon.

However, Celina is still hopeful.

"I hope Parliament will address the issue and all the political parties, regardless of their political and religious affiliation, will come together to uphold the constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens. And that includes those affected directly by Tuesday's judgment."

The actress also says that her heart reaches out to the gay community in India.

"Thousands from the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community came out in the open to protest when their sexual identity was challenged during the past four years. And that too after the Delhi High Court had decriminalized gay sex.

"Now the gay community is back to Square One. They face the threat of being prosecuted for choosing the partners that they want. I can't think of a greater injustice," she said.

(Agencies)

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