Aamir Khan-starrer action thriller "Dhoom: 3" opened the way many had expected before its release. The film has collected more than Rs.35 crore on its opening day.

“Dhoom: 3”, that was made at an approximate budget of Rs.100 crore, has collected Rs.36.22 crore - Rs.33.42 crore in Hindi and Rs.2.80 crore in Tamil and Telugu, said a statement.

Trade analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted Saturday: “‘Dhoom: 3’ emerges the biggest non-holiday opener ever.”

Also featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Uday Chopra and Katrina Kaif, the movie with complicated stunts reportedly released in about 4,000 screens in India.

“It is an extraordinary movie. Big names like Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif are part of this Yash Raj film. It was also hyped by Bollywood fraternity. We got Rs.3.5 crore worth pre-booking. On day one, there was over 90 percent occupancy,” Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR Cinemas, told IANS.

In the film, Abhishek and Uday return as Jai Dixit and Ali. Aamir is seen in a negative role as a gymnast in the film while Katrina portrays an acrobat diva.

It also released down south in dubbed versions Friday and clashed with Tamil film “Biriyani” in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. But the film produced by Yash Raj Films banner managed to get an impressive opening.

“Although 'Dhoom: 3' was competing with Tamil film 'Biriyani', it still managed to register a good opening both in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh,” trade analyst Trinath told IANS.

Though the stars of the film were not seen hopping from one TV show to another to promote their latest offering, they tried other innovative marketing strategies like launching an extensive range of merchandise and dolls.

Actor Jaaved Jaaferi, also one of the judges of dance show "Boogie Woogie", is set to mesmerise viewers with his salsa moves in one of the episodes.

In the upcoming episode of "Boogie Woogie", Gujarati contestant Harmi Patel will be seen requesting Jaaved to come on stage and perform salsa dance with her. The two match steps on the song ‘Man basiyo saanwariyo’, said a statement.

The episode will be aired Saturday on Sony Entertainment Television.

Actress Mandira Bedi, who once played Shanti, says Anil Kapoor’s “24” is one fiction show that she is proud to be associated with.

“‘24’ India -the fiction show I am most proud of in my 19 years in entertainment! Finale weekend,” she tweeted Friday.

The actress, who was also seen as a vamp in “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi”, plays an anti-terrorist unit officer in the TV show which will air its finale Saturday.

Actor Arshad Warsi is a busy bee this weekend. After wrapping up few interviews, he will head to Kapil Sharma’s TV show “Comedy Nights with Kapil” and hopes to enjoy there.

“Some more interviews during the day and the evening will be spent on ‘Comedy Nights With Kapil’. That should be fun,” Arshad tweeted Saturday.

His movies "Dedh Ishqiya" and "Mr. Joe B Carvalho" are ready for January 2014 release.

Actor Amit Sadh is all geared up to take part in Tour De India 2013 scheduled to take place Sunday.

The Delhi chapter of the international cycling event will be held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida.

"Cycling is the best form of exercise. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mumbai leg of Tour De India and I am really ecstatic about riding in the Delhi cyclothon," Amit said in a statement.

The "Kai Po Che" star will next be seen in "Running Shaadi.Com", which is slated to release in 2014.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and comedian Kapil Sharma have received Indian of the Year 2013 awards for their contribution to the entertainment industry.

In an awards ceremony held here Friday, CNN-IBN honoured 11 extraordinary Indians across Politics, Sports, Entertainment, Business and Public Service categories.

Deepika received the special achievement award from her father and former badminton star Prakash Padukone.

She was honoured for constantly reinventing herself as a leading lady with exceptional acting abilities and for delivering a slew of mega hits in 2013, including "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", "Chennai Express" and "Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-leela".

"I have always done what seemed right to me and my parents supported me all throughout. I never sit and analyse before signing a film if it will be a hit or not, rather just go by my heart. If I like the script, nothing else matters to me. I feel so proud to have received it (Indian of the Year award) from my father," Deepika said in a statement.

The producer and host of "Comedy Nights With Kapil" felt honoured to be awarded amidst eminent personalities. He won CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2013 - Entertainment.

"It's the year of the common man and I am also one of them. To be awarded amidst such eminent personalities and dignitaries it's a great achievement in itself. I have always believed in working and entertaining the common man and that I think is the success mantra of my life," said Kapil.

He was awarded for creating a successful stand-up comedy show that has universal appeal.

Raids at the home and offices of Malayalam actor Dileep Saturday revealed that he has evaded payment of service tax, said central excise and service tax officials.

The over 12-hour raid that began Saturday morning took place at multiple places, including his residence near here, and offices that are into production and distribution.

A press statement issued by the central excise department said the raids were based on intelligence reports that the 45-year-old Dileep evaded payment of service tax by hiding details of his remuneration.

The statement said the actor takes only a small portion of his remuneration through cash or cheque, while the rest is channelised by taking over the distribution of his film.

The actor, who was reported to be in a shooting location in the city itself, however did not turn up before the officials.

In the Malayalam film industry, Dileep is currently rated as the most sought after actor after the two superstars Mammootty and Mohanlal.

Beginning his career from behind the scenes by working as an assistant director to ace filmmaker Kamal, he is also a good mimic.

In the early 1990s, he started doing cameos and later he proved his mettle through films like "Sallapam" and "Punjabi House" to name a few.

In 2000 and 2002, blockbuster films like "Thenkasi pattenem" and "Meeshamadhavan", Dileep scaled newer heights and has since then remained at the top.

He later married Malayalam actress Manju Warrier.

Actor Armaan Kohli, who re-entered the "Bigg Boss Saath-7" house after being recently arrested for allegedly assaulting British singer-actress Sofia Hayat during her stay on the show, has been evicted from the reality show.

He was nominated for this week's second elimination with other inmates including actors Gauhar Khan, Tanisha Mukherjee and VJ Andy.

Armaan was often criticised by co-contestants for his short temper. He was also romantically linked up with Tanisha, actress Kajol's younger sister.

"Bigg Boss - Saath 7" that went on air Sep 15 on Colors, started off with 14 celebrities. After Armaan's elimination, Gauhar, Ajaz Khan, Sangram Singh, Andy and Tanisha will fight for the winner's title.

The show hosted by superstar Salman Khan, is nearing its finale.

Rajbir Singh is back on telly with "The Adventures of Hatim" and says he has the physical stamina required to play the title role in the adventurous fantasy show.

"The Adventures of Hatim" will go on air Dec 28 on Life OK.

Earlier seen in the reality show "Perfect Bride", the actor said: "When I was called for the audition and look tests, I got to know that a lot of emphasis was being given to the physique of the character. I was glad to know that and got attracted to the show."

"Initially, when I was selected for Hatim, I was huge. I was asked to shed weight and grow my hair. I realised that the character needs a lot of physical stamina of a warrior. Due to my bodybuilding experience, I have it in me," he added.

The story of "Hatim" was earlier brought on TV in 2003 and actor Rahil Azam was seen essaying the title role and it received an encouraging respsone from the viewers. Rajbir is confident that the show's producer Nikhil Sinha of Triangle Films Company will make the new version appealing too.

"I am sure Nikhil Sinha will give a new dimension to the show. The way the audience, including kids, enjoyed the earlier one was great and I am sure they will love this one as well," Rajbir said in a statement.

The show will also feature actors like Nausheen Ali Sardar, Dolly Sohi, Khalid Siddiqui and Pracheen Chauhan.

Director-producer Vishal Bhardwaj says that as a filmmaker he is in pursuit of creative satisfaction as it remains with one for a longer time compared to success, which is short-lived.

The director of films like “Maqbool” and "Omkara" is right now occupied with his forthcoming production venture “Dedh Ishiqya”, a sequel to his 2010 thriller “Ishqiya”.

Starring Bollywood diva Madhuri Dixit in a never-before seen avatar, the small-town based comedy thriller is coming out Jan 10 and it will also see Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Huma Qureshi in pivotal roles.

"I never look for success, I look for creative satisfaction. Success comes and goes but creative satisfaction remains with you. It's better that I look for that. Box office success means nothing to me," Bhardwaj, whose last directorial venture was “Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola”, told reporters in a group interview.

For “Dedh Ishqiya”, Bhardwaj, who has co-scripted the film, once again teamed up with "Ishqiya" director Abhsishek Chaubey.

When asked why didn't he direct it himself, he said: "I was more tempted to do 'Maha Kaminey' because that film ('Kaminey) I had directed. This film I wrote, but it belongs more to Abhishek. Had he refused it, we won't have made the sequel."

Small screen actress Kirti Nagpure will wear a Rs.75 lakh wedding outfit, designed by Riyaz Gangji and his team Libas, for her wedding sequence in "Desh Ki Beti Nandini". She says she felt like a princess in the costume.

Reportedly weighing approximately 15 kg, the lehenga is said to be one of the most expensive ever worn in a TV show.

"I feel like a true rajkumari (princess) and this is definitely a dream wedding for Nandini," Kirti said in a statement.

Gangji has designed the wedding outfits for both Kirti and Rafi Malik. He gives credit for the outfits to his wife and his team.

He said: "This is probably one of the best works of my wife Reshma and team Libas and the result is there for everyone to see. The rich quality of the handcrafted costumes have never been seen before on the Indian television and it will be remembered for a long time."

It took the artesans almost three months to craft the intricately designed lehenga and sherwani, which has white water pearls and zardosi work.

"Desh Ki Beti Nandini", a political saga, airs on Sony Entertainment Television.

Soha Ali Khan, currently busy promoting her forthcoming film "Mr Joe B. Carvalho", describes her brother and actor Saif as a genuine nawab.

Saif was anointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi after the death of his father and former India cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan in 2011.

When asked about the personality traits of her brother in real life, Soha said: "He is very special, and Saif was born a prince.”

“He was born in 1970 and in 1971 (under the 26th Amendment to the Constitution) all the princely titles were abolished. So, he was actually a prince for a year,” she said.

"Maybe because of that, his style and his taste is so different. Even when he has lunch during shoots, he has a table, table-cloth - he is a genuine nawab," she added.

Soha, who is active in films for about a decade and did films like "Rang De Basanti" and "Mumbai Meri Jaan", says she has shed the girl-next-door image in the comedy, "Mr Joe B. Carvalho", directed by Samir Tewari.

"It's a comedy film and I got an opportunity to do action and cabaret - so it was fun for me. All this while I have done more of the girl-next-door kind of a role, but in this film I have come out of that image," said the 35-year-old.

In the film, which is coming out Jan 3, Soha has teamed up with Arshad Warsi.

Actress Shraddha Kapoor, who is shooting for Shahid Kapoor-starrer "Haider", loves to begin her day on an energetic note.

"Rise and shine and shoot! Love early morning energetic start! Have an awesome Sunday," Shraddha tweeted Sunday.

The actress, who made her cinematic debut with "Teen Patti", was applauded for her performance in the 2013 romantic drama "Aashiqui 2". She was also seen in "Gori Tere Pyaar Mein".

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi is off to Shillong and is excited about his first visit to the hill station.

Although the actor doesn’t prefer early morning flight, he made an exception this time.

"Red sleepy eyes, feel like I'm sleep walking through the airport! Hate these early morning flights! But I'm happy I'm flying to beautiful Shillong!" Vivek tweeted.

"I'm going to Shillong for the first time! If you guys know some cool places to visit there, please share! Some must see spots or places to eat (at)," he added.

Vivek was last seen in superhit sci-fi film "Krrish 3".

Comedian Kapil Sharma, who received CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2013 award in the entertainment category, thanked his fans for their love and support.

Producer and host of "Comedy Nights With Kapil", he received the award from actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar at the event Friday.

"Receiving Indian of the Year award from respected Amol palekar...Thank you god and my fans," Kapil tweeted Saturday.

He came into the limelight after winning the third season of "The Great Indian Laughter Challenge" and since then, there has been no looking back for him.

He also featured in Forbes India's 'celebrity 100' list.

After giving series of flops, actor Shahid Kapoor finally delivered a hit with "R...Rajkumar" and says the film's success has brought him a huge relief.

His last successful film was 2009 release "Kaminey" and after that most of his releases such as "Chance Pe Dance", "Mausam", "Teri Meri Kahaani", and "Phata Poster Nikla Hero" bit dust at the box office.

"R..Rajkumar's success has given me a huge relief. I was very excited with the response. I had never done a massy film where the audiences clap and whistle over your dialogues. I am very happy at the moment," said the actor, who delivered dialogues like "Silent hoja, nahin toh main violent ho jaaonga" in the movie.

According to trade analyst Taran Adarash's tweet, director Prabhudheva's "R...Rajkumar", an action-based typical masala movie, which saw Shahid and Sonakshi Sinha as the lead pair, earned Rs.64.43 crore in the first two weeks.

In fact, his father Pankaj Kapur is very happy for him.

"My dad loved the film and he is very happy with the success of the film. He has asked me to keep doing different kind of films. My father watched the film in a screening while my mother and my brother watched it in a single screen," said the 32-year-old who worked in his father's directorial venture "Mausam", which was also not a hit.

After two successful years, Telly Calendar will have an international feel with 12 popular small-screen actresses, including Divyanka Tripathi and Pooja Gor, shooting in their glamorous avatars in Malaysia for the 2014 edition.

The entire team was off to Malaysia to shoot for the calendar, an initiative of Marinating Films.

"I am confident and excited for Telly Calendar 2014. Like every year, the calendar features 12 most famous female faces of the Indian Television Industry in their most alluring avatar. The backdrop is set in Malaysia adding charisma to the whole look of the calendar," Anand Mishra, director, Marinating Films, said in a statement.

The 2014 calendar also features Krystle D'Souza, Asha Negi, Rati Pandey, Sara Khan, Rucha Hasabnis, Sukirti Kandpal, Ada Khan, Barkha Bisht, Tina Dutta and Sana Khan, who add oomph factor to it in their sensational avatar.

"We have received appreciation for our earlier calendars by the industry and it inspired us to go international and add an oomph quotient to our calendar this year," said Sunny Arora, director Marinating Films.

"Transforming the actors in a modern avatar with class, elegance and glamour, we aim at creating a brand with the popularity of Telly Calendar," he added.

Aamir Khan-starrer big-budget action thriller "Dhoom 3" has collected Rs.69.58 crore -- which includes earnings from Tamil and Telugu versions -- in two days of its release, an official statement here said.

Directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya, the third instalment of Yash Raj Films' popular "Dhoom" franchise came out Friday and opened to mixed reviews. But it seems the box office collection is satisfactory.

On Friday, the well-packaged enrapturing drama clinched a total of Rs.36.22 crore at the box office, while on Saturday the earnings were recorded to be Rs.33.36 crore.

Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra, who have been constant in the cast since “Dhoom”, reprised their roles of cop and sidekick, respectively. Katrina Kaif added glamour to the film that boasts beautifully designed sequences.

Naseeruddin Shah is undoubtedly one of the best performers on the Indian screen. Despite his atypical looks, he managed to make a mark for himself in both parallel and commercial films, but gives credit to Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan for paving the way for unconventional looking heroes in the Hindi filmdom.

Nowadays unconventional-looking actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Irrfan among others have raised the bar in filmdom, but Naseer feels the real credit goes to Amitabh.

"Mentality has not changed. It's just that the audience has always appreciated good acting. If unconventional people are getting roles, that credit goes to Bachchan saab. Even he was called unconventional in the beginning of his career and now the same people say what a sexy man!" he said.

"There is a huge contribution of Mr.Bachchan to make the unconventional face acceptable in commercial Hindi films. After that our careers - like Om Puri, Nana Patekar, Farooque Sheikh, Smita Patil, and Shabana Azmi - started. But the tendency has not changed. Still the chocolate face is acceptable," he added.

Naseeruddin's own achievements are no mean feat, but despite three National Awards, international honour and acclaim, the seasoned actor wonders why he isn't seen as a commercially viable artist by filmmakers.

The Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee has been part of some of the big-ticket box office movies in the recent past.

"Many such things have happened with me that has not happened with other actors. Like, despite being part of some of the most successful films - 'Main Hoon Na', 'Krrish', 'A Wednesday', 'Monsoon Wedding', and 'Ishqiya', I am still not a saleable actor," Naseer told IANS in an interview.

"I have no clue why it is so and I don't bother with it, may be because I am earning as much as I need and an ice cream won't taste better if you get another Rs.20 lakh tomorrow," added the 63-year-old.

The National School Drama alumnus, who entered the film world in the late 1960s and was first noticed for his work in "Bhumika", has so far done about 200 films, which are an interesting mix of commercial and parallel Indian cinema and also include international projects like "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen".

"That's how it's always been with me - out of the films that I have done in my career, there must have been at least 50 films that I have done free of charge and 100 with the first time directors. Out of those films, perhaps five will be remembered," said the actor.

Initially, he was more active in parallel cinema because of his unconventional looks and gave powerful performances in highly acclaimed films like "Nishant", "Aakrosh", "Sparsh", "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro" and "Masoom". But later he did commercial cinema, being seen in films like "Hero Hiralal", "Tridev", "Vishwatma" and "Sarfarosh".

Currently busy promoting "Dedh Ishqiya", Naseeruddin admits that he enjoys working with director Abhishek Chaubey.

"Abhishek is very open to suggestions that the actors give. He likes to encourage the participation of the actors and basically he likes both Arshad Warsi and me very much. I enjoy working with him," he said.

Actress-producer Dia Mirza is happy to see her mother Deepa "shining bright" over a month after heart surgery.

The "Love Breakups Zindagi" star took to Twitter to talk about how the “bad times” have passed now that her mother is feeling much better.

“Mamma! Over a month ago you had such a big surgery and now look at you! Shining bright...bad times do pass,” Dia posted on the microblogging site Monday.

Dia's mother underwent an emergency heart surgery due to which the shooting of Dia's production venture “Bobby Jasoos”, which stars Vidya Balan in the lead role, was postponed.