Apart from his filmmaking and reality show judging assignments, it seems Karan Johar has another priority that’s high on his list — losing weight.

A source close to Karan reveals that he has regularly been taking time out to hit the gym for the last two-and-a-half months. “Hrithik Roshan’s trainer, Kris Gethin, has a team working under him. Karan has hired one of them to shed his extra weight. He had put on a lot of weight during the making of Student Of The Year (2012), and he wants to get rid of it,” says the source, adding that Karan has already lost 12 kilos.

Rumours have it that apart from wanting to be fitter, the filmmaker’s weight loss may also have something to do with his upcoming debut as a full-fledged actor. An industry insider says, “Karan is playing a negative role in Anurag Kashyap’s Bombay Velvet. This will be his big screen debut and his role is important. All eyes will be on him.”

Recently, Karan even told us, “I have started training and working out to get really thin.”

Shah Rukh Khan is about to make a musical, Marathi debut. Music composer and singer Shekhar Ravjiani has roped him for his Marathi single, Saanvli. The song, which also features Sunidhi Chauhan, is about first love and SRK has already shot the video.

A source said “Shah Rukh Khan is synonymous with romance. Shekhar met him at a studio and played out the single for him. He connected with the song instantly and agreed to feature in the video.”

The music video has been directed by Ravi Jadhav (who has won a National Award for Natrang) and the lyrics are penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It also features a verse that reads:
Parchhayi Teri Saanvli si, Natkhat thodi baavli si.

A source added, “The revenue from this song will go to an NGO, which is another reason why SRK agreed to be a part of the project. The video will feature him reciting the verse. It was rather nice of him to make himself available to shoot the video despite his busy schedule.”

When contacted, Shekhar confirmed the story and said: “His thoughtfulness and love has made this video very special to me.”

Producer-director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, who is all set to release his film, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", based on the life of former athlete Milkha Singh, said that the film was not based on sports and could have been on anybody in an endeavour to show the human spirit.

"I will like to clarify that the film is not based on sports or about a sportsman. It is about the triumph of the human spirit. What I saw was a story of a boy who lost his parents in his childhood at 12 years. He went on to make his country proud in the future," he said at the music and promo launch of the film held here Wednesday.

The film stars Farhan Akhtar and Sonam Kapoor.

Farhan who has been seen in films like "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" and "Rock On" said that he feels truly honoured to have got to play Milkha Singh in this film.

"The opportunity of acting or directing a film on someone so inspirational are rare. I am so happy that I got this opportunity. I promised Milkhaji that I will do a lot of effort," he said.

The actor said he prepared a lot for this role.

"I had to completely change my running style. The training was completely different. You have to build up your endurance and stamina. But the purpose of the film was higher than what we were doing, this removes your ego from the picture. You try and put in whatever is required to achieve the goal," he said.

The actor further added that he was so inspired by Milkha Singh's life, that nothing seemed tough for him.

"We were all inspired by Milkha Singh's life. We never felt something was tough," he said.

The film is all set to release on July 12.

What Mani Ratnam couldn't do, Aanand Rai has succeeded in doing. Audiences will be getting to hear Bollywood actress Sonam speak in Tamil for the first time in "Raanjhanaa".

The Tamil version of "Raanjhanna" entitled "Ambikapathy" would see Sonam speak in Tamil, albeit dubbed by a professional Tamil dubbing artiste.

Some time ago Mani Rathnam wanted Sonam in his Tamil film "Kadhalan". But Sonam was not prepared to go regional at that point in her career. The decision for a Tamil version of "Raanjhanna" was an afterthought. It was taken by the film's producers Eros in keeping with Dhanush's superstar status in Tamil Nadu.

Apparently Sonam was most keen to say her own Tamil dialogues. But there was just no time for her to master the language.

"Sonam is a very hardworking girl. She has transformed herself into her character. Given the chance she would have liked to speak her own lines in Tamil. But there was just no time to master the nuances. And the Tamil audience is very particular about accents," says the film's director Aanand Rai.

Sonam and Dhanush had actually made a double-pact, wherein she helped him with his Hindi dialogues in the Hindi version of "Raanjhanaa" while he was to help her with her Tamil dialogues.

However, the lead pair's two-way linguistic lessons didn't get a chance to go far enough.

While Dhanush's South Indian accent worked well for his character in "Raanjhanaa" as he plays a Tamil Brahmin in Varanasi, Sonam's Tamil just didn't make the cut. Much to the regret of the actress who has worked very hard to get into character this time.

Tamil actor Dhanush, who is awaiting the release of his first Hindi film "Raanjhanaa", says even though superstar Rajnikanth has a lot of influence on him, he doesn't like being compared with his father-in-law because he considers him a "legend".

"I grew up watching his films and therefore there might be his influence on me, but I don't like to be compared with him," Dhanush told IANS in an interview.

"He is a legend and I'm only 26 films old. How can you possibly compare me with him," he asked.

Director Anand L. Rai has transformed the southern star into a typical desi guy from Benaras for "Raanjhanaa". But for Dhanush, character was no different from playing a lover boy in a Tamil film.

"It was just another film for me. After hearing the script, I realised that the character was very similar to the lover boy I have played in several Tamil films. I knew I had to play a lover boy again, but in a different place and language and, therefore, I had nothing to worry about," said the actor, who has teamed up with Sonam Kapoor in the love story.

"Anand wouldn't have offered me the project in the first place had he not believed in me. The faith factor touched me and I was convinced that I had to do the project," he added.

"Raanjhanaa" is the love story of a Muslim girl and a Hindu boy and this is Dhanush's first full-length romantic film.

Does he think his fans will accept him in a romantic hero's role?

"I'm not a judge of my films and I don't know how my fans in Tamil Nadu will react to 'Raanjhanaa'. We have dubbed the film in Tamil hoping it will impress my fans, but I don't know if I can assure you they will like it. I hope they do and I'm waiting to see how they will receive it," said the 30-year old actor.

Produced by Eros International, "Raanjhanaa" is coming out Friday, while its Tamil version "Ambikapathy" will hit the screens a week later.

For Dhanush, working in Bollywood is almost similar to doing movies in the Tamil film industry. The only difference he can point out is the exhausting promos.

"In the south, we usually give a bunch of interviews and we are done, but in Bollywood, promotions are really exhausting. We travelled to nearly 15 cities to promote 'Raanjhanaa', but down south, seldom do we go to other cities to promote our films. This is the only difference I find between the two industries," he said.

He however admitted language was his biggest barrier while doing "Raanjhanaa".

"I almost gave up dubbing because learning Hindi was a Herculean task. But Anand and Sonam never gave up on me and I'm thankful to them. I still haven't mastered the language and I think I will take more time," the actor added.

How did a Tamil actor end up in Bollywood?

"Anand watched my National Award winning Tamil film 'Aadukalam' and decided to cast me. Even though I was sceptical initially, the faith that Anand had in me eventually led me to sign the project," he said.

Dhanush has also signed another film with Anand and says it was out of mutual respect for each other.

"You can't always expect to work with a director who guarantees success. Anand and I have developed mutual respect for each other. Precisely this is why I have teamed up with him even before the release of my Hindi debut," he explained.

Filmmaker Anand L. Rai, whose latest romantic offering "Raanjhanaa", says the movie tells a love story which is thicker and deeper than his last directorial "Tanu Weds Manu".

"There was an urge to tell a love story which is more thicker than 'Tanu Weds Manu'. It has got more depth. I knew I was challenging myself as a director also. It wasn't easy for me," said Rai.

"Tanu Weds Manu", released in 2011, featured Kangna Ranaut and R.Madhavan in the lead.

The story of "Raanjhanaa", releasing Friday, is set in the interiors of Benaras. Rai says today's generation needs to see a love story which reflects patience.

"I will say today's generation needs to see a love story where they see certain patience. I respect today's generation for their honesty and straight forwardness... They speak out what is there in their heart."

"I have no issue with it. But my question is are you scared of pain? Are you scared of being called a weak guy or girl? 'I don't want to get hurt' - is that stopping them from falling in love? That's not healthy. It is not just that we have lost trust in a man and woman relationship...We are not trusting people," he added.

The movie features Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor in the lead.

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who is on a roll after the success of "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani", will take to the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards stage in Macau next month. She is excited about her performance.

Deepika will showcase some of her signature moves from the recent hit songs in her most successful films, including "Angrezi beats", "Tum hi ho bandhu" and her most recent "Balam pichkari".

“I’m thrilled to be performing at the IIFA this year. I'll be performing to some of my favourite songs from my recent release 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' and 'Cocktail'. This will also be my first visit to Macau and I hope my fans enjoy my performance," Deepika said in a statement.

The 14th edition of the IIFA awards extravaganza will be held at the Venetian Macao July 6.

An item song performed by Mumait Khan in Ashuu Trikha's forthcoming film "Enemmy" has the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) stepping in with firm hands. The names of four women - Katrina, Kareena, Bipasha and Priyanka in an item song have been replaced by 'Miss India' and 'Miss World'.

The names used were of popular Bollywood actresses Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu and Priyanka Chopra.

The original lyrics, written by Shabbir Ahmed, went like - "Mujhko pataane ka hai tension, Udaaye koi rokda udaaye pension/ Dil pe kadam jo main rakh doon/ Katrina ko Kareena ko paani kam chai kar doon... Bipasha ko Priyanka ko, paani kam chai kar doon..."

Trikha is angry that he was asked to alter the lyrics.

"Kareena, Katrina, Bipasha and Priyanka are for me not the actresses but just four names," he said.

"The song mentions four common Indian names which the Censor Board, in its wisdom, thinks refer to four popular Indian actresses. They wanted us to get a verbal NOC (no-objection certificate) from these actresses before clearing it," said Trikha.

He is astounded by the logic applied to the song.

"My argument is very simple. Why does the Censor Board believe that the names mentioned in the song are exclusive to the actresses? There are hundreds of girls and women with the same names."

Bollywood movie production giant Yash Raj Films (YRF) is geared up for its southern innings, which begins with the Tamil and Telugu remake of successful Hindi movie "Band Baaja Baaraat".

Starring well-known southern actor Nani along with debutant Vani Kapoor in lead roles, the film is directed by Gokul Krishna and produced by Aditya Chopra. The untitled film went on floor end of May, and it has completed its first schedule in Chennai, said a statement from YRF.

The next schedule will be conducted in Hyderabad and Mysore, starting early July. Padam Kumar, who heads the South operation of the company, is the creative producer of the project.

"This is the first of many new ventures to come from YRF in regional content," Rafiq Gangjee, vice president (Marketing and Communications), YRF, said in a statement.

The "Band Baaja Baaraat" remake will be followed by not just other Tamil films, both from YRF's catalogue as well as new and original content, but also movies that are poised to break into other regional film markets of the south, added Gangjee.

Pakistani actor Ali Zafar, who debuted in Bollywood with 2010 film "Tere Bin Laden", will be seen doing a cameo in the comic satire's sequel.

Directed by Abhishek Sharma, "Tere Bin laden", a spoof on the 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden, featured Ali in the lead.

Tentatively titled "Tere Bin Laden 3", the sequel stars TV anchor Manish Paul in the main role.

"I am only doing a cameo in the sequel. I am very excited about the film. Most probably, I will shoot for this film in August," Ali told IANS.

Meanwhile, Ali, who has done films like "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan", "London, Paris, New York" and "Chashme Baddoor", expresses happiness over good scripts coming his way.

He said: "I am in a happy phase right now. Really happy that I am getting to read some outstanding scripts...I want to be known for my good work and good films and not just for the box office success."

Actors Saif Ali Khan and Sonakshi Sinha are getting a real taste of Lucknow's culinary flavours and hospitality while shooting for action drama “Bullett Raja”. Thanks to the locals, the team got to gorge on tasteful home-cooked biryani.

A source from the set of Tigmanshu Dhulia's anticipated project says that a few locals were so happy to have the team shooting in their locality that one day they went out of their way and brought home-cooked food for the entire crew.

"We have been shooting in Lucknow quite a long time now and we were all feeling very homesick. It was that one day a group of ladies came to Saif and offered him some homemade mutton biryani,” said a source close to the team.

What followed the next day was “huge dabbas (boxes) filled with home-cooked biryani, not only for Saif but for the entire team," the source said, adding how “it was almost feast of sorts for us that day”.

“Bullett Raja”, which is about a a mafia based in Uttar Pradesh, is expected to be an action-packed entertainer.

Presented by Fox Star Studios, the movie also stars Jimmy Shergill, Vidyut Jammwal, Raj Babbar, Gulshan Grover, Ravi Kishan and Chunky Pandey.

Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's small-budget production "Fukrey" has been well-received at the box office. Ali Fazal, one of the actors in the film, says Farhan took the email route to compliment the whole team on the movie’s success.

"Farhan sent such a nice and long email to the entire team. He wished all of us. He has been with us through the whole process. It was really sweet and warm," Ali said here at a theatre, where the team came visiting Wednesday to see the audience's reaction.

Other actors in the film - Richa Chadda, Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma - were also present at the theatre.

Pulkit says they are happy with the audience's appreciation, and that is what matters to them more than the money.

"We were hoping for appreciation and that matters to us more than the numbers. We wanted people to come and that's more important. Everyone now knows what is 'Fukrey'," Pulkit said.

Directed by Mrighdeep Singh Lamba, "Fukrey" released June 14. It also features Priya Anand and Manjot Singh.

Viacom18 Motion Pictures has joined hands with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Productions to co-produce Akshay Kumar-starrer “Gabbar” and the much-talked about biopic on Olympic bronze medalist Mary Kom, starring Priyanka Chopra.

“Gabbar”, to be directed by Krish of “Vedam” and “Gam Yam” fame, is a remake of Tamil blockbuster “Ramana”, while the Mary Kom Biopic is helmed by Omung Kumar.

“We are proud to add the projects to our slate. This step reflects our belief in venturing boldly into associations with passionate, like-minded partners to deliver great content,” Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Motion Pictures, said in a statement.

Bhansali is also “extremely happy” with the association as “their passion and understanding for cinema remains same as ours”, he said.

The movie on Mary Kom went on floor this week, and the shooting of “Gabbar” is likely to begin later this year.

Members of Indie-pop band Indian Ocean have shot an advertisement to oppose abuse of animals in circuses.

Band members Rahul Ram, Tuheen Chakravarty, Amit Kilam, Himanshu Joshi and Susmit Sen, who has now quit the band, are seen chained with heavy metal chains in the latest People for the Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) advertisement.

"We are performers and enjoy entertaining our fans, but chaining and beating freedom-loving animals into performing is not entertainment. It's abuse. We're asking all good people of conscience to stay away from any circus that enslaves and harms animals," Indian Ocean said in a statement.

The new ad's slogan is "Try to Relate to Their Fate. Boycott Animal Circuses" and has been shot by leading photographer Anil Chawla, with hair and makeup by Adwita Roy.

Post the shoot came the news that guitarist Susmit had decided to move away from Indian Ocean and that he will be replaced by Nikhil Rao.

Television actress Esha Kansara, currently seen in "Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabi - Meri Bhabhi", says dance is her first love and she is eager to participate in a dance-based show.

"I am looking to do a dance reality show. Dance is my first love. If I had not been an actor, then I would have been a dancer. I want to do a dance in a daily show or in a reality show. I really want to dance a lot," she told IANS.

Last seen in "Mukti Bandhan", she says her new show "Meri Bhabhi" is not a regular saas-bahu saga.

"Everyone is saying that is it a saas-bahu story. But I hope that after the show maybe people would say that nanad-bhabhi shows are also coming now," said the actress who hails from Ahmedabad and has a background in theatre. But TV was always on her priority list.

"I dreamt of doing TV when I used to watch 'Kyunki... Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi...' and 'Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii'. I used to tell my mom that I want to act in TV and wear nice clothes. I didn't knew how to start with it...The very first step was to start with theatre," she said.

He is the son of producer Kumar Taurani and his legacy makes him familiar with the modalities of making movies, but Girish Kumar, who is debuting with Prabhudheva directed "Ramaiya Vastavaiya", says he just focused on the acting part for his first film.

"I am not involved with the production of the film because Prabhu did not want me to be part of that. He wanted me to enjoy acting and focus on that," Girish told IANS.

So, the youngster left the production responsibilities to his dad, who runs Tips Industries Ltd along with his brother Ramesh Taurani. The banner is known for producing films like "Race 2" and "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani".

"Being producer's son there is an advantage that I understand the economics of the industry very well. (Compared to others) I have a better understanding of it and I know how things work," he said.

But there are other pros and cons of being a filmmaker's son, he said and explained it by saying: "Advantage is that you have an opportunity, disadvantage is that there is an added pressure on you."

"I got the opportunity at home, but ultimately the audience will decide whether I am worth the opportunity or not. My work matters. People should focus on my work," he added.

He has a set a benchmark for himself.

"Big actors achieve that, I am new - my benchmark is that I want the audience to enjoy the film and that nobody should be in loss. We only try to act, but stardom is something that the audience will give you. If you have the audience's love, you will be a star," the 24-year-old said.

Only talent survives in the industry, feels Girish.

He explained his point of view by citing examples: "Hrithik Roshan is a producer's son and Aamir Khan is a producer's son - whoever has the talent will survive. If audiences like your work, you will survive. For instance, Shah Rukh Khan didn't have any backup, but he did so well and he is still doing very well."

"Your work matters ultimately. If you work hard, you deserve to get a chance. 'Kismat kismet ki baat hai', whoever can act, will get an opportunity," he added.

"Ramaiya Vastavaiya" features Kamal Haasan's daughter Shruti in the female lead and the cast also has Sonu Sood. It is slated for a July 19 release.

Girish says that "Ramaiya Vastavaiya" is a romantic film with a good dose of family drama, but sans action.

"Family romantic film has not come from a long time. I am hoping people like it. Film presenting Indian culture is coming after a long time," he added.

Talking about his on screen tuning with his co-star, he said: "The feedback says our chemistry is good and we are looking great together. Shruti is very patient and a great co-star."

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who features as former athlete Milkha Singh in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", believes biopics have the potential of bringing the present generation closer to history and to stories of those who have made the country proud in the past.

"It's great that films are being made about the people who made their mark in their field. We are a country which is constantly searcing for heroes, looking out for someone to look up to," Farhan said here Wednesday during the promotion of "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag", directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

"At times it's nice if we can look back into history and see the kind of sacrifices that people have made and how they have put the national pride before themselves, submitted themselves physically and emotionally to a task that was a way bigger than a lot of people can imagine is achievable. That is very inspirational," he added.

Several biopics are awaited across Indian cinema - there’s the Tamil-English bilingual on math genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, then another on legendary actor Guru Dutt, oneon the legendary Kishore Kumar, and also on Olympic bronze medalist Mary Kom.

Year 2012 saw “Paan Singh Tomar”, about the former national steeplechase champion-turned-bandit. It received rave reviews and critical acclaim.

Farhan says it is vital that people know about such heroes.

"Just the fact that we are focussing on the people who have made us proud, I hope many more such films of the biopic nature will be made about people from different fields," Farhan said.

Releasing July 12, "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" also features Sonam Kapoor.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali says Sooraj Pancholi, who is in judicial custody on the charge of abetting suicide of actress Jiah Khan, was extremely hard working and focussed when he assisted him on "Guzaarish".

Not many know that Sooraj's father Aditya Pancholi and Bhansali live in the same building, though on different floors. Sanjay, who is hermetic by nature, doesn't meet Aditya much, Aditya's wife Zarina Wahab and Sanjay's mother Leela are best friends.

"They are constantly in touch. Zarinaji is a fantastic cook. And she rushes up to our floor with dishes all the time, while my mother too looks out for Zarinaji and the family all the time," said Bhansali affectionately.

It was during one of Zarina's regular afternoon sessions with Leelaji that the suggestion that Sooraj assist Bhansali was mooted.

"That's how Sooraj came to me to assist me for 'Guzaarish'. And I must admit, he was extremely hard working, focussed and soft-spoken. Sooraj would be on the sets on time and he was a fast learner. There were no airs about being a star son. I must say Zarina and Aditya have done a good job of bringing him up," said the filmmaker.

Bhansali is looking forward to working with Sooraj again.

"I wouldn't mind directing him. To me, he seems as gentle and affectionate as Zarinaji," he added.

Jiah committed suicide June 3 and before her death she reportedly wrote a letter in which she talked about her doomed relationship with alleged boyfriend Sooraj. He was arrested June 10 in connection with the suicide of the "Nishabd" actress, and is now in judicial custody. His bail plea hearing is slated for June 21.

Controversial model-turned-actress Poonam Pandey, known for her outrageous photographs and statements, clarifies that she isn’t cut out just for bold roles. She wants to do much more.

The actress has gone over ’bold’ in her forthcoming film “Nasha”. But she says: “Honestly speaking, it's not like I have always wanted to do bold films. I would love to experiment with different types of roles."

"Right now, I haven't thought much. I am just focussing on 'Nasha' right now,” the 20-year-old said here Wednesday during the shoot of a pole dance sequence.

Even Amit Saxena, who has directed her in "Nasha", vouches that Poonam has the talent to feature in all kinds of film genres.

“She would fit any genre. It's breathtaking to watch this talent. She is absolutely new, she is doing this for the first time and there is absolutely no inhibitions that she has," said Saxena.

Talking about her capability, he said: “She has gone from comic moments to serious moments. I feel she will be able to do any genre and do full justice to it."

"Nasha" tells the story of an 18-year-old boy who falls in love with an older woman, played by Poonam. The movie releases July 26.

Actor-producer John Abraham has revealed that his architect brother Alan, who resides in France, was once offered a French film, but he turned it down.

"He was studying in France and was offered a French film there. But he was not interested," the 40-year-old said here Wednesday at a P&G event, which was also attended by his mother Firoza.

The French film offer was followed by Bollywood, says John

"Later he came to India and here also he got an offer. But he ran away and said I don't want to come in front of the camera. He is an architect," he added.

However, John reveals that his mother is a movie buff and was a huge fan of Shammi Kapoor.

"Mom loves Hindi films, especially black and white films. She loves old songs. Mummy's favourite actor was Shammi Kapoor. She used to jump on the theatres seats seeing Shammi Kapoor do 'Chahe koi mujhe junglee kahe'," John said.

John is currently busy with his production "Madras Cafe". Being directed by Shoojit Sircar, it also stars Nargis Fakhri.