Actress Poonam Dhillon plans to spend the New Year with her family in Goa.
She has planned a vacation in Goa with her kids, said a source.
The actress, who was part of films like "Yeh Vaada Raha" and "Noorie", is currently part of Sony Entertainment Television’s "Ekk Nayi Pehchaan".
Kareena Kapoor is petrified of heights, but the actress put her fears behind her and performed on a ferris wheel mid-air at a recently held awards functione here.
The 33-year-old proved she is a thorough professional when she took centre stage at the Big Star Entertainment Awards 2013.
The Big Star Entertainment Awards 2013 will air Dec 31 on Star Plus.
Bollywood's funnyman Jagdeep will join his sons Jaaved Jaaferi and Naved Jafri on dance reality show "Boogie Woogie".
The veteran actor, who played the famous character of Surma Bhopali in classic movie "Sholay", will be seen recreating the same magic on the show with Jaaved and Naved acting as Jai and Veeru, said a statement.
The family episode will air Sunday on Sony Entertainment Television.
After parting ways with Sunburn, DJ-VJ Nikhil Chinapa has come on board with Budweiser Vh1 Supersonic 2013 music festival as the festival director and says the idea is to connect with music lovers.
Nikhil says the five day festival aims to "restore the spirit of community" and "passion for music" that has been so elusive lately owing to the sudden explosion of electronic music.
"The best festivals I've been to are the ones where I feel a sense of belonging, like every corner of the festival is my home. That's what I'm going to do with this festival," Nikhil told IANS in a telephonic interview from Goa.
"The idea behind Supersonic isn't to be different or to stand apart, but to be amazing in whatever it delivers and also to connect people with a unifying thought," the 40-year-old added.
Conceptualised by LIVE Viacom18 and M/s Starlight Events & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, the
festival started Thursday at the Candolim Beach, Goa, which was earlier the venue for Sunburn music festival, and Nikhil feels that it is the perfect venue.
"There are many hotels and restaurants near Candolim, so it is the ideal central location for the festival. Even the festivalgoers will be able to enjoy exclusive offers from Budweiser through out the day around these places," he said about the festival, which will end Dec 30.
Where do you see the festival in next 10 years?
"My vision is to grow the festival to many stages and diversify into a multi-genre festival," Nikhil said.
Actress Alefia Kapadia, who plays Latika in TV show "Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara", was harassed on the road by a man who allegedly chased her car and heckled her. A single mother, she filed a FIR against him.
The stalker got arrested, but was later released on bail.
"I told him to go away. When he refused to listen I used my phone-camera. When I took pictures of the man on the road, I was thinking more of my son's safety than my own. But the minute I took his pictures, the man was livid.
"He parked his car diagonally in front of mine and marched towards my car. During that moment when he approached me, my heart skipped many beats. Was he approaching to harm me, my son and my friend who was with us? Was he going to pull me out of the car? Or was he going to snatch my camera? These thoughts ran through my head."
Alefia filed a complaint against him.
"I had to take some action. The way he was trying to intimidate me, chasing my car so expertly and confidently in the heavy traffic, it seemed like just another day of fun and games for him. I had to lodge an FIR against this man, so that he wouldn't try something like this again.
"The man, who harassed me and my son on the road, was arrested and let out on bail... I am keeping track of the proceedings," said the actress.
However, she is no stranger to male aggression as she was in an abusive marriage for several years until she opted out.
"I've been through this long and painful journey of being the silent sufferer when I was married. I learnt my lesson. I would never again remain quiet when violated.
"I am now out of the marriage. I am currently in the process of a very long, painful and traumatic divorce and custody battle over my son. But while it lasted, I went through tremendous verbal and physical abuse."
Because of her past experience Alefia won't take any kind of abuse from anyone.
"I know what it is like to take male aggression quietly... I don't want to fall into that trap again. That's why I couldn't let the incident on the road pass by. I had to take a stand for my sake and for the sake of all those women who are constantly harassed and abused at home and on the roads."
As a single mother Alefia's life is not easy. But she's enjoying her freedom.
"I feel like a free bird. Yes, it's difficult. My son's father is giving me hell. He wants to take away my son. Since he's financially sound, he can pay for the best lawyers. He keeps threatening me he'd do anything to get our son.
"Until a year back, he didn't care anything about our child. Suddenly he wants our son. But I've to tell you the incident on the road this week and the support I got thereafter has given me renewed strength and courage to fight for my child's custody," she said.
Alefia, who plays a negative character in "Pyaar Ka Dard...", says this is her first serial after marriage.
"I used to work before marriage. I even played the lead in a telefilm directed by Imtiaz Ali. Then after marriage, I moved to Dubai. I married into a family where working women were frowned at.
"It took a lot of courage for me to separate from my husband. He had my passport. He wouldn't let go of me or my son. I had to take the help of the Indian embassy in Dubai to get out of my husband's home and out of the country. My father had to come to Dubai to rescue me. As a parent I realize what he must have gone through."
She had to build her life and career from scratch.
"Now it's been two years since I came back. It took me a lot of courage to approach the television industry for work. Now I stay in South Mumbai. I am juggling my duties as a mother and a working woman. My parents have been extremely supportive through my ordeal," said Alefia.
Actor Raqesh Vashisth has replaced Karan Singh Grover on popular TV show "Qubool Hai". He will now portray the character of Asad.
The actor is excited to be a part of the show and is hoping that he will be able to make a place in the hearts of the viewers soon.
"It's homecoming for me as my debut on television happened with 'Saat Phere' on Zee TV. 'Qubool Hai' is a hugely popular show and Asad is an enormously popular character. I'm happy that the creative team thought that I would be appropriate for the role," Raqesh said in a statement.
"The year is ending on a very good note for me as my fans will see me all seven days! Monday to Friday on 'Qubool Hai' and over the weekend on my dance reality show ('Nach Baliye 6'). Karan (Singh Grover) has already wished me luck and I'm hoping that I can make a make a place in the hearts of the viewers also soon," he added.
The creative team from the production house 4 Lions and the channel were unanimous in selecting Raqesh as the lead opposite Zoya (Surbhi Jyoti) in the TV show.
"Raqesh is handsome and good-looking and he looks amazing with Zoya. The best and most important part is that he is known in the industry for his professionalism' We're glad that he has agreed to come on board," they said.
Raqesh will start shooting for the show soon and will be seen as Asad on "Qubool Hai" from the beginning of the New Year.
The channel had dropped Karan from the show two days ago following his "unprofessional behaviour".
So far there has been no comments from Karan on the same.
After working together in Telugu films "Lakshmi" and "Telugu", actors Daggubati Venkatesh and Nayantara have teamed up for the third time for upcoming romantic-drama "Radha" in the same language.
"Nayanthara has been paired opposite Venkatesh in the film, which will be launched on Jan 16 next year," said a statement.
"Maruthi will direct the film, a love story between a minister and a middle-class girl. Regular shooting starts from February end 2014," the statement added.
"Radha" will be produced by D.V.V. Danayya.
Film: "Mahabharat 3D"; Voices of Amitabh Bachchan, Sunny Deol, Vidya Balan, Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Shatrughan Sinha; Directed by Amaan Khan; Rating: **
If you were hoping that animation films would come of age with this purported epic, you are in for a disappointment. Though the characters from the Mahabharat have faces and voices of the biggest stars, the images do not add up to a compelling canvas. Not by a wide margin.
Or, perhaps, it's because those eminently known faces and voices assume the roles of the mythological characters that we are unable to connect, let alone empathise with the astonishing tale of valour, manipulation and war that we've grown up with. Folklore and mythology when done with excessive flamboyance loses its efficacy.
The presentation is epic in intent, yes. Alas, the execution, packaging and projection leave the epic undernourished and over-emphasized.
The magic of animation cinema is to transport the audience into the world of make-believe, but in a way that we forget the characters are not real people. In other words, for animation to be effective, the narration must transcend the technique of animation.
"Mahabharat", as told by director Amaan Khan, never goes beyond self-congratulation. The animation characters are so busy posturing they are never humanized. All we see are graphics, not the spectacular characters from the Mahabharat whom we've grown up with. We hear them. But they never attain credible shapes on screen.
To their credit the superstars have lent their voices with great dignity and restraint. And I'd have been happy just hearing Mr Bachchan as Bheeshma Pitamah, Sunny Deol as Bheem, Vidya Balan as Draupadi...and what have you.
Incidentally Draupadi's vastrahan scene has to be seen for us to know how clumsily inadequate the animation and graphics are. The saree doesn't unfurl. It ties itself up in knots, in a manner of speaking.
There is a laboured attempt here to prove that animation has come to animated life in Indian cinema.Sadly it ends up proving only the opposite. We've a long way to go. If you want to see a credible dramatically deft adaptation of the Mahabharat, check out B.R. Chopra's televised version.
As for animation, I suggest Indian cinema leave it alone.
Actor Satish Shah, who is in a state of shock after he heard about the death of veteran Bollywood actor Farooque Sheikh late Friday in Dubai, said he has lost a great friend.
Satish Shah told IANS: "I got a call from his wife. She said it was a massive heart atrack. He passed away last night. He was hale and hearty and he had taken his family to Dubai for holidays. All I can say is I have lost a great friend."
Shah said he was constantly in touch with Sheikh and the last they had spoken to each other was a couple of days ago.
"We were constantly in touch with each other through sms. I spoke to him day before yesterday. In fact, I am also close friends with his wife Rupa as we were all in the same college," Shah said.
Farooque Sheikh 65, is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan became "very sad" when he heard of the sudden demise of veteran actor Farooque Sheikh, whom he always appreciated for his honesty and zero pretence.
"God! Farooque Sheikh passes away. A true gentleman, a wonderful colleague. A quiet honesty about him. Very very sad," the 71-year-old posted on microblogging website Twitter Saturday.
The star of films like "Umrao Jaan" and "Chashme Buddoor", Farooque breathed his last following a heart attack while he was in Dubai late Friday night. He was 65.
Born March 25, 1948, Sheikh started his Bollywood career in 1973 with the classic "Garam Hava" and later excelled in both parallel and mainstream cinema.
Amitabh said he cannot believe "he has gone".
"There was an absence of any kind of pretence in his demeanour, or towards his work," added Amitabh, who was himself in Dubai Thursday for a jewellery store launch. He returned to Mumbai Friday.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who worked with Farooque Sheikh in the 1993 film "Maya Memsaab", is "sorry" for not having spent enough time with the actor, who breathed his last in Dubai late Friday night.
"My biggest regret (is) that I never got to spend time with you, Farooque sahib, as I had requested. Should have done it earlier. I feel so sorry," Shah Rukh posted on his Twitter page Saturday.
Farooque died of a heart attack while he was on a family vacation. He was 65.
Humble gentleman, soft spoken, sophisticated and nuanced - the Bollywood fraternity, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shekhar Kapur, Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt, looked back at the late Farooque Sheikh's life and career with immense appreciation following the "Umrao Jaan" star's sudden demise.
Several actors and filmmakers took to microblogging site Twitter to express shock upon hearing the news of the veteran actor's death, which came after a heart attack in Dubai Friday night. He was 65.
Having starred in eclectic roles throughout his four-decade career, Farooque has left behind a wonderful body of work, ending with the recently released "Club 60".
Here's what the members of the Hindi film industry have to say:
Amitabh Bachchan: Farooque Sheikh passes away. A true gentleman, a wonderful colleague. A quiet honesty about him. Very very sad. Cannot believe he has gone. There was an absence of any kind of pretence in his demeanour, or towards his work.
Karan Johar: RIP Farooque Sheikh. Your subtle, nuanced and genius body of work will live on forever.
Mahesh Bhatt: Alvida Farooque bhai. The warmth of your smile lingers in our memory!
Kunal Kapoor: Such terrible news about Farooqueji. Not only an incredible actor, but also one of the warmest, most amazing people I've ever met.
Rahul Khanna: Sad news about Farooque Sheikh. Such a talent is rare and such a thorough gentleman, even rarer. What a great! Premature loss.
Celina Jaitly: With a very heavy shocked heart I bid adieu from Egypt to legendary actor and my co-star of 'Accident On Hill Road' dearest Farooque saab. He was such a soft spoken gentleman, humility was his second name. It was such an honour to work with him.
Shekhar Kapur: RIP Farooque Sheikh. "Garam Hawa", "Chashme Buddoor", "Umrao Jaan"... List of brilliance is endless. Life passionately dedicated to his art. The last time we met, we talked politics. I wish we had talked film and acting. It's what we love most. I would have learned.
Neil Nitin Mukesh: RIP Faarooque Sheikhji. What an amazing actor! Lovely human being.
Riteish Deshmukh: Shocked beyond words - RIP Farooque Sheikh, you will be missed sir.
Vinay Pathak: An actor and a gentleman is no more. There was so much to learn from the maverick, and he departs early. Truly the saddest demise!
Siddharth: The always wonderful Farooque Sheikh has passed away. Integral part of many a parallel cinema classic. Great man. Gone too soon sir.
Manoj Bajpayee: Never felt so sad recently as I am feeling today after I heard the news of the sudden demise of Farooque Sheikh saab! Man with no pretence.
Rahul Bose: In shock to hear of Farooque Sheikh's passing. He was a perfect combination of a thorough gentleman who never minced his words.
Satish Kaushik: Sad to hear about the sudden demise of Farroukh Sheikh. Brilliant actor, very cultured, sophisticated man. Will miss you Farooque saab.
Mohit Chauhan: The world's a lesser place today. You will be missed sir.
Madhur Bhandarkar: Deeply saddened to hear about Farooque Sheikh. Will miss his warmth, acting skills and gentlemanly demeanour.
Mini Mathur: Hope Farooque Sheikh is listening to the wonderful odes and goodbyes. We should appreciate people we admire while they are still around.
Divya Dutta: Woke up to hearing this terrible news about Farooque saab. The gentlest soul and magic on screen. My last meeting with him at Shabana Azmiji's house, I told him that 'The warmth and genuiness you exude is unparallelled'. His smile was straight from the heart. Miss you sir!
Sophie Choudry: Such sad news to wake up to. Fabulous actor, understated gentleman. Have loved him in so many films - from 'Noorie' to 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'.
Arshad Warsi: Really sad to hear about Farooque Sheikh, admired him as a person and as an actor.
Nimrat Kaur: The extraordinary brilliance of the ordinary, blended in and stood out when he pleased. A true artist, what a gift of life was Farooque Sheikh.
Film: "Kalyana Samayal Saadham"; Cast: Prasanna Venkatesan, Lekha Washington, Delhi Ganesh, Uma Padmanabhan and Crazy Mohan; Director: R.S Prasanna; Rating: ****
What makes a man a 'man'? The premise of the boldly entertaining "Kalyana Samayal Saadham" surrounds whether the answer to the question is a man's ability to perform in bed.
The film's narrative captures scenes from a south Indian arranged marriage and helps us understand that the true definition of a man goes beyond his manhood. Walking a tight rope between a romantic comedy and an adult comedy, the film marries the two genres with a modern-day attitude and leaves a lasting effect.
At heart, the film is a love story of a soon-to-be-married couple - Raghu (Prasanna) and Meera (Lekha), who have to deal with a very personal problem weeks before their wedding. When Raghu comes to learn that he suffers from 'performing anxiety', his idea of a post-marital life crumbles to pieces. But Meera stands by him and so do his friends.
In "Kalyana Samayal Saadham", a modern-day romance is pitted against traditional values. In the world of Facebook and Twitter, do you give preference to century's old cultural doctrines to please your parents or stand up and say 'no'? Or is there a way you can try to be in vogue without having to compromise with your tradition? Answers to these questions are subtly put forth here reinstating the fact that culture and contemporary ideologies can co-exist.
Prasanna neither roots for arranged marriages nor does he prove that love marriages promise happiness. Focusing on the issues that create havoc in an arranged wedding, he also highlights the trivial things about which people in love fight all the time.
As a filmmaker, it is very important not to take sides and this film's director scores an ace in not doing so. He instead allows the audience to choose what is apt for them without trying to be preachy.
Another interesting aspect of the film is that it allows you to see a south Indian wedding through the eyes of two incompatible generations (parents and children). I think it is only in Indian weddings that the parents want to take ownership of everything when it ideally belongs to the couple.
Prasanna takes a stance against this and subtly uses his characters to drive the point across, again without trying to be moralistic but with a great sense of humour.
When Raghu discovers that he suffers from 'performance anxiety', he feels stripped off his ability to perform in bed. His immediate reaction is proof to what most men think in such circumstances and he feels less manly. But Raghu is complemented by a stronger character played by Meera, who admits that sex is important to her, but she is ready to help him overcome his problem because she loves him. Here, love is not the pleasure derived out of sex, but out of togetherness.
One needs guts to handle a controversial subject such as this and since Prasanna pulled it off with unparalleled sensitivity, he proves that he has got them. It's risky to use comedy to underplay the subject at hand but thanks to the use of clean yet naughty humour, it works in the favour of the film. The humour is so good that you would mostly laugh with the jokes.
Love in "Kalyana Samayal Saadham" is not melodramatic; it's cute and akin to modern times. It reminds us of the times we live in where changing the relationship status on Facebook is as important as any other activity in our lives.
The characters in the film make you smile. When was the last time you connected with the characters in a Tamil film? If you want your cinematic appetite to be satisfied, you shouldn't miss "Kalyana Samayal Saadham".
Actress Shruti Haasan will play the leading lady in an upcoming yet-untitled film with Vishal Krishna Reddy, who will also produce the film under his home banner Vishal Film Factory.
"Vishal Film Factory is proud to announce their next project with director Hari of 'Singam' fame. Vishal will play the lead opposite Shruti Haasan in the film, which will go on floors early next year and hit the screens during Diwali 2014," said a statement issued Saturday.
"This is the first time Hari, Vishal and Shruti have come together. The film will go on floors after the completion of Vishal's ongoing project 'Naan Sigappu Manithan'," the statement read further.
Vishal, who turned producer with recent Tamil hit "Pandiya Naadu", is also co-producing "Naan Sigappu Manithan" with Disney UTV.
Actor Boman Irani was due to shoot with Farooque Sheikh for an upcoming film in Indore Saturday. But the news of the latter's sudden death left Boman "shocked, numbed and saddened".
Farooque was in Dubai for a family vacation when a cardiac arrest took his life late Friday night.
He was working with Boman for the film "Youngistan".
"Shot with him last month. Had the warmest conversation and were to meet here in Indore today. Was to join us from Dubai. Alvida Farooque saab (Goodbye Farooque Sheikh)," Boman tweeted Saturday.
"Shocked, numbed and saddened. Was supposed to be shooting with him today. A gentleman actor is no more," he added.
"Youngistan" features actor Jackky Bhagnani in the lead role. It was hard for the young actor also to come to terms with the tragic news of the death of Farooque, a father-figure to him.
"I am in shock to hear about Farooque sir's death...I am still in denial. Please tell me this is not true," Jackky posted on Twitter.
"Thank you for being like a father to me and teaching me so much through this film. Your teachings will always stay with me," he added.
Directed by debutant Syed Afzal Ahmad, "Youngistan" also features Neha Sharma and Kayoze Irani.
Southern actress Nazriya Nazim considers upcoming Tamil romantic-drama "Thirumanam Ennum Nikkah" as very special because it was the first film that she signed in Tamil before making her debut in the industry with "Neram".
"I was in class eleven when I was signed for this film. It's a very special project because my director believed in me even before roping me in. I don't think any director would take the bold step of casting a newcomer in a big film," Nazriya told IANS.
The 19-year old had earlier this year, accused director A. Sarkunam of using a body double to shoot intimate scenes for the Tamil romantic-comedy "Naiyaandi" starring her. But she doesn't want to talk about it now.
"That incident is over. I don't understand why people still ask me about it when I have moved on and I'm happy with how my career is shaping," she said and added, "I'm eagerly waiting for the release of this film ('Thirumanam Ennum Nikkah'), which celebrates the spirit of Indian weddings".
Nazriya, who started her career as a child artist in Malayalam movies, is paired with Jai in the "Thirumanam Ennum Nikkah", which is being directed by Anees.
Double Oscar winning composer A.R. Rahman said here Saturday that comedian Vivekh has always cheered him up whenever he is in low spirits and considers him a gift to Tamil filmdom.
"Lots of people tell me that my music has cheered them up, but whenever I have been down in life, I end up watching Vivekh sir's video on Youtube. It changes me completely and helps me change my focus on something else. Therefore, I feel he is a gift to Tamil industry," Rahman told reporters here.
He was speaking at the audio launch of "Nanthan Bala", which features Vivekh in the lead role.
With over two decades of experience as a comedian, Vivekh will be essaying a serious role in the film, which is being directed by R. Kannan.
He is known for his comic performances in Tamil films such as "Run", "Saamy" and "Perazhagan".
Rahman said Vivekh should extend his boundaries as an actor.
"I think he should follow what Charlie Chaplin did with his career. He should not restrict himself to the language (Tamil). He should go out and cater to the whole world. He has achieved the first step with this film, but it's time to extend his boundaries," he added.
Tamil filmmakers Mani Ratnam and K. Balachander were also present at the event.
Be it Madhuri Dixit's comeback films, Salman Khan's combo of comedy and action or sequels of box office hits, 2014 is set to woo cine buffs with a well-packaged line-up that boasts of gritty dramas, star-studded entertainers and fun films.
IANS lists 12 movies to look out for in 2014:
"Dedh Ishqiya": Apart from being one of Madhuri Dixit's comeback films, it is high on content and performances with the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Arshad Warsi and Huma Qureshi in the cast. A sequel to 2010 "Ishqiya", the Abhishek Chaubey directorial venture promises to be different from the original. The film is a women-centric hinterland drama that will release Jan 10 and is likely to be a new cinematic experience for moviegoers thanks to the subject and the treatment.
"Jai Ho": Scheduled for Jan 24, Salman Khan-starrar "Jai Ho" is a must watch for those who relish the superstars' antiques on the screen. What was originally called "Mental", "Jai Ho" is a remake of Telugu film "Stalin". Directed by Sohail Khan, the film also stars Tabu and Om Puri and is eagerly awaited by fans of Salman, who is known as a thorough entertainer.
"Gunday": Based on the 1971 Bangladesh war of liberation, Yash Raj Films' period movie "Gunday" will be a ride back to the 1970s era. The story revolves around the lives of two victims - played by Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh - of the conflict. Promos reveal that the rustic feel is well-balanced by elegance in the film, which also stars Priyanka Chopra as a cabaret dancer and Irrfan as an intelligence officer. The project has been helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar and will release Feb 14.
"Gulaab Gang": This will be Madhuri's second release of 2014 and will see the otherwise composed actress in a fiery avatar of an activist who leads a group of women vigilantes to fight against injustice. The small town-based drama has been helmed by Soumik Sen and also features Juhi Chawla, Mahie Gill and Tannishtha Chatterjee. Produced by Anubhav Sinha, it will release March 7.
"Action Jackson": Action-cum-masala seems to be a safe option when it comes to box office collections and "Action Jackson" falls in this genre. Being helmed by Prabhudheva, the Ajay Devgn-Sonakshi Sinha-Yami Gautam-Kunaal Roy Kapur-starrer promises to be a full on masala entertainer when it comes out on April 11.
"Bhootnath Returns": Megastar Amitabh Bachchan's "Bhootnath Returns" is another film to look forward to. The sequel to the 2008 "Bhootnath", the horror-comedy is directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The original was a right mix of drama, emotion and good performances and part two is expected to go a notch higher.
"Peekay": Rajkumar Hirani's "Peekay" is an exciting project thanks to its fabulous cast that includes Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput and Boman Irani. A political satire, the film promises to show Aamir in a new avatar. The superstar was earlier photographed wearing a ghaghra and a blazer while shooting for the film.
"Humshakals": After "Himmatwala" turned turtle at the box office, Sajid Khan will try to hit the jackpot with "Humshakals" next year. Not only does the film have a promising cast - Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Ram Kapoor - but the stars are expected to take the entertainment quotient higher in triple roles. The laugh riot has been shot abroad.
"Kick": Salman Khan will have another release in the form of "Kick", which has been in the news for the visa issues that the superstar faced while shooting abroad. Director Sajid Nadiadwala's out-and-out commercial extravaganza will see the superstar teaming up with the highly acclaimed Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
"Bang Bang": After the success of "Krrish 3", Hrithik Roshan will be seen donning another action avatar in "Bang Bang". The film also features Katrina Kaif and the lead pair went through special training to perform the film's action sequences. A Fox Star Studios production, "Bang Bang", directed by Siddharth Anand, is for action lovers.
"Happy New Year": The highlight of Farah Khan's "Happy New Year" is the successful jodi of Shah Rukh Khan-Deepika Padukone and the duo will be supported by the likes of Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani and Sonu Sood in the cast. Tagged as a laugh riot, parts of the film have been shot in Dubai. It targets family audiences.
"Bombay Velvet": Capturing the beautiful locales of Sri Lanka, Anurag Kashyap's "Bombay Velvet" features Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. Spread over the 1950s and 1960s, the film will see Ranbir as a boxer. It is the first film of a trilogy on how Mumbai became a metropolis.
Actress Shabana Azmi, Farooque Sheikh's co-star for 21 years in the popular play "Tumari Amrita" who had also worked with the actor in several films, is devastated with the news of his sudden death.
One of Indian cinema's finest actors, Farooque was on a holiday with his wife and two daughters in Dubai when he suddenly died of a massive heart attack.
Devastated by the suddenness of the tragedy, Shabana said: "I can't believe he's gone so suddenly and so cruelly! Farooque was in Dubai with his wife and daughters when he suddenly suffered a massive heart attack. He just collapsed! Just like that. Is that any way to go?"
Shabana did some of her best films with Farooque. These include Sagar Sarhadi's "Lorie", Kalpana Lajmi's "Ek Pal" and Muzaffar Ali's "Anjuman". Not to mention the play "Tumhari Amrita", directed by Feroz Abbas Khan.
"We were close friends from before we worked together. We were in college together. I can't believe he's gone," she said.
Farooque began his illustrious film career with M.S. Sathyu's "Garam Hawa". He went on to do some of the most iconic Hindi films including Sai Paranjpye's "Chashme Buddoor" and Sagar Sarhadi's "Bazaar". He was last seen last month in Sanjay Tripathy's "Club 60".
He played a common man as convincingly as he played a nawab. Such was Farooque Sheikh's versatility on the big screen, small screen and on the stage in his over four decades of association with showbiz.
The veteran actor died following a cardiac arrest while he was in Dubai late Friday night.
He made his debut with 1973 film "Garam Hawa" and was known for his roles in films like "Umrao Jaan", "Chashme Buddoor", "Saath Saath". On TV, he starred in shows like "Chamatkar" and "Ji Mantriji", while his play "Tumhari Amrita" was a crowdpuller.
Here's a look at some of his memorable films.
-1973 "Garam Hawa"
-1974 "Mere Saath Chal"
-1977 "Shatranj Ke Khilari"
-1979 "Noorie"
-1980 "Main Aur Meri Tanhai"
-1981 "Chashme Buddoor"
-1982 "Bazaar"
-1983 "Kissi Se Na Kehna"
-1983 "Katha"
-1985 "Faasle"
-1988 "Biwi Ho To Aisi"
-1989 "Toofan"
-1995 "Ab Insaf Hoga"
-2010 "Lahore"
-2012 "Shanghai"
-2013 "Listen... Amaya"
-2013 "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani"
-2013 "Club 60"
