Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit will perform Wednesday in Saifai, the ancestral village of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

The organisers of the annual fair 'Saifai Mahotsava' said the evening will also see stars like Soha Ali Khan and Ranveer Singh.

Two dozen other small and big actors will perform as well at the event which has become a major attraction for the people of the region including Etawah, Mainpuri, Firozabad, Shikohabad and Agra.

It is organised every year in memory of a late nephew of Mulayam Singh Yadav and is attended by film stars, politicians, corporate honchos, ministers and officials.

This year, music composer duo Sajid-Wajid will belt out their chart busters. Chartered planes have been hired for the event to bring in VIPs and film artists.

Last year, Hrithik Roshan performed at the event.

Rome-based Indian origin costume designer Sonu Mishra, who has designed for "The Legends Of Hercules", releasing here Friday, says the US is a great place to learn your trade as a person's potential gets preference over his or her nationality.

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Mishra moved to New York in 1989 and said she learned "invaluable lessons" there as she started at the bottom and worked her way up.

"The US is an incredible place to learn your trade as people see the potential in you and give you the opportunities to rise up to the challenges," Mishra, who has worked with Hollywood stars like James Franco, Penelope Cruz, Mila Kunis and Olivia Wilde, told IANS in an email interaction from Rome.

"I met some wonderful people who taught me some really invaluable lessons. I started at the lowest rank and worked my way up," added the designer.

If she experienced the working culture of America, she also got an opportunity to see European working environment thanks to her husband - Italian director Andrea Costantini.

Mishra, who shifted her base to Rome in 1999 after tying the knot with Costantini, said: "My experience in the States and Italy has been that people see the talent in you for who you are. Your hard work, vision, dedication and focus are very much appreciated and rewarded regardless of your nationality."

"The Legends Of Hercules" will release here under PVR Pictures and Picture Works.

Mishra, who worked as a costume designer in films like "Twice Born" and "Third Person", says a lot of research work was required to design for actors like Kellan Lutz and Gaia Weiss for "The Legends Of Hercules".

"We started researching the actual period, then I started looking at paintings from the 15th century onwards for Hercules.

"I fell in love with Alma Tadema's paintings of ancient Greece. He depicts ancient Greece with a modern feel. The women's costumes, although true to the period, seemed contemporary. I loved the armour that I saw in 15th century paintings," she said.

Director Renny Harlin's "The Legend of Hercules" is a 3D film and therefore Mishra worked on the "tiny details, trimmings, metal work and jewellery" for the film.

"We even did metal decorations on the actors' shoes which were all handmade by a shoemaker in Italy. I draped all the costumes on mannequins and tried to avoid stitching as much as we could," she added.

An admirer of costume designer Arjun Bhasin, whose work she really appreciated in the 2012 film "Life of Pi", Mishra is also open to creating designs for Indian stars.

"I haven't worked on a Bollywood film yet. Yes, it would be great to design one - so many talented actors and directors in India," she said.

Coming to the fashion, well-travelled Mishra says each place has its own distinct style.

"In Mumbai, you get to see such a varied style, Indian clothing combined with western clothing. Colours are very vibrant and it's what strikes you when you first arrive in India. The colour combinations, the patterns and the embroideries," she said.

Making a comparison, she said that New Yorkers have a way of using vintage clothing with new ones, while Italians' distinctive fashion sense makes them easy to spot.

"Italians have a way of making a pair of jeans and a white shirt look stylish. They have an understated elegance. And, of course, there's the art of how the women make wearing extremely high heel shoes seem so effortless," said the alumna of Sophia College, Mumbai.

Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan is back here after spending a family holiday in Dubai with his actress-wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya.

"Back home, back to work, thank you one and only Dubai for such a memorable New Year," Abhishek tweeted Monday.

Abhishek and Aishwarya tied the knot in 2007 and welcomed their first child, daughter Aaradhya, in November 2011.

Year 2013 ended on a good note for the actor with "Dhoom 3".

He will next be seen in Farah Khan-directed "Happy New Year" which also stars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.

Actress Dia Mirza has lent support to Jaldhaara Foundation of WaterHealth India (WHIN) to provide clean and safe drinking water for underserved communities.

The 32-year-old, who was present at the launch of the initiative Jan 3, took to micro-blogging website Twitter to wish it luck.

"Thank you Jacqueline Lundquist (chief serendipity officer at WaterHealth International). I wish Jaldhaara the best. Every drop of safe water will add up to a thriving, healthy, educated and happy community," Dia tweeted Monday.

Actor Kayoze Irani, who made his Bollywood debut with "Student of the Year", is excited about beginning shooting for Manish Jha-directed "The Legend of Michael Mishra".

"First day with the cast of 'The Legend of Michael Mishra'. Rather excited I must say...Arshad Warsi, Aditi Rao Hydari," he tweeted Monday.

The comedy will see Kayoze teaming up with his father, actor Boman Irani.

The condition of iconic Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, who was put on non-invasive ventilator support after her condition deteriorated, has slightly stabilised but she is not yet out of danger, a medical bulletin said Monday.

She was put on the ventilator Jan 3.

Her frequently fluctuating oxygen saturation is now at a "reasonable level" and her condition has "stabilised to some extent", claimed the latest report.

"She is needing intermittent non-invasive ventilation and chest physiotherapy. Her heart rate and blood pressure are satisfactory," the statement said.

According to her doctors, on Sunday Sen was "partially responding" to intermittent non-invasive ventilation support, and was stable though not out of danger yet.

The 82-year-old actress was undergoing treatment for a chest infection at a nursing home since Dec 23 and was taken to the CCU after her condition worsened Dec 28 night.

One of the finest actresses of her time, she is known for her performances in films like "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" in Bengali as well as Hindi movies such as "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu" and "Mamta".

Her work was appreciated offshore too - she won the best actress award for "Saat Paake Bandha" at the Moscow Film Festival in 1963.

The mother of actress Moon Moon Sen, Suchitra quit acting in 1978. Sinc e her retirement, she meets only a few people, including her daughter as well as grand daughters Raima and Riya Sen.

However, in a rare exception, Sen Sunday allowed West Bengal Chief Mini ster Mamata Banerjee to meet her at the nursing home.

Nawazuddin Siddiqui credits his films "Miss Lovely" and "Gangs of Wasseypur" for putting Hindi films on a higher pedestal at the Cannes International Film Festival and says that post their screenings movie aficionados have started taking them seriously.

"Miss Lovely", which competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2012 Cannes festival, will hit the Indian screens Jan 17.

Speaking at a press conference on "Miss Lovely", Nawazuddin said: "Internationally, our film has been appreciated. And 'Miss Lovely' and 'Gangs of Wasseypur' were the first films that created a platform for future films at Cannes."

"Films like 'The Lunchbox', 'Monsoon Shootout' and 'Bombay Talkies' were readily accepted when they went to Cannes. Cannes started to take our films seriously only after 'Miss Lovely' and 'Gangs Of Wasseypur'," he added.

Directed by Ashim Ahluwalia, the film is based on a real incident that shook the C-grade film industry in the 1980s.

"The story is based on a real incident. Something very big had happened among C-grade filmmakers at that time. It had created quite a furore," Nawazuddin said.

"I can't talk about the incident but that is the reason the film is being talked about as it shows bad phase of Bombay (filmdom)," he added.

"Miss Lovely" marks the debut of Niharika Singh.

The trailer of Madhuri Dixit-starrer "Gulaab Gang" will be released with "Dedh Ishyiya", which is coming out Friday.

The actress will be seen after a gap of seven years in Abhishek Chaubey's "Dedh Ishqiya", which also features Huma Qureshi, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.

According to a statement, not only will Madhuri's fans get to see her in "Dedh Ishqiya", they will also get a glimpse of her performance in "Gulaab Gang".

Produced by Anubhav Sinha and presented and co-produced by Sahara Movie Studios and Bharat Shah, "Gulaab Gang" is directed by Soumik Sen and also stars Juhi Chawla in an important role.

Inspired by a group of women activists in the Bundelkhand region, "Gulaab Gang" is about women empowerment. It is slated to release March 7.

Known to be creatively involved in projects both as a director and producer, Karan Johar was keen on adding an emotional touch to Dharma Productions and Phantom Films' Hasee Toh Phasee with the romantic-melody Zehnaseeb.

Confirming the news, director Vinil Matthew said, “The song is called 'Zehnaseeb' and it has been penned by Amitabh Bhattacharya. It's an emotional song, which explores the beautiful moments between the lead actors Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra in the film. Karan was very keen on having this track in the album. Initially, Shekhar (Ravjiani) had sung the acoustic version as it was meant to be a solo number. But later we roped in Chinmayi Sripada to lend her voice too as we decided we wanted it to be a duet.”

A source attached to the film said, “The song 'Zehnaseeb' is very close to Karan's heart. He wanted it to be in the film and brainstormed with the director and music composer to devise it in a certain way. He also went to the studio when the song was being recorded as he was quite enthusiastic about the song."

Says producer Karan Johar, “'Zahnaseeb is one of the most feel good love songs I have heard...very few love songs have the melody...the lyrical value and the soul..this is that beautiful blend."

Dharma Productions & Phantom Films’ Hasee Toh Phasee starring Sidharth Malhotra and Parineeti Chopra hits theaters 7th February 2014

Beating the likes of her contemporaries, Kangana Ranaut was crowned “The Hottest Vegetarian” by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Visitors to PETAIndia.com cast their votes to help PETA choose the most alluring Vegetarian Vixen this year and Bollywood’s poster girl for fashion took the top honor.

Says PETA India Manager of Media and Celebrity Projects Sachin Bangera, “Bollywood stars are truly shining for animals by choosing to go meat-free, and Kangana's beauty is proof that a great way to get a killer body and looks is by not eating animals”.

On several occasions Kangana has always been heard propagating the cause of vegetarianism and was even quoted stating, “We must not eat other animals. Besides, vegetarian organic food is far healthier minus all the toxins”.

PETA selected the winners based on several factors, including vote count.

After receiving rave reviews for her performance in Krrish 3,Kangana Ranaut is on a roll with Queen and Revolver Rani both of which see her essay the role of the protagonist.

Bollywood actor-producer Aamir Khan, who stays away from award functions, says an Oscar nomination provides an opportunity to a film to get more viewers.

Aamir is one of the few Indian filmmakers to win an Oscar nomination - 2001 period drama "Lagaan" in the Best Foreign Language Film category.

"For me, the Oscar is a window from which your audience increases...I see it in that way only," Aamir, currently basking in the success of "Dhoom 3", told reporters in a group interview.

"Oscar can't tell me whether my film is good or bad and I am not interested in that. My interest with Oscar is that it's an opportunity for a film to get a larger window to a larger audience," he added.

"Audience are unaware of your film, but if you manage to get nominated then there is a whole world out there who wants to see your film, who otherwise would not have known about your film. It's an opportunity to get your film viewed by more people.

"Whether the film is good or bad, this I want to hear form the audience and not from anyone else," he added.

Sonu Sood, who has dubbed for the Hindi version of Hollywood film "The Legend of Hercules", wants to lend his voice for action star Sylvester Stallone.

"I have always been a huge fan of Sylvester Stallone. His films left an impression on me and I started exercising after seeing him. I would love to dub any of his films," the 41-year-old told reporters here Saturday.

There were reports that earlier Akshay Kumar was approached to dub for the film.

When asked about it, Sonu said, "I had also heard this. But Akshay is family and we have recently shot 'It's Entertainment' together. He is like an elder brother.

"He is also a Punjabi and I am also a Punjabi, so it doesn't matter who does it as long as the film is good."

Sonu was last seen in "R...Rajkumar" and is currently shooting for Farah Khan's "Happy New Year".

Jazz up your wardrobe this Lohri with the colourful collection launched by designer Heena Malhotra, who has taken inspiration from the landscapes and culture of Punjab.

Lohri will be celebrated Jan 13.

Malhotra has launched the line under Chhabra 555 brand and says that the "collection has something for everybody".

"The new affordable collection offers variety," she said.

From bright thread phulkaris, heavy dupattas, colourful suits, bold prints, bright embroidery and kalidar suit with distinct patterns - the collection offers a lot of variety.

"The new collection gives you complete freedom to create your own signature look which is not only stylish and trendy but also distinctive," she added.

So, celebrate the first festival of the year in the backdrop of dhol, bonfire and 'balle balle' vibes.

Prices start from Rs.1,800 onwards.

The Spring Carnival 2014, dedicated to fashionistas, will be held Jan 18 in the capital.

Organised by Gunjan foundation NGO, it will take place at Kuwait Embassy, which is the host partner. This is the first edition of the exhibition, said a statement.

The exhibition will present traditional and western wear like suits, kaftans, kurtis and stoles, footwear, bags, precious jewellery. There will be home decor products too.

Some of the participating brands include Rashi's Creations, Deb & SHO home Accents, La Femme, Pashm collections, Vani, Zarya, Chic-Tac-Toe and Sonu Nahar.

Actor-producer Salman Khan, who is all set to produce the remake of Mahesh Manjrekar's Marathi film "Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho" in Hindi, says he approached Govinda to play the protagonist but he refused the offer.

"I approached Govinda but he refused it, seriously. For the last three years I have been after Govinda to do the film but he said that he didn't like the film," said Salman, who will be seen in a guest appearance in the Hindi remake.

A 2010 release, "Shikshanacha Aaicha Gho" revolved around a father's quest to see his son as the best student. It starred Sachin Khedekar, Bharat Jadhav and Saksham Kulkarni in lead roles.

There were reports that Paresh Rawal will play the main lead in the film.

When asked about the casting, the 48-year-old said: "We haven't finalised the cast yet, we may title it 'God Only Knows' and it will go on the floors by February."

It was also remade in Tamil, Telugu and Bengali.

Filmmaker Karan Johar has locked the release dates for his two production ventures - "Ungli" and "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania".

"'Ungli' will release on May 23, 2014...and 'Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania' will release on the 11th of July, 2014," Karan tweeted Monday.

"Ungli", a thriller, is directed by Renzil D'Silva and features Sanjay Dutt, Emraan Hashmi, Neha Dhupia and Randeep Hooda.

Shashank Khaitan directorial "Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania" features Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan is happy that his family is back home after vacation.

"Everyone back home...kids, little one, all...Such a joy to hear the sound of pitter patter about the house!" Amitabh tweeted Monday.

The 71-year-old has three grandchildren - Agastya, Navya Naveli and Aaradhya.

Rs.100 crore seems like a forgotten figure! "Dhoom:3", the latest instalment of Bollywood's successful action adventure franchise, has grossed Rs.501.35 crore ($83.56 million) worldwide since its release Dec 20 last year.

On Monday, its production banner, Yash Raj Films (YRF), issued a statement confirming the news.

"'Dhoom:3' continues to create history at both the Indian and overseas box office. It is now officially the first Indian film to cross Rs.500 crore worldwide," read the statement.

According to the breakup of the gross box office collections, in India, the action adventure movie, starring Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif, Abhishek Bachchan and Uday Chopra, has grossed Rs.351.29 crore, while in the overseas market, it has collected Rs.150.06 crore ($25.01 million).

The collection totals Rs.501.35 crore.

The movie, directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and produced by Aditya Chopra, is yet to open in international territories like Germany, Peru, Romania, Japan, Russia and Turkey.

Singers K.S. Chitra and Vijay Yesudas were among those honoured at the CERA BIG Malayalam Music Awards.

To salute the legends of Malayalam music industry and encourage gen-next, the first edition of the award, which is an initiative of 92.7 BIG FM radio network, took place Saturday.

Chitra was honoured for completing three decades in in the industry and she also won the best female singer of the year trophy for her songs "Ilaveyil Viralukal" from "Artist" and "Ponnodu Poovayi" from "Thalsamayam Oru Penkutty".

Vijay Yesudas won the best male singer award for the song "Mazha kondu mathram" from "Spirit".

"Nilaamalare", a track from the movie "Diamond Necklace", won the best melody award, while best composer trophy went to M. Jayachandran for his work in "Kalimannu" and "Celluloid".

This year’s new releases -- 3D version of 1975 epic movie “Sholay” and Arshad Warsi-starrer comedy "Mr Joe B. Carvalho" -- received a lukewarm response from the audience.

“The response to 'Sholay 3D' was alright. The occupancy was between 60 percent and 70 percent. There were people who turned up with their families and got nostalgic. They were happy to see it in 3D format,” Gautam Dutta, COO, PVR Cinemas, told IANS.

Produced by Sascha Sippy, grandson of G.P. Sippy, who had financed the original, "Sholay 3D" hit 1,000 screens.

The new version has been made on a budget of about Rs.22 crore, which includes restoration and conversion cost.

“It has collected around Rs.4.25 crore in India,” said Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines.

"Mr Joe B. Carvalho", produced by Bhola Ram Malviya and Shital Malviya, didn’t do great business either.

The film, which also stars Soha Ali Khan and Jaaved Jaffrey, was made at a budget of Rs.10 crore and was released on 1,100 screens in the country.

“It must have not earned more than Rs.2 crore in the country. Maybe, the fact that it wasn’t released in South India its business was affected,” said Thadani.

Dutta says the occupancy was between 65 percent and 70 percent for the Samir Tiwari directed fun film.

“Big movies like ‘Dhoom:3’ had around 90 percent occupancy on most of the days. ‘Mr Joe B. Carvalho’ had between 65 percent and 70 percent, so it did fine,” added Dutta.