If Hollywood’s ace actor Leonardo DiCaprio had his way, he would love to team up with Indian megastar Amitabh Bachchan on screen again after having shared screen space with him in “The Great Gatsby”. He finds the veteran an impressive talent and a “gentleman”.

Recently, while DiCaprio was being interviewed for his latest film “The Wolf Of Wall Street”, he was questioned whether if an opportunity to work with Mr. Bachchan would come up again, what would he do. He expressed an interest in it, read a statement.

The “Titanic” star said: "Mr. Bachchan impressed me immensely by not just his talent and his ability to act, but what a gentleman he was. I was honoured to work with him. It was great seeing that enthusiasm he brings to even the smallest of roles and I’d love to work with him in the future."

Amitabh, 71, made his international debut with “The Great Gatsby”, directed by Baz Luhrmann. Big B plays the role of Meyer Wolfsheim in the $125 million 3D project, an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel of the same name.

An interest in travelling, collecting cars and a passion for adventure may be listed as activities perceived as falling in men's domain, but actress Gul Panag does not agree with these stereotypes and has been disproving them in her own life.

Gul, who has been riding bikes from a very early age, said: "No one ever called me a tomboy. Then or now."

"I don't think riding bikes makes a girl a tomboy. Who decides what girls should do or not do? I'm glad the gender stereotypes are being challenged," Gul, who has been seen in films like "Dhoop" and "Dor", told IANS in an email interaction.

Along with her acting commitments, endorsements as well as social initiatives, the former beauty queen always makes it a point to devote time to her hobbies and interests.

The 35-year-old has also found a way to "combine" her "work and passion".

"One can always take out time for things one wants to do. With all the travel, writing, and blogging I do, I am able to combine work and my passion," she said.

Not only has she aligned her passion with her work, but it has found its place in her personal life as well. Her husband Rishi Attari shares the same interests as her, which makes her adventures more enjoyable.

"Both of us share a common passion for adventure and the outdoors and he is most enthusiastic and supportive of all my interests," she said.

Being adventurous means being innovative and creative for the couple.

A few months ago, the couple modified their Mahindra Scorpio SUV, adding thicker tires, a higher ground clearance, and modified the back so that it could be turned into a tent for overnight camping. In short, their car is a perfect adventure vehicle.

Known to go on interesting trips, Gul recently returned from a challenging expedition in Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

But, the actress makes it a point to ride safe and not to be "reckless" while embarking on these challenging expeditions.

"Adventure is always about taking calculated risks, not being reckless...I always ride with full riding gear that protects my spine, elbows, knees and head from a fall," she said.

She further added: "As far as camping goes, there isn't much risk involved. All we do is check the weather and carry adequate food supplies in case we are stranded."

A regular perusal of these hobbies helps the actress relax and "rejuvenate".

"Stress is the single greatest cause of not being able to live life to the fullest. Indulging in one's hobbies and interests is a great way to rejuvenate," she said.

While most actresses' don't seem to share the same interests as Gul, she has no hesitation in doing the things she loves.

"I think one should follow one's own path and do what one enjoys doing without worrying about whether others share the same interests or not," she said.

Gul has been also seen in films like "Manorama Six Feet Under", "Fatso!", "Hello Darling" as well the unconventional role in "Turning 30!!!".

She feels that having a career apart from the one she has in Bollywood, gives her the privilege of being choosy where roles are concerned.

"I am doing as many films as I've always done-few. Having a life outside films, making content, being an entrepreneur, allows me to choose the films I really want to do. The kind I believe justify my time and presence," she said.

She also added that she likes to play parts, which "people can relate to".

But is she planning to make a film on adventure ever?

"Most definitely," she said.

Welcoming the warm festival of Lohri in the cold weather, Bollywood bigwigs like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit and Akshay Kumar have wished a happy and prosperous Lohri Monday to all their fans and wellwishers.

Here is what they said on microblogging site Twitter on the special occassion:

Amitabh Bachchan: Lohri greetings to all...prosperity and happiness always...love to all

Madhuri Dixit: Happy Lohri and Makar Sankranti.

Farhan Akhtar: Good morning. Wish all a Happy Lohri.

Akshay Kumar: Wishing you all a very Happy Lohri! Miss being in Punjab during these festivities. Hope you'll have a blessed day with lots of rewadi (a variety of sweet).

Tusshar Kapoor: Happy Lohri to each of you, of course a fruitful busy week ahead, too!

Ayushmann Khurrana: Happy Lohri! In areas far from the periphery of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal, this word may not sound right. Happy Lohri!

Esha Deol: Happy Lohri.

Madhur Bhandarkar: May this festival of zeal and verve fill your life with lots of energy and enthusiasm and bring happiness and prosperity. Happy Lohri.

Isha Koppikar: Wishing all my darling tweeps a very Happy Lohri.

Sanjay suri: Happy Lohri!

Divya Dutta: Happy Lohri all and new beginnings. God bless all.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan started his day Monday with dubbing for a tribute to late director-screenwriter K.A. Abbas, who gave him his first break.

The actor took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the director for "Saat Hindustani".

"(I) had started day at 7:30 a.m. ... dub for a tribute to KA Abbas, for his centenary. K.A. Abbas gave me my fist film," Amitabh posted on the microblogging site Monday.

Abbas has also helmed films like "Shehar Aur Sapna", "Dharti Ke Lal" and "Roop Lekha".

Not only is actor Arshad Warsi excited about his upcoming film "The Legend of Michael Mishra", he is also looking forward to working with actress Aditi Rao Hydari.

The two will be seen together for the first time on the screen, and the actor took to Twitter to share his feelings.

"Good morning ... Shooting with the lovely and talented Aditi Rao Hydari today (Monday)," Arshad posted on the microblogging site.

The actress complimented Arshad by describing him as an "entertaining" actor.

"First day of a proper, proper shoot with Arshad, I know I'll be laughing all day - entertainment, entertainment, entertainment," Aditi tweeted Monday.

The film has been directed by Manish Jha and will also feature Boman Irani.

Keeping a fit body is not an easy task and actor Sonu Sood is currently struggling to make sure he sticks to what he is supposed to eat in order to retain a well worked-out body.

The 40-year-old took to Twitter to share his thoughts on his meager dinner of "boiled eggs without salt".

"Having boiled eggs without salt after so much of action and dance since morning. Wish I could eat everything I wished ... But (I) can't," Sonu posted on the microblogging website Sunday night.

Sonu is busy shooting for Farah Khan's star-studded "Happy New Year". The film's cast includes names like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Boman Irani.

Suchitra Sen, the legendary Bengali actress who is being treated at the Intensive Therapy Unit of a city nursing home following serious respiratory problems, continues to be critical but stable, a medical bulletin said Monday.

Sen, whose condition has been see-sawing since she was admitted to the Belle Vue Clinic three weeks back, "was conscious and communicating with her relatives through gesture".

The doctors during the day removed the endo-tracheal tube that was inserted Saturday after her condition worsened because of the congestion in the lungs.

"Her endo-tracheal tube has been taken out after a thread-bare discussion among the team members. Since the withdrawal of the E.T. Tube her oxygen saturation is satisfactory. Although stable, she is critically ill," the bulletin said.

Critical care specialist Subrata Maitra, a member of the seven-member medical team treating the actress, said they took Sen's family's permission before removing the tube.

"We studied the pros and cons and with the consent of the family members, took out the tube. We feel we have achieved the maximum benefit that we could have got out of the tube," said Maitra.

"We were a bit concerned about the implications of removing the tube. But one-and-a-half-hour after removing the tube, her oxygen saturation level is satisfactory. So, in the initial stage, our move has been successful," said Maitra.

The doctors were planning to do chest physiotherapy to clear the congestion.

Sen's heart rate was occasionally fluctuating, though "in general it remains in normal rhythm with satisfactory blood pressure readings".

She was being fed through ryles tube "and is tolerating the process well," the doctor said.

Sen's actress daughter Moon Moon and son-in-law are beside her bed. Her grand daughters - actresses Riya and Raima - are also at the nursing home.

Leader of the opposition and Communist Party of India-Marxist politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra visited the hospital Monday morning and enquired about her condition from the doctors.

The 82-year-old initially suffered chest infection, and was undergoing treatment for it at the nursing home since Dec 23. Her condition worsened Dec 28 night.

Following complications, Sen was put on non-invasive ventilation Jan 3.

Sen, dubbed as Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema, has remained an enigma as she has avoided the spotlight since her retirement. She gave power-packed performances in highly acclaimed films such as "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" in Bengali as well as Hindi movies "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu", "Mamta" and "Aandhi".

She won the best actress award for "Saat Paake Bandha" at the Moscow Film Festival in 1963.

Veteran Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah will mark his presence at the UAE premiere of Pakistani film "Zinda Bhaag" in Dubai Wednesday. He plays a pivotal role of a gangster in the movie.

At the premiere, the 63-year-old is likely to be accompanied by the film's lead actress Amna Ilyas, "Zinda Bhaag" co-director Farjad Nabi told IANS.

The film, which had its Gulf premiere at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2013, is releasing in the country Thursday.

"Its invite-only red carpet premiere will be held at VOX Cinemas, Deira City," Front Row Filmed Entertainment's Jean Mathew, who is working on the movie's marketing and promotions, told IANS.

However, its co-directors, Nabi and Meenu Gaur won't be able to make it to the event.

A story of three young men who try to escape the reality of their everyday lives, "Zinda Bhaag" features Khurram Patras, Salman Ahmad Khan and Zohaib Asghar.

These actors had trained under Naseer to prepare for their roles in the movie, which was Pakistan’s official submission for the best foreign language film category of the Academy Awards 2014. But it is out of the Oscar race.

In India, the film was screened at the International Film Festival of India in Goa as well as at the Kolkata International Film Festival last year.

Choreographer-filmmaker Remo D'Souza, who is all set to start "ABCD 2" shooting, wants to cast a known actor to play the lead in the sequel.

There are reports that "Student Of The Year" fame actor Varun Dhawan has been approached to play the lead in the sequel to India's first 3D dance film "ABCD - AnyBody Can Dance".

"For the lead actor (for 'ABCD 2'), talks are still going on (with actors)... We are searching for a known actor," Remo told reporters here at an event organised by Josh Foundation for NGO kids.

"Lets see who agrees to it," he added.

"ABCD - AnyBody Can Dance", which released last year, was a hit and featured choreographers like Prabhudheva, Ganesh Acharya and Salman Yusuff Khan.

Remo said the sequel will have the original cast and some new actors will also be roped in.

"If I talk about its cast then you will get to see Prabhudheva, Ganesh Acharya, Dharmesh, Lauren (Gottlieb) and Punit (Pathak) again in the part two. Some new actors will also be roped in. The talks are going on," said Remo.

From the best of horse breeds to the best jockeys, the forthcoming edition of McDowell Signature Indian Derby 2014, an event that excites racing fans and fashionistas alike, promises a lot of excitement and heavy dose of glamour.

The two-day McDowell Signature Indian Derby will start Feb 1 at the famed Mahalaxmi Race Course, said a statement.

McDowell Signature Indian Derby offers the highest stake money for any race in the country. With the stake money increasing every year, the 2014 edition is expected to reach a whopping Rs.3 crore mark.

Besides the finest race horses on show, some top international jockeys have been invited by the horse owners.

Internationally acclaimed jockeys such as Richard Hughes, David Allan, Jimmy Fortune, Franco Dasalva, Olivier Peslier will take on Indian saddle stars A. Sandesh, Dashrath Singh, S. Zervan, P. Trevor and Suraj Narredu in a stiff competition to win the trophy.

Also known as one of the most glamorous weekends in the Indian racing calendar, it attracts a huge crowd of most fashionable names.

Actor Sunny Deol has been appointed as the brand ambassador of fruit juice brand Mango Sip by Manpasand Beverages. Fond of mangoes, the actor is happy with the association.

"I am personally very fond of mangoes and feel that only an Indian brand like Mango Sip can understand the importance of mango fruit as a whole and make the national fruit the most consumable beverage product in India," Sunny said in a statement.

"Mango is a fruit loved by all Indians, irrespective of their age, region, religion or caste. It is our duty to address the masses and educate them about the importance that mango drink holds," the actor, who has been seen in films like "Border", "Gadar: Ek Prem Katha" and "Apne", added.

Dhirendra Singh, chairman and MD of Manpasand Beverages, feels Sunny is the right choice to represent the brand.

"We are very proud to have Sunny Deol as the brand ambassador for our flagship mango juice brand and are confident that his association will help in significantly increasing the per capita consumption of mango drinks in the country," said Singh.

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh will host the fourth edition of the Gionee Star Global Indian Music Awards (GiMA).

The function is scheduled for Jan 20 at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) Stadium here.

This is the second time that Ranveer will host an award gala. He had earlier hosted the second edition of the awards.

Ranveer said that it's "a huge honour to be invited back" to host the ceremony.

"The last time around was thrilling as I got to interact with the best musicians and singers this country has on offer. The Gionee Star GiMA is such a great platform and I am happy to celebrate an integral part of the Indian culture with the biggest names in music today," Ranveer said in a statement.

GiMA provides a unified platform to celebrate and recognise those artistes who push the boundaries of music through movies and non-film music.

The fourth edition includes new categories making for a total of 13 awards in the non-film music categories and 11 in film music.

Bollywood celebrities like Anil Kapoor, Farah Khan and Shoojit Sircar are cheering for Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio who won the best actor in comedy or musical award at the 71st Golden Globe Awards held in Los Angeles, US.

DiCaprio was honoured for his role in "The Wolf of Wall Street". He essayed Jordan Belfort, a stockbroker, in the black comedy directed by Martin Scorsese.

Here's what the Indian celebrities had to say:

Anil Kapoor: Yes! I was right! Leonardo DiCaprio is the best star actor in the world today.

Shoojit Sircar: Golden Globe best actor to Leonardo DiCaprio...Most deserving.

Farah Khan: Yay! Leonardo DiCaprio won! Finally!

Ken Ghosh: Leonardo DiCaprio wins Golden Globe best actor.

Sophie Choudhry: Leonardo DiCaprio wins at Golden Globe for one of my favourite performances of the yearr! Loved him in 'The Wolf of Wall Street'! About time he gets an Oscar!

Kanchi Kaul: Golden Globes the style, class, elegance, the talent! Beautiful start to the week. Matthew McConaughey what a reinvention. Leonardo DiCaprio outstanding!

Actress Chitrangada Singh, who is in the showbiz for the past eight years, feels a person's ambition does impact his or her relationships.

However, the actress says one has to make adjustments and compromises to deal with it.

"Everybody is so career-oriented, everybody is going through their own pressures. Not just in Bollywood, I think it's everywhere. You have people working, getting ambitious, wanting so much more in life, then you have to make your adjustments and compromises," Chitrangada told reporters here at an event.

"So it does have a pressure on your relationships. Being ambitious is like a fad and that brings with it so much more that you have to handle," added the actress, who is married to golfer Jyoti Randhawa.

How do you manage your personal and professional life?

"I don't have any mantras. I just try and do my best. It's never a perfect day. I don't think I always do a great job. I just try like everybody else," Chitrangada replied.

"I think a poor memory is a good idea," she added.

Mark Wahlberg-starrer "Lone Survivor", based on a true story of the United States Navy's Sea, Air, Land Teams, will release in India Feb 7.

The war movie, directed by Peter Berg of "Hancock" fame, will be released here by PVR Pictures.

Wahlberg plays Marcus Luttrell, an American Navy SEAL who was the lone survivor of the failed mission Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan.

Also starring Eric Bana and Yousuf Azamim, the movie is based on the book of the same name written by the real Marcus Lutrell himself.

The story, visuals and battle sequences in the film have received positive reviews as the film saw a limited release Dec 27, 2013 in the US.

The response in India is expected to be positive too.

"A war film is the most inspiring genre of cinema and considering it’s based on a true story of survival and grit, 'Lone Survivor' explores a brilliantly shot struggle and battle," Deepak Sharma, chief operating officer, PVR Pictures Ltd, said in a statement.

"As an audience, the film will catch one's attention at both an emotional as well as intrigue level. We're excited about the release of this film as it depicts true heroism and is a story we believe deserves to be heard and seen by people in India," Sharma added.

Valentine's Day is around the corner and those who are still undecided how to sweep their sweetheart off her feet can surprise her with classy and fine jewellery gifts.

One can choose from Varuna D Jani's new collection that offers necklaces in coloured gemstones or cocktail ring set in rubies. Also, one can opt for earrings and bangles with detachable elements making it extremely functional.

"The day is special - a day to let your special someone know how much you care. Seal this moment with a promise - a promise of everlasting commitment. That’s what Varuna D Jani is meant for - a prized possession to be worn, treasured and passed on through generations,” Varun said in a statement.

Actor-producer Abhay Deol, known for choosing unconventional roles, says he would love to remake his uncle and yesteryear star Dharmendra's films.

"There are lots of films of my taya (Dharmendra), which I would love to remake if I get an opportunity. His films like 'Chupke Chupke', 'Bandini' and 'Satyakam' are in my mind," he said.

Defending his choice of cinema, he said that he is not different from the Deols - Dharmendra and his two sons Sunny and Bobby - but takes up roles that suit his image.

"I feel bad when people say you are different from your family. I want to tell them for me, my family and industry is the same. Each and every star is doing what is going with their image. I am like my family - emotional and shy..." he said.

"I am not just different from my family, I am also different from this industry. My family has done what industry generally does, which is absolutely right because there is a certain audience for those kinds of films," added the 37-year-old.

Abhay is currently busy promoting his home production "One By Two". Directed by Devika Bhagat, it also features Abhay's girlfriend Preeti Desai. The film is slated for a Jan 31 release.

A gripping storyline, strong cast and dialogues laced with Urdu seem to have worked in favour of "Dedh Ishqiya" in Pakistan. Distributor Rehmat Fazli of Geo TV said the film is doing well despite a "haphazard release" and added that late night shows are running housefull too.

The film hit the screens Friday.

"We got the prints only by Friday afternoon and the censor board gave us the certificate by seven in the evening. The theatres were not sure if they will even get to show the film, so there were no posters," Fazli told IANS on phone from Karachi.

"We had a 1 a.m. show and it was housefull," he added

In Pakistan, the film is being shown on 35 screens, including single screens. However, the footfall in multiplexes is overwhelming compared to the single screen theatres, said Fazli.

"During weekend, the multiplexes were full and all shows including the night show were running housefull. However, the film did not do well in single screen theatres," he said and added that Monday and Tuesday are public holidays in the country.

A sequel to 2010 "Ishqiya", director Abhishek Chaubey's small-town saga sees Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi reprising their roles of Khalujaan and Babban, respectively, from the previous movie.

If Vidya Balan surprised with her sensuous portrayal in the original, Madhuri Dixit has bowled audiences over as manipulative Begum Para in the sequel. Another talented actress Huma Qureshi joins her in the cast.

The makers are "thrilled" with the rave reviews and viewers' response to "Dedh Ishqiya" in Pakistan, where it released on the same day as India.

"We went through the necessary approvals of getting clearance from the regulatory bodies and censor board," said Hiren Gada, director Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, on the Pakistan release. He has co-produced the film with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj.

"There were challenges. However, we had very good support from our local distributor in Pakistan. We are thrilled with the response in Pakistan, even shows at 1.30 a.m. are going housefull," he told IANS.

Gada says they were confident about the film's performance in Pakistan.

"The 'Ishqiya' franchise is based on Khalujaan and Babban’s naughty and quirky chemistry and the bold female characters. Hence, we were confident of its success," he said.

"Indian cinema is popular in Pakistan and the audiences look forward to watching Bollywood films, since the cultures are similar. We think that good films will have a good market there," he added.

They are hoping to earn good profit in the neighbouring country.

"It is too early to talk about the collection figures yet. However, going by the tremendous response, we are hoping that it will do extremely good business in the territory," he said.

Gada feels that it is the mix of the "twists and turns", "content" and "story" that made the film appealing.

"'Dedh Ishqiya' is an extremely entertaining and funny film, laced with twists and turns. This is the key factor drawing audiences to see the film. In addition to this, the content, story, treatment and the entire packaging connected with the audience," he said.

Madhuri, who made a comeback after seven years with the film, did help in luring the audiences as well, he said. The 46-year-old made a fabulous 'begum' in the movie.

"Certainly it has generated excitement, curiosity and buzz around the film," he said.

Filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon Monday described as "false" and "misleading" charges that his company Photon Kathas had cheated production house R.S. Infotainment. He said the case in this regard had already been closed twice in the past as no cognizable offence was disclosed.

The Madras High Court Saturday directed the central crime branch to register a case against filmmaker Gautham Vasudev Menon and four other associates of his production house Photon Kathas, if cognisable offence is disclosed upon investigation.

"These allegations are false and misleading because R.S. Infotainment had earlier filed a complaint on the same matter with the CCB in April, 2013," said Gautham's counsel A. Abdul Hameed in a statement.

"The CCB had investigated the matter and closed the case. R.S. Infotainment had then filed the same complaint with the magistrate court, suppressing the fact that CCB had closed the case earlier."

According to petitioner's counsel B. Ramesh Babu, Photon Kathas allegedly cheated R. Jayaraman of R.S. Infotainment, a film production company, of a large sum of money involving "Ek Deewana Tha", a remake of 2010 Tamil romantic-drama "Vinnaithaandi Varuvaaya".

Gautham plans to press charges against the petitioner soon.

"Gautham Vasudev Menon and Photon Kathas have been vindicated twice by the authorities and he will move the High Court against R.S. Infotainment," read the statement further.

"Fox Star Studios had provided a letter to the authorities clearly detailing the accounts of the film 'Ek Deewana Tha' and that the film had made a loss of nearly Rs.9 crore and there was no profit from the film and so there cannot be any claim neither against Gautham nor against Photon Kathas," added the statement.

Irrfan Khan, who recently turned 47, bends rules this year and is all set to throw a bash as soon as his friends are back in town.

He feels there's a lot to celebrate this year.

"Last year was very satisfying for me. 'The Lunchbox' got me trmenedous praise. The film continues to make waves in various parts of the world. I also turned producer with 'The Lunchbox'. So, I'd say this birthday I feel very fulfilled," said the actor.

This chameleon actor doesn't believe in birthdays. One reason for his apathy to his special day is the fact that the internet for a very long time gave out the wrong date for his birthday.

"I'd get calls on the wrong day. That was very annoying. That doesn't mean I'm against birthday celebrations. In fact, I am going to have a party for the first time this year for my birthday. I am waiting for my friends from abroad to arrive," said Irrfan.

His birthday was on Jan 7 and he was on the sets of Nishikant Kamath's new film.

Said Irrfan: "I was working on my birthday. To me, that’s the best way to celebrate. For years, I waited for the right roles. Now when they’re coming to me, I feel privileged, blessed, relieved and liberated."

"In the evening on my birthday, I went to the Screen Awards’ nomination party where I was nominated for the best actor for 'The Lunchbox'. That to me, was the best birthday gift possible.”

One wonders how Irrfan manages to look 40 at 47!

And he laughed and said: “I do look after myself. But not in an obsessive way. I workout, but in my own way. I follow the regime that my body demands and not what the physical trainer thinks my body requires. Besides that, I think I am getting to do the work that I want. Inner contentment always reflects on your face and body.”