Nagesh Kukunoor's hard-hitting drama "Lakshmi", on human trafficking, was feted with the Audience Award for best narrative feature, based on viewers' votes at the Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF).

"Lakshmi", which had its US premiere at the gala, narrates the story of a 13-year-old girl kidnapped and sold into prostitution; her refusal to give up hope and her courageous stand against her oppressors. It was hailed at the 25th edition of the fest.

The festival, held from Jan 3-13, 2014, screened 191 films from 60 countries, including 46 of the 76 foreign language entries for this year’s Oscars, read a statement of the event's official website.

The Audience Award winners were announced Sunday.

"Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia ", directed by Nicholas Wrathall, received the Audience Award for best documentary feature.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Monday presented a cheque of Rs.1 crore to the director and producer of Hindi film "Bullet Raja" as it was extensively shot in Uttar Pradesh.

Director Tigmanshu Dhulia and producer Rahul Mita also thanked the chief minister for financially assisting films shot in Uttar Pradesh, an official said.

They accepted the cheque of Rs.1 crore given by the state government under its amended film policy of 2001.

The government has decided to give facilities such as tax rebates and financial assistance to films based on Uttar Pradesh's culture, tradition and lifestyle and shot extensively in the state.

Yadav said his government was committed to promoting films that bring tourism to the state and create job opportunities.

The Samajwadi Party government also recently announced a three-month tax holiday for Madhuri Dixit starrer "Dedh Ishqiya", also shot in Uttar Pradesh.

Madhuri Dixit starrer "Dedh Ishqiya", not a typical masala movie, received rave reviews from the critics when it released Friday and collected about Rs.10 crore at the domestic box office. Distributors have reacted differently to the collections - some say the earnings are "not up to the mark", while others are satisfied.

"The film picked up, but it is not up to the mark. It has done a business of approximately Rs.10 crore all over India," Rajesh Thadani of Multimedia Combines told IANS.

Directed by Abhishek Chaubey, the film was much-awaited as it marked the comeback of actress Madhuri after seven years.

She plays the role of a fading begum in the film and is joined by "Gangs of Wasseypur" actress Huma Qureshi. Of course, glimpses of the prequel can be seen in the performances of Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi who have reprised their roles of Khalujaan and Babban respectively.

Many feel that it did not live upto the original, where box office numbers are concerned.

"It has not done as well as 'Ishqiya'. In fact, the other teenage romance 'Yaariyan' is doing better. On Sunday, we had 100 percent occupancy for 'Yaariyan' and 90-95 percent for 'Dedh Ishqiya'," said Manoj Desai of Gaiety Galaxy in Mumbai.

However, the film is thriving in the capital and it is expected to do even better in the following week.

"It did very well during the weekend. Today (Monday), it did drop but it will pick up in the evening shows. It will do better in the week as only mature audiences are coming to see the film," said Puneet Sahay of Spice Cinemas.

Meanwhile celebrities like Aditi Rao Hydari, Mini Mathur and Sandhya Mridul hailed the film and the performances.

She is one-legged, still Shubh Kaur Ghumman danced so well on the sets of "India's Got Talent 5" that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan can't stop raving about her.

The superstar took to Twitter to express his admiration for the dancer who hails from Sangrur in Punjab.

"Wah yaar (well done)...Hats off...Kamaal hai (great)," Salman posted on the microblogging site Monday.

The actor will be seen in "Jai Ho" next, which has been directed by Sohail Khan. The film also stars Tabu.

Model-turned-actress Sakshi Chowdhary, who is making her Bollywood debut with "Hera Pheri 3", says Hindi films are her priority right now.

"If I get time, I will work in South (films) as well but at the moment Bollywood is my priority," Sakshi told IANS.

Winner of Gladrags 2011, Sakshi has featured in Telugu film "Potugadu" with Manoj Manchu.

"Hera Pheri 3", which is all set to go on the floors May 2014, stars John Abraham in the lead. The actor will start shooting for the film as soon as he finishes "Welcome Back", a sequel to the 2007 comedy “Welcome”.

Talking about her role in “Hera Pheri 3”, Sakshi said that it is a "prominent" one and she is "excited" to share screen space with John.

"I am very happy to share the screen space with John in the film. Besides, John and I, Paresh Rawal and Suneil Shetty will also be there," she said.

The actress has signed a three-film deal with producer Firoz Nadiadwala of which the first one is "Hera Pheri 3".

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he did not feel that it was a good idea to perform with superstar Shah Rukh Khan at the 20th Annual Life OK Screen Awards, but hopes they can do an act together in future.

The 71-year-old will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Screen Awards, hosted by SRK, but did not think it will be a good idea to perform at the event with SRK here Tuesday evening.

"Soon after the work, there were meetings in the house...with Shah Rukh (Khan)! There is this small matter of a Lifetime Achievement Award coming my way at the Screen Awards to be held on the 14th, tomorrow night (Tuesday), and to be able to do an act with SRK...but I felt later on that this would not be a good idea," Amitabh posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.

"The basics though work! And I do hope that Shah Rukh and I get to do this act someday together, on a later, much later!" he added.

They have acted together in films like "Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna", "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham" and "Mohabbatein".

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, who has a lot of travelling to do as a part of her job, looks forward to some time alone whenever possible.

Priyanka, who was in Los Angeles recently, says that she likes flights as they give her time to rest.

"Tired...very tired. I like flights...Solitude...and my blanket," Priyanka posted on Twitter Tuesday.

The actress, who has proved her mettle through films like “Barfi!” and “7 Khoon Maaf”, was last seen in "Krrish 3" along with Hrithik Roshan.

Filmmaker Subhash Ghai compares the making of a film to living a life. The film also goes through many highs and lows, like life, he said.

He took to Twitter Tuesday to share the similarity of life with the process of filmmaking.

"Making a movie is living one life. From conception to execution to presentation you go through a lot of highs and lows and challenges," Ghai posted on the microblogging website.

The director, who is known for films like "Taal" and "Pardes", is currently busy with his upcoming film "Kaanchi".

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's plate is full with shooting for films, endorsements and rehearsals for award shows, but the actor is happy to be accompanied by his talented colleagues.

He took to Twitter Tuesday to share his hectic schedule and how he goes through it.

"'Screen Life Ok Awards' and rehearsals going into sunrise. Hectic, but nice to be with talent, that is just happy being there," Shah Rukh posted on the microblogging site Tuesday.

Shah Rukh is currently busy shooting for his film "Happy New Year", directed by Farah Khan.

The festivities of New Year continue as the country celebrates Makar Sankranti, Eid Milad-un-Nabi and Pongal Tuesday. Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sridevi, Madhur Bhandarkar and Vivek Oberoi conveyed their best wishes to their fans.

Here is what they said on Twitter:

Amitabh Bachchan: A very happy and prosperous Makar Sankranti and a happy Pongal. May all that you wish fructify. Love and affection, ever.

Sridevi: Greetings to all on the occasion of Pongal. Hope this festival brings you happiness, peace and good luck to your lives.

Manoj Bajpayee: Happy Makar Sankranti to you all! (The) sun enters in makar! may you all have a great year.

Vivek Oberoi: Happy Makar Sankranti and Pongal to all celebrating! I love the number of festivals our culture has throughout the year...we truly celebrate life.

Madhur Bhandarkar: Best wishes on the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi and Makar Sankranti! God Bless.

Sonu Sood: Wishing Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak and Makar Sankranti to everyone. Stay blessed.

Divya Dutta: Happy Makar Sankranti and new beginnings.

Richa Chadda: Happy Makar Sankranti to all. Pyar(love).

Anupam Kher: Happy Pongal, Vishu, Makar Sankranti and Eid Milad-un-Nabi to all of you. Love, peace and happiness always.

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan has donned a new look for energy drink Complan's campaign, and says it is his "taaqat ka bhooth" (ghost of strength) avatar.

The 71-year-old posted photographs of his look on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com on Tuesday. He is seen in long hair, spectacles and a white cloak to complete the look.

"It's the ‘Taaqat ka bhooth’ for the engagement as a celebrity endorsement to a product called ‘Complan’," he posted.

He attributes the new avatar to the "handiwork of many stylists".

"The concept of this outlandish clothing was the handiwork of the many stylists that now occupy the space so generously accorded to not just cinema, but the varied other efforts that require a band, a stage and a tentative entertainment platform or stage," he added.

However, Amitabh admits to initially being hesitant to sport the new costume.

"I was very hesitant to put this up for fear of it being run down, but my reasoning on this was that, a great amount of good work was being planned, by others, so there was the reason that I went in the Reliance Studios and did greater and more valid work," he posted.

Amitabh can be seen in campaigns of products like Daawat Basmati Rice, Maggie and Parle's Gold Star cookies, among others.

Lauding the small screen medium, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who is not new to the television medium, says that in today's time an actor's success is not measured by box office profits but his association with the type of TV show.

"Today stardom is not about awards and box office, but about who has a bigger TV show. So I am trying to do something. I have told Punit and the Zee family to look out for something for me," the 48-year-old said at recently held press conference for the Zee Cine awards.

"The TV audience is very big and I also started with TV and I respect the medium a lot. Television is a great platform for every actor and actress. I would love to participate in it whenever given a chance," he added.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. MD and CEO Punit Goenka said they are working on an idea that would involve Shah Rukh, who had hosted the third season of the famous game show "Kaun Banega Crorepati" as well as "Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?".

Punit said: "Just to tell all of you, we are working to see if we can bring him on television again very soon. Let's hope it happens soon."

Shah Rukh started his career on the small screen with the show "Fauji" in 1988 and was later seen in "Circus" in 1989.

He is set to give a special performance at the 14th Zee Cine awards to be held Feb 8 here.

Superstar Salman Khan finds colleague Aamir Khan tweeting about his forthcoming film "Jai Ho" a sweet gesture, and says it is the best way one can be competitive in the film industry.

When told about Aamir recently tweeting the countdown to "Jai Ho", Salman reacted by saying, "Really ? How sweet. Everyone does that and we should. I feel this is being competitive and showing love in this manner is better than the other way round."

Earlier, Salman had promoted Aamir's film "Dhoom: 3" on his reality show "Bigg Boss - Saath 7".

"You help the other person and you make sure that you try and take your level to that point. Like Aamir is trying to make sure that people come and watch 'Jai Ho', which is a good thing. The industry prospers," Salman added on the sets of reality show "Dance India Dance."

Salman was on the sets of the show to promote his film "Jai Ho" along with co-star Daisy Shah. The film will release Jan 24.

Described as "critically ill", legendary Bengali actress Suchitra Sen, who is suffering from serious respiratory problems, remains on oxygen therapy, a medical bulletin said Tuesday.

Her oxygen saturation level is satisfactory and cardiac status remains stable.

"She is conscious and slowly communicating. Her feeding continues through feeding tube. Although still critically ill, her condition has not deteriorated over last 24 hours," claimed the latest report released by the Belle Vue Clinic where she is kept in the Intensive Therapy Unit.

"Though her condition remains the same after removal of the endotracheal tube Monday, the actress is not out of danger yet," said Subrata Maitra, a doctor in the seven-member medical team treating the actress at the nursing home.

The ailing icon is responding to chest physiotherapy.

Non-invasive ventilation support is not required at the moment.

"She might start eating normally (orally) today, we are discussing that option," Subir Mondal, another doctor in the seven-member medical team told IANS.

Sen's actress daughter Moon Moon, son-in-law and granddaughters - actresses Riya and Raima - are at the nursing home.

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, who ruled Bengali cinema for decades, has been a recluse ever since she quit acting over three decades ago. Known for her power-packed performances in highly acclaimed Bengali films such as "Deep Jwele Jaai" and "Uttar Falguni" as well as Hindi movies "Devdas", "Bombai Ka Babu", "Mamta" and "Aandhi", she has been dubbed as the Greta Garbo of Bengali cinema.

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

Actress Kangana Ranaut, who neither parties too much nor belongs to any camp, says she doesn't depend upon friends to get work.

In eight years, the actress has carved a niche for herself with her work in films like "Gangster - A Love Story", "Woh Lamhe" and "Tanu Weds Manu". She even won a National Award for her role in "Fashion".

"It's not that I am not friends with any one, but I never think that if I am with them, I will get more films. I don't make friends to get films. I just can't think that way," said Kangana.

"I am not dumb to do these things. I am quite mature and I think people who are not confident about themselves get into such things," she added.

She is also known for choosing unconventional roles.

"My choice has always been different because ever since my first film, I was tagged as a strong girl. Whenever people feel nobody can pull of this role, they come to me with the script," the 27-year-old said.

Putting behind the failure of "Rajjo", Kangana is currently busy promoting "Queen".

"The kind of response I am getting for the film I have not got for any of my films. I have been receiving positive response for my performance. I am extremely happy," said the actress who won appreciation for her work in "Krrish 3" and "Shootout At Wadala".

Directed by Vikas Bahl, "Queen" will come out Feb 20 and it will see Kangana teaming up with Rajkummar Rao. It's the unique story of a girl who goes for her honeymoon without her spouse.

Standup comedian Sunil Grover, known for playing Gutthi in hit TV show "Comedy Nights with Kapil", will play a supporting role in film "Gabbar", director Krish said.

Contrary to the rumours that Sunil has a parallel lead along with Akshay Kumar, the debutante director clarified that it is "an out-and-out Akshay film".

"Let me clarify that Sunil only has a supporting part, but it will be an important one though," Krish said in a statement.

"The film is a mix of comedy and drama. It's too early to reveal the intricacies of the character,” he added.

Meanwhile Sunil, who will be seen in a new TV show as "Chutki", refused to elaborate on his role in "Gabbar".

"I can't talk about the film yet since I have been asked not to," he said and added that he had no role in rumours about him playing the parallel lead.

"Gabbar" is the Hindi remake of Tamil blockbuster "Ramanna" and will also feature Shruti Haasan, Prakash Raj and Sonu Sood. Actress Kareena Kapoor will make a special appearance in a dance number in it.

Actress-producer Dia Mirza, busy with her upcoming venture "Bobby Jasoos" in Hyderabad, has announced that 90 percent of the film has been shot.

The actress took to Twitter to share her excitement over the progress the film has made.

"And it's a wrap in Hyderabad! 90 percent of 'Bobby Jasoos' is now complete," Dia posted on the microblogging site Tuesday.

Produced under the actress' banner Born Free Entertainment, "Bobby Jasoos" is being directed by Samar Shaikh and stars Vidya Balan in the lead. The film's shooting had a rocky start and was even postponed due to Dia's mother's ill health.

Do you want to get rid of flu? Go for a 20-30 minute run to stay healthy and avoid ailments, says actor Uday Chopra.

"I've discovered a good way to beat that nagging flu like feeling - go for a brief run, like 20-30 minutes - sweat it out," Uday posted on Twitter Tuesday.

The actor was last seen in Yash Raj Films'"Dhoom 3" which broke all records at the box office. The film starred Aamir Khan in lead. Abhishek Bachchan and Katrina Kaif too featured in it.

Actor Anil George, who will be seen in director Ashim Ahluwalia's "Miss Lovely", fell in love with the film's script.

The film is set in Mumbai's C-grade film industry in the 1980s and the actor feels that the backdrop is appropriate for the film, which will release Friday with an A-certificate.

"Once I read Ashim Ahluwalia's script, I was blown away by the storyline and realised that the 'C' grade setting contributed to this film being a top ranker. I was in an 'A' grade film with a C' grade backdrop," Anil said in a statement.

He also added that the excellent script helped him prove his acting abilities as well.

"The unique manner of storytelling excited me. I worked on every scene as though it were my last and the scenes by themselves were very well-crafted and in depth. When you have the perfect script and the perfect director, it is a boon to any actor," he said.

Anil, who was signed for the film after his play "Mirza Galib", said he fitted perfectly into the role.

"I realised that Ashim knew exactly where I fitted into the mould. I am glad I let my guard down and signed 'Miss Lovely'. The respect I got from the makers during the film is something I would always cherish," he said.

The film also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Niharika Singh.

After Madhuri Dixit-starrer "Dedh Ishqiya", small budget films - Nawazuddin Siddiqui-starrer "Miss Lovely", "Karle Pyaar Karle" and "Parathe Wali Gali" - will try to lure movie buffs this weekend.

Out of the three, director Ashim Ahluwalia's "Miss Lovely", based on the reality of the C-grade film industry in the 1980s in Mumbai, is the most sought after. The film was appreciated internationally and even competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2012 Cannes festival.

After his power-packed performances in "Gangs of Wasseypur" and "The Lunchbox", Nawaz's fans will see him in the lead role in "Miss Lovely". It also marks the debut of Niharika Singh and promises to be much more than a regular Friday release.

The film's story revolves around the destructive relationship between two brothers, played by Nawaz and Anil George, who make sleazy C-grade films.

Made on a budget of Rs.6 crore including marketing, Ahluwalia has produced the film under his home banner Future East.

The film will release with an A-certificate on about 400 screens and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) passed it with just four cuts.

With a promise to showcase fresh content, Sachin Gupta's "Paranthe Wali Gali" is a romantic comedy starring TV actor Anuj Saxena and Neha Pawar. The film begins with the famous Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk in Delhi and captures the nuances of the walled city.

Not an unusual story, it revolves around a serious guy and what happens to him when he meets an outspoken Sikh girl.

Produced by Suneel Darshan's Shree Krishna International, the film has been made on a budget of approximately Rs.8 crore and will be shown on approximately 450 screens.

Another choice this weekend is Rajesh Pandey's "Karle Pyaar Karle", which stars first timers Shiv Darshan and Miss India Earth 2011 Hasleen Kaur.

The film's story revolves around the lives of childhood friends who fall in love after many years only to be separated due to various circumstances.